How are dental implants different from dentures?
The major difference between dentures and dental implants is in their construction. Dentures lay on top of the gums and are removed for cleaning at night. Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent and not removed. Instead, they are cleaned with brushing and flossing like natural teeth. This is because a dental implant is inserted directly into the jawbone where a tooth’s roots should be. Constructed from titanium, part of a dental implant consists of a post that resembles a screw. Once the post has been inserted by our oral surgeon, it will be used to support a man-made crown. This process replaces lost tooth structures below and above the gum line, unlike dentures, which only replace the visible portions of teeth.
The materials used to construct implants provide a level of security and longevity that dentures simply cannot. In most cases, implants last for decades if not a lifetime while patients with dentures require new sets every few years.
Are dental implants better for oral health?
Implants provide unique advantages to your oral health that other prosthetics can’t offer. Since the implant is embedded into the jawbone, it functions like a tooth’s root and prevents the jawbone from atrophying. Maintaining healthy bone mass is important for retaining your face’s shape and also for supporting existing teeth and/or implants.
To learn more about how our oral surgeons can help you with tooth loss, call our practice at 405-624-1300 today to schedule a consultation.