Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which one is the best choice for you? As the years go by, it’s normal to experience tooth loss. This can significantly impact self-esteem and emotional well-being, leading to a loss of confidence. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain a beautiful smile.
Fortunately, you can restore your smile with techniques capable of replacing damaged teeth. This procedure involves the extraction of the affected tooth and the placement of either dentures or a resin crown implant. In the latter case, months later, a zirconium crown is placed on the implant. Would you like to learn more about this topic? Don’t stop reading!
Dental Restoration Process: Steps to Restore Your Smile
Dental implants vs. dentures? Which one is right for you? Before delving into this topic, we want to explain the dental restoration process in general terms.
Dental restoration involves attempting to restore the original anatomy of a natural tooth. It is applied when there is dental deterioration that can affect the functionality and aesthetics of the mouth. Before doing such restoration, the dentist must evaluate the tooth’s condition and the conditions in your mouth.
Once this is done, the specialist will decide what type of dental restoration should be applied. Remember that your dentist’s treatment may not be the same as that of another patient, as each individual has unique characteristics. A customized treatment can maximize the chances of a better outcome.
Stages Involved in Denture Restoration
To achieve a radiant and brilliant smile, you need to follow a series of steps. Here they are:
- Initial evaluation and planning: The first step is to have an initial consultation with a dentist. During this phase, the specialist will assess oral health, examining the position of the teeth and other factors. Additionally, modern tools are used to get a comprehensive picture of your mouth.
- Dental Alignment: In some cases, dental alignment is crucial to achieving a harmonious and symmetrical smile. Different options can be considered during this stage, depending on the malocclusion’s severity.
- Dental Restoration Treatments: Dental restoration treatments are necessary to correct specific problems. These include cosmetic fillings, dental implants, and dental crowns.
Finally, there are final tests and adjustments after the treatments to evaluate the preliminary results.
What Happens During Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction removes a tooth from its alveolar socket in the jawbone or maxilla. The preparation for this procedure includes:
- The dentist takes an X-ray of the area to plan the best way to extract the tooth.
- You will be prescribed an antibiotic to take before and after surgery. It would be best if you did not eat or drink anything for six to eight hours before the procedure.
- At the time of surgery, you will be administered anesthesia.
- If it’s a simple extraction, the dentist will loosen the tooth with an “elevator.” Then, they will use an instrument called “forceps” to extract the tooth.
The procedure is a bit more complex if it’s a surgical extraction. The specialist makes a small incision in the gum. Part of the bone around the tooth may be removed to facilitate extraction.
- During an extraction, you may feel pressure but not pain. If you experience discomfort, inform the doctor.
Finally, someone should take you home and stay with you after extraction. You should call your doctor if you have a cough, nasal congestion, or a cold before surgery. Also, remember not to smoke the day before the procedure. Extraction is essential to prevent bacteria from settling around and causing infection.
Timeline of Restorative Treatment: From Extraction to Zirconium Crown
Implants are placed through a procedure that has been perfected over many years, making it completely safe. These are the steps involved:
Removal of the Damaged ToothThe first thing the specialist does is remove the damaged tooth. Afterward, it is necessary to disinfect and clean the area to ensure a successful process.
- Preparing Your Jaw
If your jaw is not thick or strong enough to withstand the pressure of the implant, a bone graft may be applied inside the gum to support the implant.
- Placement of the Implant
To place the implant, an incision will be made in the gum, and the bone will be exposed for implant insertion and abutment.
- Waiting for Bone Growth
It would help to wait until the incision and implant have entirely healed. You must be patient; otherwise, you could cause an infection, leading to a failed procedure.
- Time to Place the Crown
This is the final step. The custom-made dental crown will be installed. There are two systems for this: cemented or fixed crowns and screw-retained or removable crowns. The choice of either option depends on your needs.
The waiting time between extraction and implant placement is three months for alveolar maturation. Then, you must wait another three months for complete osseointegration before the final crown is installed. In other words, the total treatment time is approximately six months.
Implants vs. dentures: Which one do you prefer?
Have you ever wondered which one suits you best? You might have doubts when deciding between the two options. To help you choose, we present the advantages and disadvantages of implants and dentures:
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| Dental Implants | – They don’t need to be attached to adjacent teeth, avoiding potential weakening or infection over time. – You regain the functionality of your teeth. – Restores aesthetics- Prevents bone loss. – They are hygienic and comfortable. – Can be placed in nearly any patient or situation. | – Requires minor surgery. – Slightly more expensive than a fixed dental bridge. |
| Dentures | – Easy to maintain.- Usually, no surgical intervention is required for placement. – Easy to repair. – More affordable than implants. | – Uncomfortable, especially in the early weeks of treatment. – Frequently causes irritation that can lead to sores. – Problems with stability can result in a lack of confidence when eating and smiling. |
Reclaim Your Smile!
Dental implants vs. dentures. Which one do you prefer? Restoring your denture will allow you to regain the structure of your damaged teeth. Undoubtedly, it will be a transformative journey leading you to regain self-confidence. Contact us at International X Dental; we will gladly assist you!
