Dentures vs implant dentistry: which is right for you?

If you've lost teeth -- or you're fairly certain you're about to -- you're looking down the barrel of a rough decision. There's no way you're going to live out the rest of your days with a toothless mouth. You're not sure you want dentures, but implant dentistry seems intimidating.

Not to worry. Armed with the proper information, it's easy to make the right decision. Maybe dentures are best for you; maybe it's dental implants. There's no right answer -- just the answer that's right for you. With that in mind, here are a few notes to consider when you're thinking it over.

Cost. It's impossible to project a general cost for dentures or implants, as each patient has his own needs and those needs determine cost. Most patients assume the cost of implant dentistry is going to be high, and overall implants tend to be more expensive than dentures in most cases. Of course, in some cases this may not be true; a denture plate that replaces 16 missing teeth may be more expensive than simply getting a single tooth replaced via implant dentistry. But tooth for tooth, dentures are cheaper in the short run. In the long run, however, the maintenance costs of implants are very low, whereas dentures must be routinely cleaned with special treatments, and replaced if they're ever broken or dropped. Talk to your dentist about the overall cost of your procedure, and weigh it alongside other factors when making your decision.

Maintenance. Implants aren't maintenance-free, but they're close. They have to be cleaned regularly just like your natural teeth, to avoid stains and keep the gums healthy. But since they're essentially artificial teeth, they won't develop cavities. Dentures need more maintenance, but they're not hard to care for. They should be brushed and cleaned with denture cleaners every day. They should also be kept moist when they're not being worn. Most importantly, dentures should always be handled with care, as they can break easily.

Procedure. Implant dentistry isn't a simple procedure, and sometimes takes more than one visit to complete. But many dentists offer sedation, so the implantation process seems like it's over before you know it. To install your implants, your dentist will place a small metal peg into the socket of the missing tooth, embedding it in much the same manner as the tooth it's replacing. Dentures are less invasive; your dentist will fit a plate to your mouth to make sure they're comfortable. Once they're installed, you'll need to practice doing some of the simple things you've done for years, like eating and talking. Don't worry -- you won't have to relearn any skills. But you will have to learn to do them with dentures.

Pain. Both dentures and implant dentistry are needed when teeth go missing, and extractions are usually perceived as painful events. But most dentists are highly skilled in administering the proper anesthesia, so the process is hardly painful at all. Getting new dentures isn't painful at all, though improperly fitted dentures can be very painful, so be sure to communicate well with your dentist. After implant dentistry, some patients may feel pain, and dentists often prescribe painkillers as a follow-up to the procedure. Overall, though, most patients report that their fear of pain -- associated with any dental procedure -- is usually worse than the procedure itself.

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The dentists at Comprehensive Family Dentistry have been providing dentures and  implant dentistry to patients in Newtown, Langhorne, Yardley, Philadelphia and the greater Bucks County area for years. Call today for an appointment.