Dentures or Dental Implants? Which is The Right Choice for You?

There’s more than one way to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Removable dentures like those worn by your grandparents are one option. Dental implants, small appliances inserted into the jawbone to serve as the base for a tooth, are another. Your dentist in Detroit will consider a number of criteria before determining which to use.

To find your best option, you’ll first need a proper diagnosis. People with loose or poor-fitting dentures as a result of flat ridges, or people missing multiple teeth who need support for crowns and bridges, are the most likely candidates for implants.

Patients who receive implants must be in good overall health and have healthy gums and adequate bone structure to support the implant. If a patient has health conditions that impact healing, an implant may not be the best choice. Heavy smoking or drinking may also preclude implants. The ideal candidate should be committed to meticulous oral hygiene and willing to make repeat visits to the dentist.

For those who meet the criteria, dental implants offer a number of advantages. Aside from feeling more natural than dentures, implants offer an alternative for those whose dentures are loose or poorly fitting. Dental implants can reduce the movement of bridges, crowns, and dentures as well as provide support for removable dentures and bridgework. And like dentures, dental implants improve your speech and appearance, promoting greater self-confidence.

There are two types of dental implants your dentist or oral surgeon may consider. The most common type, the endosteal implant, is inserted into the jawbone to serve as the tooth’s root. For those who can no longer wear conventional dentures, subperiosteal implants are a lightweight option designed to fit directly on the existing bone.

Both options are made of biologically compatible materials—typically metals like titanium—to avoid the type of antigen-antibody response that sometimes leads to rejection in heart and kidney transplants. So in general, dental implants are safe for those who pass the initial screening parameters. Your dentist will provide the dental implants cost and other information to help you make the right decision based on your individual circumstances.

To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Detroit, call Gentle Dental of Michigan today at or make an appointment.