Understanding dental implants vs. dentures

So, you may wonder, what’s the difference between dental implants and dentures? While both options can replace missing teeth, there are some key differences. Dr. Shivani Gupta and her team at Peninsula Dental Implant Center in San Carlos, California, is a dentist ready to educate patients on their options for addressing tooth loss.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants involve placing a small titanium post into the jawbone, to which a replacement tooth is attached. This mimics the structure of a natural tooth more closely, as it integrates with the bone and provides stable support for biting and chewing. Dental implants can also last many years with proper care, whereas dentures may need to be replaced every 5-10 years. However, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants due to factors such as jawbone density and overall health.

What are dentures?

On the other hand, dentures are removable replacements that rest on the gums and are held in place by adhesive. Dentures may include partial dentures, full or complete dentures, and implant-retained dentures. Because of the variety, patients have a few different options within the field of dentures. Partial dentures replace one or more teeth, while full complete dentures replace all the teeth. These are held in place with metal clasps, natural suction, or denture adhesives.

What about a combination of the two?

The only alternative is implant-retained dentures, in which both implants and dentures are combined for the ultimate solution to full tooth loss. Dental implants are placed along the jawbone and then used to hold a full denture in place. This is a reliable way to replace missing teeth using the benefits of each option to its advantage.

Which dental restoration is best for me?

Ultimately, you will need to discuss your options with Dr. Shivani Gupta of Peninsula Dental Implant Center to determine the best solution for your individual needs and goals.

If you live in Palo Alto, CA, and neighboring areas and want to speak with our providers about implants, dentures, or implant-retained dentures, call (650) 232-7650 to request an appointment at the practice located at 1201 St. Francis Way, San Carlos.

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