Dental Implants or Dentures—Making the Best Choice for Your Smile

oregon city dentists

If you’re missing teeth, you might be wondering what your Oregon City dentists might recommend for replacement. Oregon City Dentistry offers an array of modern options to help you enjoy the look and feel of a full set of healthy teeth. 

 

Nearly 1 in 5 adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth, so you’re not alone. Replacing those teeth with dental implants or dentures will help you safely chew the foods you enjoy and get the nutrition you need. You’ll also gain confidence from being able to show a fresh smile. 

 

Dentures and dental implants are two popular tools that your Oregon City dentist can use to help you get back to feeling confident.

 

Not Your Grandma’s Dentures

 

Modern dentistry has come a long way, including the way dentures look and feel. If you’re missing some or all of your natural teeth, talk to your Oregon City dentist’s office about your options.

 

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. Oregon City Dentistry offers several different types of dentures, for full (all teeth, upper and lower) or partial replacement.

 

If you decide on dentures, Dr. Greenstein will make impressions and take measurements of your jaw. A model will be made, which you’ll have the opportunity to try for fit. After that, a final denture will be cast and adjustments made as needed.

 

Naturally, new dentures take a little getting used to. They might feel strange or loose for a few weeks as you learn how to remove and replace them. Eating with dentures may take a little practice.

 

You’ll need to continue to care for your oral health by brushing your gums and palate, as well as cleaning your dentures regularly as instructed. 

 

Dental Implants Look Just Like Your Natural Teeth

 

Dental implants replace tooth roots with titanium fixtures.  And they’re an increasingly popular way to replace damaged or missing teeth. 

 

Implants are surgically placed in your jawbone while you’re under anesthesia. After a healing period of 3-4 months to allow bone to re-grow around the post, a crown or denture is fitted to the implant.

 

One big advantage of dental implants is that they look and function like natural teeth. They’re not bulky like dentures, and they can last for a lifetime when cared for properly.

 

Dental implants might be the solution for you if you:

 

  • Have one or more missing teeth
  • Have adequate bone in your jaw, or are able to have a bone graft
  • Don’t have health conditions that affect bone healing
  • Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
  • Find your speech impaired by missing teeth or dentures
  • Are willing to commit several months to the process
  • Don’t smoke tobacco

 

If you are self-conscious about missing teeth or find dentures to be uncomfortable, ask your Oregon City dentist’s office if dental implants make sense for you.

 

What to Consider

When making a decision to replace teeth with dentures or dental implants, it’s important to have a detailed conversation with your dental professional. They’ll discuss the options and tell you if you’re a good candidate based on your lifestyle, bone structure in the mouth, and health history.

 

Dentures or dental implants? Oregon City dentist Dr. Greenstein will help you decide. Schedule your appointment today.