After you’ve lost multiple teeth, it's essential for your health and self-esteem to replace them. This will allow you to eat and speak normally. The two main options are dental implants and dentures. Though they serve a similar purpose, these two dental solutions are very different. Here’s what you need to know about each to determine which is right for you.

Dental Implants

Implants use a small metal post that's inserted into your jawbone where the roots of your teeth would normally be. The dentist then attaches an abutment followed by an artificial crown to the top of the post. The crown looks like a natural tooth and offers many of the same benefits. 

In addition to replacing natural teeth so that you can resume your everyday activities, they also help stimulate the jawbone around the post. This helps the bone stay healthy and prevents it from receding after your tooth extraction, something no other tooth replacement option can do. While the crown may need to be replaced from time to time, the post itself is permanent.

Dentures

These are a one-and-done solution. Full dentures consist of rows of teeth that rest on top of your gums rather than being inserted into them. They can be fastened in several ways, including adhesives, suction cups, or pressure from a spring mechanism. 

While they take an adjustment period to get used to, most users with correctly fitted dentures are able to speak and eat normally again. Since they're removable, many people don't care for the fact that they can slip while eating or speaking. They also require nightly removal and overnight soaking.

How to Choose

The main advantage of dentures is price. They’re significantly less costly than implants and can be easily replaced or adjusted when needed. However, implants are healthier, and they’re also far more stable than dentures, with no risk of falling out. In some cases, you may not have enough mass in your jawbone to qualify for the implant procedure. If this is the case, your dentist will either recommend dentures or a series of bone grafts to build sufficient jawbone mass.

If you're able to get dental implants and are worried about the cost, you can actually use both devices as a middle ground. Implant-supported dentures use two to six posts that snap onto the underside of the dentures, holding them in place. An appliance fastened this way has the benefit of being cheaper than multiple individual posts and also has the stability of implants even though you’re using dentures. You won’t have to worry about your teeth falling down or coming out.

For dentures and implants in Chillicothe, OH, visit William U. Britton, DDS, MAGD. Serving Ross County for over 35 years, Dr. Britton is a member of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, as well as a Fellow and Master in the Academy of General Dentistry. He and his team will work with your insurance to ensure your necessary care is covered. To get started, call (740) 772-2225 or reach out online for an appointment.