Are Dentures More Affordable than Implants?

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Dentures and implants are two ways to replace missing teeth, though the procedures and overall costs can vary considerably. If you’re primarily concerned about your budget, it helps to look at the problem from a few key angles.

Cost of Dentures vs. Implants

At a glance, dentures are the more affordable option, sometimes costing less for a full arch of teeth than to replace a single tooth with an implant. However, implants are also the best way to protect your teeth and jaw, which can lead to fewer long-term health complications. Please note that to be eligible for implants, your bone and gum need to be in relatively strong shape. If you need a bone or gum graft before you’re ready, you can discuss options with your dentist.

Are Implants Better than Dentures?

Dentists in Windermere, FL will typically recommend implants over dentures because implants are similar to your natural teeth. With an implant, the metal post fuses to the jawbone, cementing the artificial tooth to the body. This stimulates and strengthens your gum and bone similar to the original tooth.

Once the permanent tooth is installed, you can treat implants the same way you do your natural teeth. There’s no need to follow a cleaning regimen beyond standard brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. By contrast, dentures sit outside the gum line and they’ll need to be cleaned regularly to avoid bacterial build-up.

Restorative Dentistry in Windermere

If you’re looking for either dentures or implants in Windermere, FL, the team at Inspired Dental can navigate you to the right treatment plan. While dentures are certainly a responsible and effective way to improve your oral health, implants may be the more economical long-term choice.

What Are the Risks of Dental Implants?

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Dental implants may be a common procedure, but the service does come with risks. It helps to know not just what the potential drawbacks are, but what you can expect if they occur.

What Are the General Risks of Dental Implants?

Risks for dental implants can include the following:

  • Infection: Infection occurs when bacteria leech into the surgical site.
  • Nerve damage: Implants may damage the nerves in the jaw, which can cause pain or tingling around the gums or chin.
  • Fracture: The abutment screw that connects the metal post and the artificial tooth together may break or fracture.
  • Sinus issues: Sinus problems can occur around implants in the upper jaw, which can potentially intrude into the sinus cavity.

What Are the Success Rates of Dental Implants?

The estimates are over 95%, though there is no central database for dental implants. In addition, the definition and the reporting of ‘failure’ may vary by practice. For example, if the implant fails to integrate with the bone, this can take years to discover. By that time, the patient may see another dentist to report the problem.

The main takeaway is that dental implants in Windermere, FL are considered to be safe and effective, and this is generally true regardless of which practice you visit. However, it does help to work with a team that has a strong track record and plenty of expertise to handle potential complications.

Unfortunately, even the most qualified dentist in Windermere, FL can’t eliminate all risks, as it’s not always possible to predict how your body will react to the metal post, abutment, and artificial tooth. At Inspired Dental, though, you can work through your concerns before the procedure even begins — even if that just means listing contingencies for your own peace of mind.

Do Dental Implants Look Like Natural Teeth?

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Dental implants are the best way to replace your natural teeth because they’re more resilient than other options, like bridges or partial dentures. If you’re concerned about how they look, we’ll tell you more about what to expect.

Dental Implants in Windermere

Dental implants are sometimes called a cosmetic procedure: patients don’t want to have a glaring gap in their smile, so they use an artificial tooth to replace what they lost.

There’s a lesson in here for anyone considering the procedure: a reputable and qualified dentist in Windermere, FL can select and craft teeth that fit with your natural smile, including its current color, size, and shape. This way, you don’t have a stark white tooth in the middle of a more off-white smile or a tooth that’s perfectly square when the rest of your teeth are more rounded.

Dental Implants and Your Appearance

While many patients seek dental implants to improve their appearance, they’re more than just a procedure to look better. However, dental implants in Windermere, FL are more than just about ‘looking better’. These permanent fixtures reinforce the structure of your mouth, making it possible to handle anything from crunchy foods to an unexpected fall.

The right dental team will ensure that your artificial teeth look natural. What’s more, they can recommend other procedures, like teeth whitening, that can help you improve the long-term look of your smile before you get the implant.

If you have questions about dental implants, contact Inspired Dental to learn how we balance your oral health with your beautiful smile. While not everyone will be a good candidate for the procedure, we work with people until we can find solutions that fit their needs.

How to Decide Between a Dental Implant and a Dental Bridge

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A dental implant and a dental bridge will both replace a missing tooth with a permanent artificial tooth. Here, we’ll look at the similarities and differences between the two and when to choose one over the other.

Comparing Bridges and Implants

Both dental bridges and implants strengthen your mouth, taking the pressure off your remaining teeth and preventing the surrounding teeth from sliding in to take the missing tooth’s place. Unlike a partial denture, you can care for the artificial tooth the same way you care for your regular teeth (with standard brushing and flossing).

Contrasting Bridges and Implants

A bridge relies on your remaining teeth to cement the tooth, meaning you’ll need either one crown or two (depending on location) to hold the artificial tooth. With an implant, a dentist in Windermere, FL fuses a metal post in your jaw to cement the tooth, ensuring the artificial tooth is held by the bone rather than your surrounding (more vulnerable) teeth.

Which One Is Better?

This comes down to both your oral health and personal preferences, but in general you should choose the implant if at all possible. Implants may take longer and cost more, but they act like your natural tooth, which is the best way to ensure long-term oral health. If you have gum or bone damage, though, you may not be eligible for an implant — in which case a bridge would be the best option.

If you’re interested in a dental implant in Windermere, FL, it helps to prepare for the procedure first. While some people can complete the process in just a few weeks, for others, it may take several months. At Inspired Dental, we’re here to help you learn more about your options.