At some point in our lives, we unfortunately may come across a time when we need some periodontal work. Periodontology is the study of dentistry that deals with the inner structures of teeth. This study includes looking at the diseases that may affect this area and cause disruption within the structure. If disease and disruption is the case, and it hasn’t been treated for some time, it’s possible that dental implants or dentures may be required. But, which do you choose? For years there has been much controversy over which dental treatment is better. In either case, visiting a periodontist in Los Angeles will help to determine the state of your teeth’s structure and which option is best for you. Below, we dive into the pros and cons of both.
What Are They?
Dental implants are exactly what they sound like — a fixture that is implanted into your mouth that acts as a tooth replacement. These tooth fixtures connect to the root, just like a real tooth, and connect with the bone of the jaw. Dental implants are often made of titanium and can be used to support a bridge or tooth as well. More common than not, dental implants are used to cover a space or missing tooth. An actual tooth is placed over the root area to close the gap and keep your mouth looking natural and beautiful. Because dental implants are firmly rooted into your mouth, they cannot be taken in and out of the mouth without a professional periodontist. To learn more about receiving dental implants in Los Angeles, contact Dr. Kao today.
Dentures, on the other hand, can be taken in and out fairly easily all on your own. While dentures also act as tooth replacements, they often need the help of some sort of teeth bonding material or dental implant in order to stay put.
Comfort & Look
While dentures these days are more natural looking than years past and don’t break the bank, they still don’t totally grasp the look and feel of real teeth. Their coloring often mismatches the teeth adjacent to it and can cause an awkward looking smile. Most people with dentures find them to be uncomfortable and require a lot of work, as cleaning your dentures must be factored into your daily routine.
On the contrary, most people with implants hardly notice they’re there. Because a tooth is being used, it feels and looks very natural. They’re also rooted into your mouth and act just like a normal tooth would, increasing its natural feel. Implants also don’t need any upkeep besides your normal routine of brushing and flossing. If you’re still unclear about the look and feel of dentures vs. implants, you can visit a periodontist in Los Angeles to get a closer look.
Security
While dentures are mostly secure, there’s always the off-chance of biting into a thick sandwich and your denture falling out. Dentures are notorious for awkward chewing and require some type of bonding that must be applied daily. They also need to be replaced often, can go missing, and sometimes don’t fit right, causing overall discomfort in your mouth. Dentures were once a decent way to replace false teeth, but today it’s usually used in conjunction with a dental implant to provide more security. Embarrassment, discomfort, and an increase of self-care should all be weighed when choosing to get implants or dentures.
In addition to achieving a natural look and feel, implants are firmly rooted into your mouth so worrying about your tooth falling out is nonexistent. They also don’t need to be replaced and, unless severe damage is done, can last your entire life. Cavities are no longer a concern and your ability to chew is restored to normal. You never have to worry about breaking or missing your implant like you do with a denture — they act just like a real tooth and are just as sturdy, if not more so.
Support
Because dentures must be removed to clean and aren’t rooted down to your mouth, they can slip and slide and cause instability in the jaw. Conversely, because implants are rooted into the jawbone, they provide more support and a strong foundation. They are also sturdier, providing support to the surrounding teeth and preventing any shifting from occurring.
Periodontist in Los Angeles
At the end of the day, taking a closer look at your options with a periodontist in Los Angeles is the best way to choose what’s right for you. If you are looking for a licensed and highly experienced periodontist in Los Angeles, Dr. Kao is the person to call. With extreme care and attention to detail, Dr. Kao handles dental implants like no other. If you’d like to schedule a consultation or find out more, please visit our website or call our office at (213) 250-7554 today.
