Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Your Options

If you are looking to replace missing teeth, Dr. John Rink can walk you through the benefits of dental implants vs. dentures at his Charleston, SC office. While implants are more durable and realistic, dentures offer a faster and more economical option for restoring your bite. When you come to Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, LLC, Dr. Rink will discuss the treatment process for each option. He will also conduct an exam and take x-rays to determine your candidacy for both restorations. Additionally, our office team will consider your budget, explaining your payment options and going over all insurance information. Armed with this information, you can make an informed, confident decision about your restorative care.

A Basic Overview of Dentures and Dental Implants

Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants that have integrated with your jaw, while traditional dentures rest atop your gum and are held in place with suction and denture adhesive. Both dentures and implants can be an effective way to replace large numbers of missing teeth. Dentures, available as both full and partial varieties, are removable. Dr. Rink will take impressions of your teeth and gums to provide a restoration that is a near-perfect fit. With our in-office lab, we can provide dentures with a very quick turnaround. You will remove your denture when you sleep and for cleaning. Your implant-supported denture will usually last the rest of your life.

In contrast, you would need to replace a traditional denture every five to ten years. Dental implants consist of biocompatible titanium posts. After your implant surgery, the posts will integrate with your jaw, ultimately replacing your tooth roots. When you have healed, Dr. Rink will provide a full or partial denture which will connect to the implants. This type of restoration is permanent, and you will brush it like you would your natural teeth. Because you will need to wait for your jaw to heal, the treatment process could take up to six months. We will provide temporary dentures in Charleston during this time.

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Candidacy for Dentures and Dental Implants

If you are missing one or several adjacent teeth, you may be a candidate for a partial denture. A full denture will typically be more suitable if you need to replace all or most of your teeth. Most patients will qualify for a traditional removable restoration. However, to qualify for an implant-supported denture, you must have sufficient jawbone tissue to support the implants. During your consultation, Dr. Rink will take x-rays of your jaw to look for bone recession. Fortunately, bone loss will not always disqualify you from implants. Many patients are able to have lost tissue restored through a bone-grafting procedure.

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Living with Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Both dentures and dental implants can restore your oral function and a normal appearance. With your prosthetic, you will be able to eat a varied diet, which could even improve your nutrition. Additionally, your traditional or implant-supported denture will fill in your lips and cheeks, giving your face a softer and younger look.

At the same time, however, implant-supported dentures are more secure than traditional dentures. Because your prosthetic will be permanently fixed in your mouth, you should not face any dietary restrictions. Your implant-supported denture will also be more comfortable than a removable prosthetic. It will rest right against your gum line, and it will feel much more like natural teeth.

Finally, the implant posts will protect the natural shape of your face by preventing jawbone recession. The posts will send regenerative signals to your jaw, just like your natural tooth roots, to stimulate bone growth.

The Cost of Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Dental implants will cost more than dentures. The treatment process is more involved, and you will need to make additional visits both to your surgeon and to our office. Nevertheless, because of the many benefits of dental implants, you may feel that the extra cost is a worthwhile investment. Additionally, your implant-supported denture will usually last the rest of your life. In contrast, you would need to replace a traditional denture every five to ten years. You would need to have it relined or readjusted even more frequently in response to jaw recession. With these ongoing costs, dental implants may save you a significant amount of money over the years.

Schedule a Restorative Consultation

With a detailed and comprehensive consultation, Dr. Rink will help you choose the most appropriate prosthetic for you. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.

Implants vs. Dentures