Partial Dentures vs. Implants: How to Make the Right Choice

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When it comes to replacing lost teeth, you have a few different options. It can be not only confusing to learn about them, but also rife with pitfalls. After all, not every dentist will lay it all out on the table for you — especially if they’re driven more by profits than values. Here, we’ll look at how to choose between partial dentures and implants, and why it makes a difference.

What Are Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures are removable dental appliances that are held in place by your remaining natural teeth. A dentist in Onalaska, WI will typically use a base that matches your gum color and metal to hold the denture in place.

What Are Implants?

Implants are permanent artificial teeth, meaning they’re attached by an implant in your jaw. Because the metal post roots the crown, they’re stronger than partial dentures, meaning they’re more likely to hold up against wear and tear. Plus, you won’t have to worry about taking them out to clean and care for them.

Which One Is Better?

Dental implants in Onalaska, WI are typically the hands-down winner. This is because they’re as close to your natural teeth as you’re ever going to get, and they’re also more convenient than partial dentures. However, not everyone is eligible for implants, usually because their gums and jawbone aren’t healthy enough to handle the procedure.

If you’re curious about dental implants or partial dentures, contact the staff at Valley Dental. We can help you not only learn more about the procedures, but we can officially tell you which service is the right one for you. Plus, we may even be able to recommend a middle road option, like a dental bridge, if you’d prefer a third choice!

What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants 

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Are you curious about what happens when you get dental implants? These can be a great option for replacing missing teeth — but they usually involve surgery. At Valley Dental, our dentists in Onalaska, WI, offer dental implants as tooth replacement solutions for many patients. Here’s more on what takes place during the implant process, so you can understand what to expect!

Taking Dental Impressions

Dental implants typically have a post, abutment, and dental crown. Your artificial tooth or crown will look much like your natural tooth. We take impressions of your tooth and have a lab create your new crown.

Surgically Placing the Implant Post

Implant surgery involves having a metal post placed in your jaw. This procedure is necessary in order to make an anchor that securely holds your replacement tooth. We take precautions to keep you safe during this procedure and minimize the risk of complications.

Allowing the Jaw to Properly Heal

After surgery, we need to wait until the post fuses to your jaw tissue as it heals. This recovery period can take a few or more months to complete.

Placing the Abutment and Crown

When your jawbone is healed, you’ll come back to have the abutment attached to the post. Once it’s in place, we’ll put your new custom-made dental crown on to act as an artificial tooth.

Visit Our Dentists for a Dental Implant Consultation!

Ready to learn more about what to expect from this process? Our dentists at Valley Dental can provide you with details on each step involved when you’re getting dental implants in Onalaska, WI. If you’re still deciding on implants for tooth replacement, we can explore other options as needed! crowns.

4 Commonly Asked Questions (And Answers) About Implants

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A missing tooth can cause other teeth to shift, which can affect your bite, the appearance of your smile, and the overall health of your teeth. If you’re missing a tooth, then it’s important to fill the gap. Dental implants can help with this. If you’re interested in dental implants, your dentist in Onalaska, WI can help. Here’s what to know about dental implants.

1. What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that is inserted into the jaw and permanently fused with it, much like a natural tooth. Compared to other forms of prosthetic teeth, dental implants are the most similar to real teeth.

2. Who is a good candidate for a dental implant?

You’re a good candidate for a dental implant if you have a healthy jaw bone and good oral hygiene. The best candidates are people who don’t smoke because smoking can increase the risk that the implant will fail. If you have poor oral hygiene, your dentist may help you improve your oral hygiene before recommending implant surgery.

3. Do dental implants look natural?

Yes, dental implants look just like real teeth. It’s impossible to tell the difference between an implant and a real tooth, even from up close. Your dentist will install an implant that fits in the space perfectly, resembles the other teeth in your mouth, and is the same color as your other teeth.

4. Are dental implants permanent?

Dental implants in Onalaska, WI are a permanent part of your mouth, once installed. If you’re missing one teeth or several teeth, dental implants may be a good solution for you. Want to know more about implants and whether you’re a good candidate? Contact Valley Dental to make an appointment.

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

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While dentists offer a variety of solutions to improve your dental health, dental implants are one of the more popular treatments. However, while these dental devices are common, do you understand how they work?

In this post, we’ll discuss more about dental implants, including how they’re placed, how they work, and where you can find trusted dental implants in Onalaska, WI.

Why Choose a Dental Implant?

You may consider getting a dental implant if you lose a tooth or have one or more missing teeth. Adding an artificial tooth to this open space helps you maintain proper oral health. In fact, a dental implant looks and feels like a normal-functioning tooth. Dental implants are fixed into the jawbone, meaning you won’t have to deal with slipping or bone loss caused by dentures or bridges.

How the Process Works

First things first, you’ll need a comprehensive dental exam before receiving a dental implant. This involves x-rays, 3D imaging, and models made of your teeth and jaw. A dentist will also review your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. From there, a personalized treatment plan is developed.

Preparing for the Implant

Once the procedure begins, the dental professional will first remove the damaged tooth. The next step is bone grafting, which is only needed when the jawbone is too soft or not thick enough. A dentist will add bone graft material to the jawbone to create a solid base for the implant.

Placing the Implant

Once the jawbone is ready, which may take several months, the dentist will make an incision on your gums to expose the bone. Next, they will drill holes into the bone to place the implant metal post.

Placing the Abutment and Artificial Tooth

After the metal post is placed, an abutment is attached to the device. The abutment will hold the artificial tooth. Once the gums heal, the artificial tooth is attached to the abutment.

If you’re interested in dental implants or need more information, call Valley Dental today to work with the top dentist in Onalaska, WI

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622