Considering Dental Implants Versus Full Dentures

Having missing teeth can significantly affect a patient’s confidence and self-esteem, especially if the lost tooth is near the front of the smile. Studies show that approximately 70% of adults in the US have at least one missing tooth. These adults should work directly with their dentist to learn more about tooth replacement options available to them. At DeAngelis Family Dentistry in Carlsbad, CA, patients may find that there are several ways to replace missing teeth. Learning about the various options is the first step in deciding which one is appropriate for a patient’s unique situation. Dr. Anakarina DeAngelis and her team are here to help patients make an educated decision for their oral health needs.

What restorations are used to replace missing teeth?

There are several ways patients can replace missing teeth, including:

• Partial dentures
• Full dentures
• Dental bridges
• Dental implants
• Implant-retained dentures

At our dental implant and denture clinic in Carlsbad, CA area patients who are unhappy with their smile after tooth loss may want to ask our team about what options are a good fit for their individual needs. Many patients consider dental implants vs. dentures for replacing one or several teeth. At our practice, we take the time to talk to patients about both and which one might be right for them.

What are dental implants?

Carlsbad, CA area patients will find that dental implants are a great way to replace one or more teeth. These titanium posts act as a replacement for the natural tooth root. They are placed during oral surgery into the bone and help combat bone resorption. The implant has the best stability and strength when compared to alternative options. The top portion of the dental implant, called the abutment, can hold many different restorations, including dental crowns, dental bridges, and full conservative dentures.

What are dentures?

At our practice, we offer both partial and full dentures. Carlsbad, CA area patients who are interested in dentures may want to take time to learn about their benefits. These restorations can replace one or all the teeth in the dental arch. Partial dentures have a metal framework that allows the appliance to snap into place, using the surrounding teeth for support. Full dentures use dental adhesives to keep them in the smile, though many patients do not like using denture adhesives because they are messy and problematic. In this situation, a patient might consider the advantages of an implant-retained denture, which is more conservative and uses several implants along the arch to hold the appliance.

The cost of dentures vs. implants

When it comes to cost, implants are often much more expensive. However, they are a wise investment for many patients who want a permanent and fixed option that won’t require replacement every few years. Investing in dental implants is often a smart choice for those who want a solution that doesn’t require significant care and attention as other options. Dr. Anakarina DeAngelis and her staff work alongside patients to help them utilize their dental insurance plan benefits to the maximum, reducing the out-of-pocket costs of dentures or implants by applying for insurance coverage. In some cases, dentures and implants may be comparable in cost depending on the type of plan a patient has.

Determining Candidacy

At DeAngelis Family Dentistry, Dr. Anakarina DeAngelis and her team are here to educate patients on their options for tooth replacement. If you live in the Carlsbad, CA community and are interested in comparing dental implants and dentures, call the office at (760) 444-5507 to request an appointment. The office is located at 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite #105, accepting new patients and families.