The mouth and teeth are some of the most important parts of the body. Chewing, eating, talking, and even smiling would be difficult to do without a clean and complete set of teeth. However, as years go by, you may find yourself needing more oral care—and eventually—teeth replacements to maintain confidence and good oral health.
Fortunately, advancements in medical care have also included several options for oral care and teeth replacements. Denture implants are just one of those. So, if you’re looking for teeth replacement options and would want to know more about denture implants, or if you’re unsure which one between dental implants vs. dentures is for you, read on to get a better idea of which option is likely best for you.
How Denture Implants Work
A denture implant is a medical device that blends with the patient’s tissue to support a denture, which is basically false teeth made from metal, acrylic, or nylon. Denture implants are usually made of titanium, and the titanium implant is placed on the jawbone to allow for the growth of the bone around the implant to grow and increase the stability of the denture.
Denture implants can replace missing teeth with customized metal posts designed to support tooth replacement. The implant serves as the base of the tooth, a fixture that is permanently anchored into the jawbone by a process called osseointegration.
Osseointegration is a process in which the titanium post is inserted into the jawbone and fuses with it, thus creating a strong support system for tooth replacement. The bone around an implant continues to remodel (rebuild) through normal chewing activity. As a result, both become one complete functional unit and thus improve oral health conditions.
Denture implants have artificial tooth roots that can be used to hold full or partial dentures in place when there is no longer any natural root left in the mouth, or if they have been removed due to periodontal disease—an infection that damages the gums or teeth.
Implants are made in various shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be customized according to the individual’s needs, considering the mouth shape, gum condition, and many other factors.
Types Of Denture Implants
There are two common types of denture implants and these are:
- Endosteal Denture Implants
Endosteal denture implants use titanium screws to be placed in the jawbone and submerged below the gums. This type of implant is usually done on patients with a healthy jawbone which can support a successful integration. The patient is given a temporary tooth during the time of recovery for them to maintain confidence and oral activity. Once the implants are in place and there is complete recovery, this is when they receive the final attachment of their denture.
- Subperiosteal Denture Implants
These are implant-supported dentures that are suitable for people who don’t have a healthy jawbone or who simply don’t want their jawbone to be tempered for various reasons. As their name suggests, subperiosteal dental implants are placed just under the gum line in the jawbone where they are not visible by other people.
A subperiosteal implant-supported denture is an improvement over “traditional” implants that are only used for single tooth replacement. Its ability to seat several non-connecting implants provides a solid foundation for complete or partial removable bridge teeth replacements.
Dentures vs. Dental Implants
When it comes to teeth implants vs. dentures, most people find it difficult to choose between the two. However, before deciding, you should consider the following factors: the comfortability, reliability, and durability of partial dentures vs. implants. When comparing the cost of dental implants vs. dentures, you may be tempted to go with dentures because they are less expensive. But you have to weigh the advantages and consider the long-term benefits as well.
Why Should You Get A Denture Implant
A denture implant can be used in place of traditional dentures. With these implants, you don’t have to stress over glues, adhesives, or basically worry about ensuring the dentures stay in place. Hence, you’ll stay confident and worry-free. No matter what you eat and how much you smile or talk, you don’t have to be too conscious of your teeth.
Denture implants are more stable and feel more like natural teeth as compared to other kinds of tooth replacement. Dentures supported by implants make it easier for the patient to speak as they would with real teeth since the muscles of the face and mouth move more naturally. The result is that patients look better, speak better, eat better, and of course, live better.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of dental treatment you need, make sure you do your research by consulting different dentist professionals before committing yourself to anything. Preferably, always go with a well-experienced periodontist (gum specialist) to make sure you know the type of denture implant that’s suitable for you.
If your jawbone is strong and relatively healthy, you may be advised to get endosteal denture implants. If not, there’s always another option which is subperiosteal denture implants. And even if you qualify for endosteal denture implants, but you prefer getting the subperiosteal type for personal reasons, then you can always speak to your dentist about your concerns and preferences.
