Dental Implants vs Dentures: Which One Is Right for Me?
If you are missing one or more of your teeth, you’ve come to the right place. At Parker Prosthodontics, we offer a wide range of restorative solutions, including dental implants and dentures, custom-crafted to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Our experienced prosthodontist will recommend the ideal tooth replacement solution based on your unique needs, personal preferences, and goals for your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small, screw-like titanium posts that are placed in the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. As the area heals, they integrate with the bone, creating a solid foundation for supporting one or more prosthetic teeth. At Parker Prosthodontics, we collaborate with your oral surgeon or periodontist, who will place your implants. We complete the process by creating custom crowns, bridges, full-arch overdentures, or All-on-X implants. We fabricate most implant restorations right here in our own dental laboratory, ensuring the highest quality at every step.
What Are the Benefits and Considerations of Dental Implants?
Benefits: Dental implants are gold standard restorations that closely mimic the stability, function, and appearance of natural teeth. They are the only restorations that act like artificial tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone, preventing bone loss, and maintaining your facial structure. Because they are securely anchored in your jawbone, you won’t need to worry about your replacement teeth slipping or shifting when you eat, speak, or smile. Implant dentistry offers a superior, durable tooth replacement solution that can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
Considerations: While their advantages are significant, there are several practical considerations. The initial cost of implants is typically higher than that of traditional dentures, and the procedure involves surgical placement followed by several months of healing. Most implant restorations require sufficient bone density, meaning patients with bone loss may need bone grafting to ensure the procedure’s success. Even though the process may be lengthy, most patients report that it’s easy to forget they have had implants placed and express satisfaction with the superior results.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable restorations we custom-craft to replace some or a full arch of missing teeth. Today’s dentures are far superior to those of the past. They are lighter, sleeker, more functional, and more natural-looking than ever before, enhancing the appearance and function of your smile. At Parker Prosthodontics, we offer complete dentures for those missing a full arch of teeth and partial dentures when some healthy, natural teeth remain.
What Are the Benefits and Considerations of Dentures?
Benefits: Complete and partial dentures offer a more affordable, time-tested solution for restoring your smile. They can be ideal for patients with bone loss or other conditions that may interfere with their candidacy for implant dentistry. The denture process is quicker and less invasive, completing your smile in less time. With dentures, you will be able to enjoy a wider variety of foods, speak more clearly, and smile with confidence once again.
Considerations: While traditional dentures have come a long way over the years, they may slip or shift out of place when eating, speaking, or smiling, especially when it comes to the lower arch. You’ll also need to take your dentures out daily for cleaning and maintenance, unlike implants that are cared for like natural teeth. With dentures, you may need periodic adjustments, relining, or replacement to continue enjoying a comfortable fit and optimal function.
Why Choose a Prosthodontist for Your Dental Implant or Denture Needs?
Prosthodontists are tooth restoration specialists with at least three years of advanced training beyond dental school, with a focus on replacing or restoring missing, failing, deficient, or severely damaged teeth. Dr. Parker will discuss your options and recommend the tooth replacement option best suited for your unique needs.
Dental Implants and Dentures Near Me in Dallas, TX
Contact Parker Prosthodontics to learn more about your options for replacing one, several, or a complete arch of teeth. Our experienced prosthodontist will help you determine whether dental implants or dentures are right for you. We invite you to call 214-550-1945 to schedule your appointment or request one online today. We look forward to caring for all your dental health needs.