Dental Implants

Dentures versus Dental Implants

It is estimated that 22% of Americans will have lost all of their teeth by the age of 65.

Maybe you are among those who have resigned themselves to dentures. For years, dentures were the only option. Whether you have lost teeth to gum disease, decay or accident, there is now an alternative to dentures that you should consider. You may replace your teeth with dental implants. As well, implants give you the option of affixing your dentures in a permanent manner.

Why should you consider implants over the customary mouth full of dentures?

  • Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth.
  • Implants don’t slip and slide out of place.
  • There is no need to remove your teeth for cleaning. You care for implants in the same manner you would care for your natural teeth.
  • You can avoid the discomfort of typical dentures. There is no fear of getting something lodged beneath a denture plate, no painful mouth sores where the dentures rub, and no soreness from the muscles of your cheeks and tongue having to adjust to keep your dentures in place.
  • Implants won’t change your speech patterns as they will not move in your mouth as you speak.
  • With implants, you will feel free to smile with confidence.

What type of specialist do I have to see for implants?

Many different types of dentists place dental implants. A Periodontist is an excellent choice for dental implant placement. They have a wide range of training in the areas of surgery and prosthetics, and their ability to manage the gum tissue is second to none. BE CAREFUL who places your implants. Lots of general dentists are taking weekend courses and start practicing on their patients Monday morning.

Is the procedure more involved for implants than for dentures?

Dental Implants placed by Implant specialist in Long Island NY

The process of getting implants might be slightly more involved for implants than for dentures. It does involve surgery. For most patients, however, that surgery is done under local anesthetic right in Dr. Scharf’s office. Many denture wearers also find themselves having to undergo surgery prior to being able to wear dentures. Tooth extractions and bone grafting might be necessary in either case, depending on the current state of your oral health.

Dr. Scharf has all the technology to place implants using flapless surgery. This method uses 3 dimensional dentascans and computer generated templates to allow for precise implant placement without reflecting the gums or the need for cutting and stitching. This approach is not right for everyone. Dr. Scharf has the training and experience to know when to use technology. He can explain to you the pros and cons and why this approach may or may not be best in your situation.

The number one advantage to implants is that they are a near-permanent solution to tooth loss. Most patients can expect to have their implants for life. Continued gum and bone deterioration often make it necessary to replace dentures in subsequent years and the comfort level for denture wearers is never as high as for those who have implants. Patients comment that it’s just like having teeth again.

If you do have remaining healthy teeth, implants give you the option of leaving those teeth and only replacing those that are missing. The gum and bone will not wear away with implants the way it continues to do with dentures. This is why dentures are a continual source of frustration for many wearers. The perfect fit, if you get close at all, is not likely to last more than a couple of years as the underlying structure of bone continues to degenerate when teeth are removed.

Consult Dental Implant Specialist Dr. Scharf of Long Island NY about replacement options for Missing Teeth

Sounds good, but it is affordable?

Those who have received dental implants agree that the initial cost for implants, which is higher than for dentures, is well worth it. Aside from the comfort and confidence you will receive from having teeth that look and feel naturally yours, you will not have the continued expense of messy adhesives and cleaning products that come with dentures. As well, most dentures have to be replaced one or more times because of changes in gums and bone density. Many wearers have to go through several pair just to get a good initial fit. Of course, we’ve all heard the stories of dentures being lost or inadvertently thrown out, a worry you won’t have with dental implants. Patients in the hospital with implants never have to worry about having to remove their teeth for surgery and being seen be friends and loved ones without their teeth.

In short, dentures will continue to cost you, in more ways than one, for years to come. Implants are expected to last a lifetime. We offer interest free financing as well as long term extended payment plans. Many patients are surprised to learn that they can have dental implants for less than they spend every month on cable television and their cell phone bill.

The number one advantage to implants is that they are
a near-permanent solution to tooth loss.

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