Denture or Implant?

[Jacob H]

Hello

My front tooth recently fractured and my dentist said that the tooth needs to be removed. He has given me the options of a denture or an Implant to replace the tooth once its removed. Apparently a bridge would not be a good idea because it would involve using the teeth next door and I didn't want them to be shaved down.

I would like a ask you a few questions regarding dentures and Implants. Are dentures the things that are put in and taken out of the mouth? Are dentures similar to what my grandparents put in and take out? Can dentures fall out when I am speaking or out with friends?

Are implants fixed to the jaw? Are dental implants the teeth that look like natural teeth? Am I right in thinking that implants are not removed at night but dentures are removed at night?

[Dr Vahid Motahar]

Hi,

Thank you for your question.

You are correct about the differences between denture and implant. Denture or removable prosthesis are the what is usually made from plastic or metal and plastic. They are removable and they can be difficult to tolerate and use and eat with as you have mentioned.

Implants are fixed prosthesis. Thus they are not removable and they remain put in your mouth. It is not like dentures that can come out while you speak or you eat. Implants are designed to resemble natural teeth as closely possible and so they do. In terms of aesthetic and comfort and function and usefulness, implants and dentures are couple of planets apart and hence implants being a bit more expensive than dentures.