Tooth loss can occur due to several reasons. Some of the most common causes of tooth loss are tooth decay, gum diseases, and tooth fracture. But in the event of one or more tooth loss, there is no need to go through life with missing teeth. With so many different tooth replacement options to choose from, it is not right to go without getting a tooth replacement. Although there are several tooth replacement options, dental implants remain the best treatment option regardless of the number of teeth to be replaced. Most people, who have lost a majority of their teeth, tend to opt for dentures. Although conventional dentures are an inexpensive and simple way to restore your teeth, it is certainly not the best long-term choice. And moreover, people who currently have conventional dentures should definitely upgrade to dental implants. Here are 5 reasons why you should change from dentures to dental implants.
5 Reasons why you should switch from Dentures to Dental Implants
Dental Implants are on par with real teeth
Complete dentures or conventional dentures are placed over your gum tissue and is secured in place with the help of the adjacent teeth. This configuration is not the most secure and firm one and so the dentures tend to move around from its place and can make the wearer uncomfortable. Unlike dentures, dental implants are surgically placed into the patient’s jaw bone. This means that the implants, in fact, mimic the root structure of a real tooth and provide the same feel as a real tooth while eating or chewing.
Dental implants are more user-friendly
After the placement of dentures, it may feel a little odd or loose for several weeks till your muscles, cheeks, and tongue adjust to the dentures. Also, you may also feel irritation, soreness and increased saliva flow in your mouth during the first few weeks of wearing dentures. But Dental implants do not require any getting used to since they look and feel like real teeth.
Dental implants can arrest jaw bone loss
This is the best advantage. The jawbones beneath our teeth are constantly being stimulated when we eat, chew or grind food in our mouth. This constant stimulation keeps the jaw bone healthy and intact. Tooth loss can lead to no stimulation of the jaw bone which can, in turn, lead to jaw bone loss. Since dental implants are placed in the jaw bone, it provides stimulation of the underlying jaw bone and prevents jaw bone loss. Since dentures are just placed over gum tissue it can lead to jaw bone loss.
Dentures require high maintenance
Both dental implants and dentures do require post-procedure maintenance. But dentures require extra attention for maintenance. Cleaning the dentures after each meal is mandatory to keep food and debris from accumulating below the denture. Not cleaning your dentures can increase your risk of oral infections. On the other hand, dental implants require only as much care as regular natural teeth.
Dental implants are an overall better long term product
Although dental implants are more expensive than dentures, they last significantly longer time than conventional dentures. If maintained properly, dental implants can even last for a lifetime, while dentures need to be replaced once every 3-5 years.