There are a few teeth restoration options when you need to replace one or more missing teeth. This article focuses on dental implants or dentures, two of the most common teeth replacement products in Fort McMurray.
Both dentures and implants can:
- Provide a natural-looking and functional smile
- Improve speech and support facial muscles
- Allow you to enjoy your favorite foods again
- Increase your confidence and boost your self-esteem
Choosing the right option is done in consultation with your dentist who will provide you with as much information as possible and answer all of your questions and concerns. The best teeth replacement treatment for you will depend on the health of your jawbone and remaining teeth, as well as other factors that come into play like price and comfort level.
Without further ado, let’s compare dental implants vs dentures in each of the most important areas: procedure, recovery time, price, and after-care.
Procedure
Dental implants
The procedure for dental implants is considerably more extensive than dentures. First, patients need to be good candidates to receive dental implants. To qualify, patients need to have a certain amount of jawbone density to support the post - however, dental bone grafting can be done to boost bone density. The procedure then becomes a more extensive process.
Dental implants can take between 6 to 9 months to complete, including:
- The initial consultation
- Planning
- Surgically placing the implants
- Recovery time
- Placing the tooth restoration on top of the post
Although it can be time-consuming and invasive, patients are left with a strong set of teeth that looks and functions like their natural smile. When taken care of well, dental implants last a lifetime.
Dentures
The procedure for dentures in Fort McMurray can take between 6 to 8 weeks to complete, including:
- The initial consultation
- Measurements
- Constructing the preliminary denture
- Adjustments made
- Constructing the final set of dentures
The procedure is less time-consuming and invasive than dental implants, making dentures preferable for older adults who don’t want to go through the surgery process.
Recovery Time
Dental Implants
Because it is an oral surgery, dental implants require a long recovery time between implanting the posts and letting the gums heal around them. If bone grafting needs to be done, the recovery time can take longer. Implants are typically done under anesthesia or if the patient requests, a form of dental sedation.
Dentures
There is virtually no recovery time for dentures unless the patient needs to have teeth extracted. Dentures can be applied regardless of bone density. The waiting time for dentures is due to customizing and constructing the product to fit specifically for the patient.
Price
Dental Implants
The price comparison between dental implants and dentures is quite extensive. A full mouth of dental implants can range between $7,000 and $28,000 per arch, depending on the type of implants and if additional procedures are needed.
Dentures
Dentures, on the other hand, are more affordable with a price range between $600 and $5,000 for a full set, depending on the type of dentures and if additional procedures are needed
Maintenance and after-care
Dental Implants
Dental implant care is similar to how you would care for natural teeth. Because they are inserted into your jaw bone with the crown firmly on top, you can brush and floss as you would according to a standard dental hygiene routine. Dental implants require less daily maintenance than dentures. If one of the crowns is broken, it can easily be replaced.
Dentures
Dentures require more care to remain viable. Patients are required to remove them overnight and soak in water or a special cleaning solution. Dentures also need to be cleaned daily by removing them and brushing away food particles. Additionally, dentures need to be re-fitted as your bite changes over time.
In Conclusion
There are pros and cons to both dental implantsh and dentures. Keep in mind that you’re not limited to choosing one or the other. Some patients prefer to have a combination of both to offset the cost of dental implants while benefiting from having a permanent solution. When choosing between the two options, consider your priorities, what you want to accomplish, and the type of investment you’d like to make with your teeth restoration procedure.
Franklin Dental Centre is here to help treat all your dental problems. We are accepting new patients and emergency walk-ins, contact us today to book an appointment!
