Can a Person Have Dental Implants if They Have Dentures?

If you have missing teeth, there are several options available to you, including dentures and implants. The choice of treatment depends on various factors, such as your budget, personal preference, and the overall health of your jawbone and remaining teeth. Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are typically less expensive than implants and can be a good option for people who have a limited budget. However, dentures may not feel as natural as implants and can cause discomfort or irritation in some people. Implants, on the other hand, are surgically placed into the jawbone and act as a replacement for the root of the missing tooth. They are more expensive than dentures but offer a more permanent and natural-looking solution. Implants also help to preserve the jawbone and prevent further bone loss. It is important to discuss your options with your dentist to determine the best solution for your specific needs. You may also want to consider other alternatives to dentures and implants, such as dental bridges, which can be a good option for people who have adjacent teeth that need to be restored.

You are correct that both dentures and implants serve similar purposes, such as helping with chewing, supporting facial muscles, improving speech, and enhancing self-esteem by providing a nice smile. However, there are also significant differences between the two dental solutions that should be considered when making a decision. Here are some pros and cons for each approach:

Dentures

Pros:

• Less expensive than implants
• Non-invasive and do not require surgery
• Can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance

Cons:

• May feel less natural and comfortable than implants
• Can slip or move around in the mouth, causing discomfort or embarrassment
• May require frequent adjustments or replacements over time

Implants

Pros:

• Offer a more permanent and natural-looking solution
• Provide better stability and support for chewing and speaking
• Help preserve the jawbone and prevent further bone loss

Cons:

• More expensive than dentures
• Require surgery and a longer recovery time
• May not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions or jawbone issues

The decision between dentures and implants will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. It is important to discuss your options with your dentist and weigh the pros and cons of each approach before planning.

Procedure For Dentures Vs Implants

Implants:

Implants require enough bone in which to place screwlike implants that are capped with crowns. Dental implants have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among adults ages 55 to 64, according to a 2018 study. The process of getting a dental implant typically involves several steps. First, any damaged root is extracted, and if necessary, a hole is drilled into the jawbone. A metal prosthetic root, called a post, is then implanted deep into the bone. The top of the post will eventually be fitted with a crown, but not until the bone has started to grow around the post, securing it in place. This process can take a couple of months. Once the post is ready, an abutment is attached to the top of the post. The abutment is the piece to which the crown will be fitted. In some cases, the abutment is placed at the same time as the post. The final step is to attach a crown, which is an artificial tooth made to match the surrounding teeth, to the abutment. The crown is custom-made to fit your mouth and is designed to look and feel like a natural tooth. Overall, getting a dental implant is a multi-step process that requires time and patience, but the result is a permanent and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. It is important to discuss the process with your dentist and ask any questions you may have to ensure that you are comfortable with the procedure before moving forward.

Dentures:

The dentures are removable, prosthetic teeth that can be fitted for your mouth regardless of how much bone is present. Dentures can be complete sets to replace all the teeth on the upper or lower jaws, or they can be made to replace a few missing teeth. These are called partial dentures. The process of getting dentures typically involves several steps. First, your dentist will take an impression of your upper or lower gums or both, if dentures are needed to replace all your teeth. Before the dentures are made, your dentist will also study your bite and the alignment of your upper and lower jaws to make sure the length of the dentures will allow for optimal chewing and speech. A preliminary set of dentures is then made in a lab and sent to your dentist. The dentures will be placed in your mouth, and any needed adjustments to the alignment or length of the teeth are made before a final set of dentures is produced. Dentures are made to look like natural teeth and gums and are held in place with a special type of adhesive that bonds them to your gums. It is important to note that dentures may feel less natural and comfortable than implants and can slip or move around in the mouth, causing discomfort or embarrassment. However, they are a less expensive option and can be a good solution for people with a limited budget or those who are not good candidates for implants. Overall, the process of getting dentures is less invasive than getting implants and can be a good option for people who need to replace missing teeth. It is important to discuss your options with your dentist and ask any questions you may have to ensure that you are comfortable with the procedure before moving forward.

Cost Of Dentures Vs Implants

Dental implants are more expensive than dentures and other treatments, such as bridges. The cost of a dental implant can vary based on the location of the dentist’s practice, the complexity of the procedure, and other factors. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), an implant may cost between $1,600 and $2,200 per tooth. In comparison, the ADA suggests that the average cost of a complete set of upper dentures is a little more than $1,600, and complete dentures for the lower jaw are about the same. Partial dentures may be less expensive, depending on the number of teeth being replaced. It is important to note that while dentures may be less expensive than implants, they may not provide the same level of stability and support for chewing and speaking. Additionally, dentures may require frequent adjustments or replacements over time. The decision between dental implants and dentures will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. It is important to discuss your options with your dentist and weigh the pros and cons of each approach before deciding. Your dentist may also be able to provide information about financing options or insurance coverage to help make the cost of treatment more manageable.

Maintenance Of Dentures Vs Implants

The care for dental implants is like standard dental hygiene for natural teeth. This means brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristle brush, flossing, and having regular checkups with your dentist to ensure that the implants are stable and healthy. For dentures to remain viable for the long term, however, greater daily maintenance is required. Dentures should not be worn overnight, for example, and should soak in water or a special cleaning solution during that time. To clean dentures (which should be done daily), remove them after eating and brush them. You may also need to brush away any bits of adhesive that linger on your gums. It is important to handle dentures with care to avoid dropping or damaging them. Because your bite changes over time, dentures will need to be refitted from time to time. This can be done by your dentist, who will adjust the dentures to ensure a comfortable fit. Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent fixtures that may require replacement crowns if the original crowns become cracked or broken. Overall, it is important to follow proper hygiene and maintenance practices for both dental implants and dentures to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Your dentist can provide guidance on the best practices for caring for your specific type of dental restoration.

Complications From Dentures Vs Implants

While dental implants are usually safe and effective solutions to missing teeth, they can present a range of complications, such as infection and mechanical problems like loose posts or cracked crowns. According to research, dental implant failures occur about 5 to 10 percent of the time. It is important to follow proper care and maintenance practices, as well as regular checkups with your dentist, to minimize the risk of complications. The most common complications with dentures are the dentures not staying in place and sores (ulcerations) forming on the gums. Dentures may also cause difficulty with chewing and speaking and may require frequent adjustments or replacements over time. It is important to follow proper care and maintenance practices for dentures, including removing them at night and soaking them in water or a special cleaning solution. In some cases, dental implants may be a better option than dentures for people with missing teeth, as they provide a more permanent and stable solution. However, dental implants may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to discuss your options with your dentist to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs and preferences.

Making A Decision On Dentures Vs Implants

When planning dental treatment options, there are several important factors to consider. These include age, bone density, function and feel, and hygiene.

Age is an important consideration, as dental implants are a more permanent solution and maybe a better choice for those in their 60s or younger who can expect several decades of use from their prosthetic teeth. Older adults who prefer not to undergo the more time-consuming and invasive procedures involved with implants may prefer dentures.

Bone density is also important, as implants require a certain amount of jawbone material to support the posts. If you have lost bone material due to injury, age, gum disease, or tooth loss, you may not be a good candidate for implants. Dental bone grafting can be done to bolster jawbone density, but it is a more expensive and involved process.

Function and feel are also important considerations. Dental implants may provide a preferable comfort level and better chewing than dentures, but implant-supported overdentures have been shown to provide more satisfaction with comfort and chewing efficiency compared to conventional dentures.

Finally, hygiene is an important consideration, as dentures require more daily maintenance than implants. If you are unable or unlikely to provide daily care for your dentures, implants may be a better choice, though they are more expensive.