If you are suffering from the loss of one or more of your teeth, you will face the challenge of deciding whether to use dental implants or dental prosthetics. The question of which is better, dental implants or dental prosthetics, remains puzzling, as each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding both of these options well is important before making a final decision.
Whether you want to restore missing teeth through dental implants or dental prosthetics, your main goal is to restore dental function and improve the appearance of your smile. The medical team at Valia Clinics provides detailed clarification about these two options to assist you in making the decision.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a surgical procedure aimed at replacing missing or damaged tooth roots using metal posts resembling screws. Artificial teeth that closely resemble natural teeth are then attached to these posts. This procedure is an effective alternative to dentures or bridges, especially in cases where there are no natural roots to rely on for building dentures or bridges.
Dental implants are an advanced surgical procedure based on modern techniques, providing an effective solution for restoring dental function and improving the appearance of the smile. The procedure involves placing metal posts in the jawbone, followed by the permanent attachment of artificial teeth to them.
How are dental implants done?
Here is an explanation of how this procedure is performed:
1. Evaluation and diagnosis: The doctor begins by conducting detailed examinations and X-rays to assess the condition of the jaw and bone density. This aims to evaluate the suitability of the bone to receive the implant.
2. Implant surgery: Dental implants are placed in the bone during a small surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia.
3. Integration period: The bone needs about 3 months to grow around the implant, firmly anchoring it in place.
4. Crown measurements: The doctor takes precise measurements of the jaw to create the custom artificial tooth crown according to the correct measurements.
5. Crown placement: The artificial crown is then attached to the metal implant, filling the gap in the tooth.
If immediate dental implants are opted for, the procedure can be done in much less time.
Advantages of dental implants:
1. Dental implants are considered simple and effective surgical procedures.
2. Dental implants provide a natural appearance for the teeth, contributing to improving the smile’s aesthetics.
3. They help restore natural smile and self-confidence.
4. They contribute to maintaining jawbone health by stimulating bone growth around the implant.
5. Dental implants have a high success rate, making them a sustainable option.
6. Taking care of implanted teeth and maintaining their cleanliness is as easy as caring for natural teeth.
7. There is no need to worry about cavities, as implants remain resistant to this issue.
8. Long-term durability is assured with good care, as properly cared-for implanted teeth can last for a long time.
What is dental prosthetics?
Dental prosthetics is a compensatory procedure involving the placement of artificial teeth or molars to replace missing or damaged teeth. This procedure involves installing crowns, bridges, and dentures, which can be classified into fixed prosthetics and removable prosthetics.
Types of prosthetics:
1. Crowns: Dental crowns are caps placed over the top portion of a tooth to replace a single tooth or molars.
2. Bridges: Used to replace several teeth by attaching them to the natural teeth adjacent to the gap.
3. Dentures: Removable artificial devices used to replace multiple missing teeth, supported by implanted teeth for maximum stability.
Difference between dental implants and dental prosthetics:
– Implants involve placing implants into the jawbone after extracting the tooth, followed by permanent fitting of the replacement. Prosthetics rely on adhesive materials to fix replacements to the remaining teeth.
– Implants require a long healing time with bone integration and may involve several sessions extending up to a year, while prosthetics can be quicker and simpler, without the need for long healing periods.
– In implants, the affected tooth is surgically removed, and the replacement is permanently fixed. In prosthetics, neighboring teeth are filed down, and the replacement is affixed in a removable manner.
– In implants, neighboring teeth are not affected by the implant. In prosthetics, neighboring teeth may be affected and could cause sensitivity.
– Implants provide a permanent fixation of the replacement, while prosthetics allow for the removal of the replacement.
– Dental implants have a longer lifespan than dental prosthetics.
Which is better, dental implants or dental prosthetics?
We cannot determine a general better option between dental implants and dental prosthetics, as the choice depends on several factors including the condition of the affected tooth and the patient’s preferences. Here are some points that may help in making the decision:
– If the tooth is completely damaged and cannot be repaired, dental implants may be the optimal choice for replacing the missing tooth.
– If there is a possibility to treat the damaged tooth and retain it, fixed dental prosthetics can be used to improve the appearance and function of the tooth.
– Dental prosthetics may be a less expensive option than dental implants and may be easier and quicker to perform without the need for long healing periods.
– Dental implants require a longer healing and recovery time, while dental prosthetics can be done faster.
– It is advisable to consult a dentist to accurately assess the condition and make the best decision according to the patient’s needs and preferences.
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