Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Medford, OR
 If you have recently suffered tooth loss, you are most likely mulling over your options. For those missing all of their teeth in either jaw, the treatment options are either dentures or dental implants. If you are wondering which option is right for you, Rogue Valley Dental Center can help.
Placement Process
Dentures take a few appointments for placement. Impressions are taken after any necessary tooth extractions. After molds are made, the restoration is gradually made. You will have periodic appointments so that you can try on your dentures as they are being made. The whole process takes about 12 weeks.
Dental implants are a more invasive procedure. To place the posts, you will need surgery. After small holes are drilled into the bone, the posts are placed inside. Healing is gradual. The posts are biocompatible, and your bone fuses to them as it heals. It can take several months for you to fully heal from surgery. Once you have healed, then your permanent replacement teeth are made and placed.
What if I Have Lost Bone Mass in My Jaw?
Bone loss occurs naturally after tooth loss. The amount of bone you lose can affect your ability to get dental implants. However, it is possible to replace the missing bone mass with bone grafting. Bone grafting requires additional surgery and healing. You could also have All-on-4 dental implants. This treatment uses fewer implants, but they are placed to maximize osseointegration. A denture can be used even with significant bone loss without the need for bone grafting.
Stability and Comfort
A denture uses your gums for support. Denture adhesives can also be used to provide additional stability. Even with a properly fitted denture, or with denture adhesives, your denture can slip out of place or even fall out completely. Not only can this be embarrassing, but it can also irritate your gums.
Dental implants are much more stable. During your recovery, the bone grows onto them, a process that secures them. Just like your natural teeth, your replacement teeth are strong and stable. You do not have to worry about them moving around or falling out. Moreover, because your teeth are supported by the posts in your jawbone instead of your gums, you do not have to worry about irritation or sores.
Restoration Maintenance
Dentures do require quite a bit of maintenance. You have to take them out every night in order to clean them. Then you have to take care of the rest of your mouth. With dental implants, you can take care of your new teeth just like you take care of your real teeth. They can be brushed with toothpaste, a product that cannot be used on your dentures, and flossed. Proper care of either restoration is essential for your oral health and its functionality.
Longevity
Dentures typically only last about 7 to 15 years. Because your jaw continues to lose bone mass, it continues to change. Eventually, your denture will no longer fit properly. This means that it will need to be relined or replaced. Dental implants stop bone loss in your jaw. This solution is a much longer-term one. Your implant posts can remain strong and stable for the rest of your life with proper care. Your crowns may require replacement if they wear down or break, but you will not need to have the posts replaced.
Cost
When it comes to cost, dental implants do cost more, at least initially. Dentures may be the more affordable option, but they will need to be periodically relined or replaced, which means you will have to pay more. Dental implants are a long-term investment.
Why Contact a Surgery Specialist?
If you are interested in getting dental implants, it is imperative that you contact a surgery specialist. We are highly knowledgeable of the makeup of the face and jaw. We are also highly trained and experienced when it comes to performing dental surgical procedures, including dental implants. We can perform your procedure safely and effectively, helping to ensure the success of your treatment. We are also able to deal with any complications that may arise during the process.
If you are interested in dental implants for replacing your missing teeth, contact Rogue Valley Dental Center at (541) 779-4517 to schedule your consultation today.
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Rogue Valley Dental Center 
