Alaska Oral Surgery Group

Dental implants are increasingly popular with individuals with one or more missing teeth. However, many people considering them have understandable concerns. Dental implant placement is an invasive surgical procedure and requires a lengthy time commitment. It’s essential to have the facts to make an informed choice regarding whether implants are the right teeth replacement option for you.

Fact #1: Dental Implants Have a Great Track Record

Many patients are surprised to learn that modern dental implants have been around for 50 years. In 1965, the first titanium implant was successfully placed in a human volunteer. Since then, the technique has been perfected in several ways. Millions of people have received dental implants since the 1960s, and the number is increasing yearly. In fact, the success rate of dental implants is in the 90% range, which is extremely impressive.

Fact #2: Titanium is the Best Implant Material

At Alaska Oral Surgery Group, we use titanium implants. Although zirconia implants are also available, titanium is the most popular material due to its strength, durability, and biocompatibility. Although metal allergies can cause problems with some metals, titanium is a non-reactive metal that very few people are allergic to. It is the same metal that has been used for decades in hip and knee replacements and, when used in implants, can withstand the crushing force of chewing.

Fact #3: Dental Implants are Almost as Strong as Natural Teeth

No other type of teeth replacement is as strong as dental implants. Your natural teeth can withstand the incredible biting force that dental bridges and dentures cannot provide. However, titanium implants restore most of that bite force. The implants are light, and strong, and they fuse with your jawbone.

Fact #4: Dental Implants Preserve Facial Structure

Regaining the ability to eat what you like is just the beginning with implants. The osseointegration of the implants with the jawbone prevents deterioration of the jawbone. When teeth are missing, the aveolar bone can lose up to 25% of its mass within a year, leading to a sunken appearance that prematurely ages you. If all or most of your teeth are missing, your cheeks can also develop a gaunt look. However, dental implants help maintain the natural shape of your face.

Fact #5: Dental Implants Mean No More Cavities

Dental implants support crowns or dental prosthetics that look and perform like your natural teeth. These restorations may be made of porcelain or other durable materials that mimic the appearance of tooth enamel. Because they are artificial, you never have to worry about getting cavities or tooth decay. However, you still need to brush and floss daily to prevent gum disease.

Fact #6: You Can Get Dental Implants Even If Your Teeth Have Been Missing for Years

Even if you have been previously told you can’t get implants because you’ve been wearing dentures for years, you should get a second opinion. Recent advancements in implant surgery and the use of bone grafting to build up the jawbone mean many patients who have been turned down in the past can now get dental implants.

Dr. Szutz is an expert in the placement of dental implants and can answer your questions regarding the procedure and whether it is right for you. Call our office at 907-278-5678 to schedule a consultation to learn more about dental implants.

Missing teeth interfere with your ability to eat, speak, and smile with comfort and confidence. Missing teeth also lead to the deterioration of your jawbone. If you are missing all or most of your teeth and are considering replacement teeth, two popular options include dental implants and dentures. While both replace an entire set of missing teeth, you should consider several key differences before choosing one or the other.

Permanence

Dentures and implants both replace missing teeth, but dental implants are the only permanent solution. Once implants are placed and have time to integrate with your jawbone they provid a stable base for crowns or dental prosthetics that mimic the look and function of your natural teeth. Dentures typically last 5-10 years before needing replacement. During that time, they may need to be relined as often as every two years for comfort.

Convenience

Dental implants are an excellent choice if you want a solution to missing teeth that is convenient because they do not require special care. Once the implants and restorations are in place, you care for them like natural teeth, brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. Dentures must be removed at night and when you clean them. You will also have to use special cleansers and keep them in water when not wearing them.

If you travel frequently or have overnight guests, dentures can be awkward because you have to take them out at night. Dental implants are not removed by patients and look great all hours of the day and night.

Comfort

Properly fitted dentures can be comfortable, but it can be challenging to find the perfect fit. As a result, many people find dentures don’t fit comfortably and interfere with eating certain foods. Getting food debris caught under your dentures is unpleasant. Dentures that slip or shift can be embarrassing and interfere with speaking clearly as well as eating. Dentures also put extra pressure on your gums, absorbing the force of your bite, which can irritate the gums. Dental implants transfer chewing forces to bone.

Dental implants are more comfortable in the long run because they fuse with the jawbone, becoming an integral part of the mouth. You can eat foods you like without worrying about your new teeth slipping or shifting. However, there is more discomfort after implant surgery. You will experience some pain and swelling during the healing process. You will also need to eat a soft diet for a few weeks to avoid compromising the healing process.

Appearance

Both dentures and dental implants look like natural teeth, but implants minimize the signs of aging in the face in ways dentures can’t. As you age, your face loses facial volume. If you wear dentures, this can be more noticeable because your jawbone deteriorates where natural teeth are missing. This contributes to a sunken appearance. Dental implants preserve the strength and mass of the jawbone, helping retain facial volume.

Cost

The cost of dental implants may be a sticking point for some people. Implant placement is an invasive surgical procedure. By contrast, dentures are relatively inexpensive when purchased. Over time, however, the cost difference narrows.

Dentures require frequent relining (usually every two years) to ensure a good fit and need replacement every 5-10 years. If you wear them for twenty years, you will pay a significant amount to replace and repair them. The cost of special denture cleaners is also a consideration.

Although there are benefits and drawbacks to both dentures and dental implants, most people prefer dental implants. We can answer your questions and explain the process if you are considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Making an informed decision is the first step toward successful, comfortable replacement teeth that last a lifetime. Contact our office at 907-278-5678 to schedule a consultation.