Are Permanent Dentures The Same As Implants?

People who have lost one or more of their teeth are often faced with decisions to make, especially regarding the type of restorative dental procedure to choose. Modern dentistry has evolved, and with this evolution comes a range of procedures that can be selected from. Patients who visit a dental clinic like Asha Dental have access to two of the commonest restorative dental procedures available today – Dental implants and permanent dentures. However, it is easy to confuse what both of these procedures mean and take them for the same. As a patient who has lost one or more of their teeth and is interested in investing in a restorative dental procedure, knowing what each of these means and what they offer can help you make the decision that you need. Read below as we try to explain what permanent dentures are and how they differ from dental implants.

What Are Permanent Dentures?

Permanent dentures are prosthetic dental solutions that offer an advancement over traditional dentures. Traditional dentures are known to be unnatural in appearance and feel and can make the patient a lot more conscious about their smile and teeth. With permanent dentures, patients will enjoy advantages like fixed dentures that look more natural in appearance and break down food particles better, thus improving digestion.

The advantages of permanent dentures far outweigh traditional dentures, which is why dentists often recommend the procedure over traditional or conventional dentures.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are recommended when one tooth needs to be replaced. For dental implants, a post is installed into the jawbone of the affected area, and once healing has been completed, a crown is added on. The crown is designed to look like natural teeth, thus blending it in appearance and aesthetics. In some cases, patients may need multiple dental implants like All-on-4 dental implants to be installed to support a full set of missing teeth.

Is There Any Difference Between Dental Implants and Permanent Dentures?

Whether you are looking for a restorative dental solution for yourself or a loved one, the two most common permanent procedures to choose from including permanent dentures and dental implants, while both are permanent restorative dental procedures, some differences set one apart from another.

The primary difference between a permanent denture and a dental implant is that permanent dentures can be removed and replaced over time. But dental implants are permanent and cannot be removed. When undergoing a permanent denture procedure, patients can choose to attach the permanent denture to a connector that allows them to remove the denture later on and at their convenience.

With dental implants, this is impossible. It is impossible because the post is installed inside the jaw bone and allowed to heal, making it essentially a part of the oral setup. With this being installed, removing the post may be nearly impossible, thus making it a great option for patients who are indeed interested in a permanent restorative dental procedure.

Another difference between the two procedures is the properties of the replacement teeth. A patient can opt for a dental implant when they need to replace one crown, a few crowns, or a mouth of teeth. With permanent dentures, patients are not presented with these versatile options. Dentures can only be used to replace a whole set of teeth. There are no permanent dentures that can be used to replace only one missing teeth.

What Should You Choose Between Permanent Dentures And Dental Implants?

When considering which option is best for you between permanent dentures and dental implants, you need to consider a wide range of factors. This section puts together the pros and cons of each option to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Pros of Permanent Dentures

• They are less expensive compared to dental implants
• Dentures are a great restorative dental procedure for patients who have experienced bone and gum loss due to missing teeth or other dental problems.
• The procedure is relatively quick.

Cons of Permanent Dentures

• Patients may require adjustments over time, especially as the facial structure and gum structure change.
• Patients may need to get used to this dentures period
• Regular cleaning of the dentures is required.

Pros of Dental Implants

• Dental implants have as high as 95 percent success rate
• Dental implants are long-lasting and can last as many as 20 years or more
• Dental implants are easy to care for
• Implants preserve the facial integrity of the patient by preventing bone and jaw loss.
• Dental implants are made to look like natural teeth and offer a similar level of stimulation for jaw bone growth.

Cons of dental implants

• They are costly
• Not everyone can take advantage of this solution.