Many patients who have lost one or more teeth very often ask us what is the best solution. A dental implant or a traditional dental prosthesis.
The answer, as a dentist and from a functional point of view, is very easy, but there are other factors that also play a role in deciding how to restore the denture.
In this article we will look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of each method and why we recommend their use or not in a patient.
The risks of not acting on tooth loss.
Tooth loss is a serious problem, not only aesthetically, but also for health. The absence of teeth makes the bite difficult, favors the displacement of the rest of the teeth, in some cases makes it difficult to speak correctly, and the patient smiles and laughs less because he/she is embarrassed, which affects his/her self-esteem and confidence.
Luckily nowadays we have different techniques to replace missing teeth, such as removable prostheses, fixed bridges or dental implants. But what is the best choice for restoring teeth?
As mentioned above, we are often consulted by patients aboutwhat is the best option. The answer, as dentists, is clear: we should not decide based on economic criteria, what seems cheaper in the short term, but on other factors such as quality of life, ease of use, durability,…
And that makes more and more patients opt for a dental implant instead of a prosthesis. Let’s see what a prosthesis and an implant are, and what are the main differences between these two techniques to understand why more and more dental implants are placed every day.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a prosthesis that is fully fixed to the maxillary or mandibular bone by means of a screw. It is a totally safe, durable and reliable system. in appearance and resistance which behavesal most like a natural tooth.
See Types of dental implants.. Everything you need to know
What advantages does the dental implant offer to the patient?
- All the advantages of a natural tooth. both in appearance, chewing and resistance, as well as in easy cleaning.
- Maintains stability of surrounding teeth and no bone loss
- It can last a lifetime, since its base is made of titanium and fully conforms to the bone.
- They prevent the onset of gum disease.
What are the disadvantages of dental implants?
Currently there are very few contraindications for implants, only 2% – 3% of dental implants are rejected. There are techniques that make it possible to place them in very unfavorable situations (such as gums with little bone) in a predictable and satisfactory manner thanks to advanced 3D surgery.
Its main disadvantage for some patients, its cost is higher than removable or fixed dentures. But, this with the dental clinic’s financing facilities is becoming less and less of a problem for patients.
What is a removable prosthesis or denture?
The removable dental prosthesis or denture is a prosthetic piece made of an acrylic material that fits the palate or lower jaw in the case of not having any teeth.
Its use is only recommended in the case of any physical impediment, such as the absence of bone or economic limitations. Contrary to implants, we do not find any advantages that would lead us to choose them for a patient at the present time.
What is a fixed dental prosthesis?
A fixed dental prosthesis is a prosthetic restoration that allows the replacement of missing teeth by means of a framework that is attached to the adjacent teeth, which must be lowered to make room for the framework, and the prosthesis is cemented to fix it.
It is a design that has been used for almost a century in countless cases and offers excellent chewing comfort. Its main disadvantage is that healthy teeth must be sacrificed to fix the missing teeth.
It is currently not recommended if there is a possibility of placing dental implants, since:
Dentures versus dental implants
- Often. dentures have to be kept in the mouth by the use of adhesives, which requires reattaching the denture after meals An implant-supported denture does not require adhesive.
- They must be removed for cleaning. Implants are maintained by regular brushing and flossing.
They cover the palate, which interferes with the sense of taste and other normal activities. Dental implants are attached to the bone and do not affect the palate. - Dentures do not provide the necessary stimulation during chewing to prevent bone loss. Implants ensure that no jaw bone is lost.
- Dentures may slip when eating or speaking. The implants are securely anchored to the bone and do not slip;
- It is difficult to chew with dentures (movements, low chewing strength,…,) and there are foods that are not recommended to eat.
Dental implants have full chewing power. - Dentures may click and move over time. With implants or implant-supported dentures, there is no chance of decay over time.
Dental bridges, for partial losses
Another of the most popular treatments, until a few years ago, for dental losses are dental bridges. These custom-made prostheses sheathe the teeth adjacent to the gap of the missing tooth, which is replaced by a ceramic piece that joins the abutment teeth.
Its major disadvantage is that it is very aggressive with the abutment teeth, as they have to be heavily worn down in order to sheath them, which requires the alteration of two often healthy teeth.
The dental implant does not require the alteration of any adjacent teeth and its life is usually longer than that of a dental bridge, which lasts five to ten years.
Why we recommend dental implants
Dental implants are currently the most effective, safest and longest lasting treatment we can offer for tooth loss.
The main advantages of dental implants over traditional solutions are:
- Performance of basic functions. With removable prostheses, it is often difficult to speak or eat, especially if they are not well fixed. This is not the case with implants.
- Duration of the implant. An implant cared for like a natural tooth can last a lifetime. While the removable prosthesis is estimated to have a maximum duration of 10 years.
- Functionality. At a functional level, the implants do not move or risk detachment, they are firmer and more secure. In addition, with the immediate load dental implants, the patient can eat, drink and lead a normal life in a single day.
- Independence. The implants are placed directly on the bone, so they do not depend on the adjacent teeth, nor do they overload or affect them in any way.
- Maintenance and fixation. Most dentures need an adhesive, implants do not as they are fixed to the bone. Maintenance and cleaning is also much easier and more convenient.
- Aesthetics. The implants maintain the physiognomy of the face in a natural way. Although much progress has been made in recent times, removable prostheses do not achieve this effect.
- Adaptation to the oral cavity. Implants do not require any type of adaptation, something that is not achieved with dentures. Although everything will depend on each case, it is a foreign body that is difficult to assimilate.
As you can see, dental implants provide a far superior experience compared to dentures. Even dentures that originally fit the patient well, eventually begin to become uncomfortable after a while, due to wear and tear of the bony ridges to which the dentures are attached.
Another problematic aspect of dentures, and for us the worst, is their poor chewing ability. Many people have to modify their diet because they are unable to chew certain foods with their dentures.
Dental implants are, today, the most effective, safe and long-lasting treatment to alleviate the problems of tooth loss. If you are looking for dental implants in Barcelona, in our dental clinic in Barcelona we are specialists in dental implantology.
Call us at + (34) 669 154 020 and we will advise you on the best options to recover a perfect and functional denture that will allow you to smile again.
You may also be interested in reading:
How a dental implant is placed
Immediate load implants. What they are and their advantages
Rejection of dental implants. What it is and How to avoid it
Dental Veneers: The Perfect Solution for a Beautiful Smile
What is Osseointegration. The basis of a dental implant
Miembro de la Sociedad Española de Prótesis Estomatológica y Estética (SEPES) y del American College of Prosthodontics (ACP).
Colegio de Odontólogos y Estomatólogos de Catalunya
Profesor colaborador, Departamento de Restauradora Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC) Barcelona.
