Facing dentures or dental implants? Here’s what you need to know!

As a form of cosmetic dentistry, many people assume that dentures and dental implants just improve the appearance of teeth, but they go a long way to improving oral health in general. By replacing missing teeth, they reduce the strain on your existing teeth and enable patients to clean their teeth more easily. If you need teeth replaced, here is more information on the two options.

For people living in San Antonio, Texas, affordable dentures are a tried and true method of cosmetic dentistry. These removable devices sit on top of the gums and/or existing teeth to help replace missing teeth and improve overall oral health. They can become loose and slip in the mouth, creating additional problems and discomfort, but they have a proven track record when cared for properly and checked regularly by a dentist.

Thanks to recent advancements in cosmetic dentistry, citizens of San Antonio can choose dental implants as an alternative to dentures. They are essentially replacement tooth roots that provide a solid foundation for replacement teeth. Dental implants cost more than dentures, but they don’t require existing teeth to be filed down or removed. They match your natural teeth, improve oral health, and are cared for like normal teeth.

Dental implants are best for people who are only missing a few teeth. A small post of titanium that resembles a screw is surgically implanted into the socket of the missing tooth. The jawbone anchors the post as it heals and grows over. Once bonded, a connector post, or abutment, is placed on the top of the post that will hold the new tooth. The dentist then creates the new tooth or teeth to match, and secures them on top of the abutment.

Dentures may require additional teeth to be removed or filed down, and your dentist will choose between conventional or immediate dentures depending on your situation. Immediate dentures can be placed in the mouth same day as the jaw heals; however, they require multiple fittings and may loosen over time. The gums and jaw must heal before conventional dentures are placed in the mouth, but they require fewer fittings and visits and tend to be sturdier.

There may be some soreness after either procedure is completed, but most patients report that it is no worse than any other dental procedure. Pain and soreness are treated with over the counter pain medications and disappear within a couple of days. Once the implants or dentures are in place, you care for them the say way that you would normal teeth – brushing and flossing daily, and twice a year cleanings at your dentist’s office. Dentures require a bit of extra specialized care, so check with your dentist.

It’s difficult to say what dentures or dental implants cost without assessing your individual situation. Because each mouth is different, each situation must be approached with care. Dentures and dental implant costs can vary greatly; the presence of dental insurance can impact dental implant costs as well. Many insurers will cover certain procedures up to a certain amount, while others may not. It’s always best to consult with your dentist and your insurer (if applicable) on what your estimated dental implant costs will be. Call Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental in San Antonio, Texas today to schedule an appointment for an estimate at 210.877.2273, or email us at info@210wpfd.com with any questions you may have.