Advancements in dental implants have changed the way people with missing or damaged teeth can update their smiles. What are dental implants? Basically, dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone. These artificial tooth roots create a sturdy base for permanent or removable prosthetic teeth. The jawbone naturally bonds with the implant over time through bone growth. In general, anyone with healthy gums and sufficient jawbone strength is a good candidate for dental implants.
The question our Shorewood dental implant specialists often get is which option is better: permanent dental implants or removable denture implants (also call snap-in overdentures)? The right answer depends on many factors, as each patient is evaluated for a customized treatment recommendation.
If you are considering dental implants, it’s important to understand your options. Here’s a general overview of permanent vs removable dental implants to help you prepare for a consultation with your dentist in Shorewood.
Permanent Dental Implants
A permanent dental implant procedure is are a long-term solution to replace missing or damaged teeth. Whether it’s one tooth, multiple teeth or a full upper and/or lower set of teeth.
We insert a medical-grade implants into your jawbone to serve as the root(s) for your new tooth or teeth. Next, we then add a connector to support the prosthetic tooth or crown. Connectors are usually made from zirconium or porcelain to create a natural-looking appearance.
Like real teeth, the crowns are a permanent part of your mouth. You must maintain your crown/s with regular daily brushing and flossing. Your dentist will assess their condition at your bi-annual check-ups.
Removable Dental Implants
Just like with permanent dental implants, your dentist inserts implants into your jawbone. The difference is the implants and connectors support a removable appliance that you can take out of your mouth for cleaning and repair. It is a similar concept to traditional dentures, but the implants create a more secure fit than a denture adhesive. Patients find they are able to chew and speak more confidently than with traditional dentures.
Paying for Dental Implants
Dental implants are an investment in not only your oral health but your self-esteem as well. Both the permanent and removable options improve your appearance and confidence levels for work and social situations. It is important to talk to your dental and medical insurance provider to understand coverage levels for dental implants based on your specific needs.
It is difficult to make broad comparisons about the costs of permanent vs removable dental implants. This is because each person’s solution is different depending on their needs. The best next step is to set-up a free consultation with one of our professional Shorewood IL dentists. We will help you get a clear understanding of the dental implant procedure timeline and which option will work best for you.
