If you’re dealing with missing teeth, then you may wonder about your choices to repair or replace them. After all, missing teeth can make you feel uncomfortable when eating or talking as well as make you feel insecure about your appearance. While several options can help you enjoy a great smile once again, it’s best to understand the differences when considering dental implants vs. dentures.

At Sacramento Surgical Arts, our skilled oral surgeons and dentists perform an array of restorative procedures that can give you a beautiful smile. You can replace just one missing tooth with a dental implant or opt for All-on-4 implants that allow you to replace a full arch of teeth.

Treating Tooth Loss With Dentures or Dental Implants

By the age of 74, one-quarter of people in California have lost all of their original teeth. In addition, almost 70% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have at least one tooth that is missing. Tooth loss can cause significant health issues. Surrounding teeth can become weaker, and the structure of your jaw can shift and change due to the gaps between your teeth. As a result, you could be vulnerable to additional tooth loss.

Exposed gums are also more vulnerable to bacteria and resulting infections. Oral infections can lead to gum disease. Gum disease causes serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Beyond this, many people feel uncomfortable with missing teeth. If the teeth are visibly missing, then people may hide their smiles and refrain from talking or singing in public. Even when the missing teeth are in the rear of the mouth, eating and chewing can be far less comfortable when there are gaps in your mouth. Therefore, you might be looking for a replacement solution for your missing teeth.

Understanding Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Dentures are the traditional, removable replacements for teeth that can come in either partial or full sets. Most people who choose dentures are missing whole sets of teeth rather than only one tooth. While dentures have been used dating back to ancient times, today’s dentures are far more advanced. Dentists custom-fit the dentures to your mouth and gums to avoid slipping and movement while you eat or talk. Dentures are removable and less expensive than other tooth replacement options.

However, many people do not like the fact that dentures are removable. Natural teeth never slip or come out, and dentures present a less natural appearance. Others find dentures uncomfortable, especially if they have to frequently reapply adhesives to ensure they stay in place. People can still feel insecure about taking out their dentures at the end of the day, especially younger people with tooth loss.

These are some of the reasons why dental implants have become such a popular option. Dental implants are permanently anchored into the bone of your jaw. They last longer than dentures, and they give the feel and appearance of natural teeth in all ways. You even care for dental implants as you do for natural teeth, which includes brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist for regular checkups.

Some people think that implants are only for people with one or two missing teeth. With the All-on-4 implant procedure performed at Sacramento Surgical Arts, you can replace an entire arch of teeth with dental implants that keep your new smile firmly in place. You won’t have to worry about dental implants falling out, and they provide maximum comfort when talking, eating and singing.

Choosing Dental Restoration That Works for You

Dental implants can provide a permanent solution for your dental concerns. It’s important to get a full evaluation when choosing the type of restoration that best fits your situation and your mouth. The oral surgeons at our California oral surgery center can examine your mouth, including the strength and viability of your jawbone. You could receive a bone graft if your jaw needs more support to accept permanent implants.

If you’re missing one tooth, several teeth or a whole arch of teeth, then a permanent solution is possible. Contact Sacramento Surgical Arts at 866.930.5837 to make an appointment for a consultation with one of our oral surgeons.