Many residents in Macquarie, Belconnen, and surrounding suburbs are often sceptical about choosing implants or dentures to replace missing teeth. You’ve come to the right place. Loss of a tooth or even several teeth is very common, and this can happen at any age. Not only it’s hard to eat, speak, and smile confidently in public when you’ve missing teeth, but it also impacts your general oral health and leads to changes in your face structure if you don’t replace them for a long time.
At Macquarie Dental Care, we believe in helping you make informed decisions. Read till the end as this blog talks you through everything you need to know about restorative dentistry and tooth replacement options. Choosing one option isn’t that straightforward — it depends on multiple factors, as well as your dentist’s advice on which option suits you best.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are basically removable devices used to replace missing teeth. A denture consists of a base, often called a plate, which is made of a pinkish-coloured material known as acrylic. Then artificial teeth are attached to this base. Sometimes metal is also added to dentures to enhance strength. There are 2 types of dentures:
- Complete dentures — used when all of the teeth are lost.
- Partial dentures — used when one or only a few teeth are missing.
For our patients in Bruce, Kaleen, and Lawson, we provide custom dentures designed to restore both function and aesthetics comfortably.
Pros of Dentures
- Getting dentures is a painless and non-invasive procedure. This means no surgical intervention is needed to put them on.
- They are initially more affordable when compared to implants.
Cons of Dentures
- More maintenance is required.
- They need to be replaced every few years.
- They tend to be uncomfortable in the start and may require time to get adjusted to.
- They may crack or accidentally break.
- They don’t prevent bone loss. The base plate actually sits on the gums, increasing bone resorption (bone loss) over time.
Dentures may seem to have a low upfront cost at first. Although frequent maintenance and replacement may actually increase their overall cost and make them less favourable in the long run.
What are Implants?
Implants are fixed devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. An implant consists of a titanium screw inserted into the jawbone, which is then later covered with a crown. It’s the latest technology, which has a really good success rate. Dr Sandeep Peddi and our team utilise 15+ years of experience to ensure these procedures are handled with the highest level of care for our Belconnen patients.
Pros of Implants
- The biggest benefit of dental implants is that it prevents bone loss. Since the titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone, it just acts as a normal tooth root would. Once the screw is in place, the process of osseointegration (direct connection between the titanium screw and jawbone) starts, leading to continuous bone growth. This mechanism prevents jawbone resorption frequently observed with dentures.
- Implants give a more natural feel, increasing comfort and adaptability.
- Implants have more longevity because they last longer, even an entire lifetime if taken care of properly.
- They have a more natural appearance.
Cons of Implants
- Implants require an invasive procedure. That means you’ll need to undergo a surgical procedure if you want to get an implant.
- They are expensive.
- The overall time duration of treatment is long because of the healing time period.
The Procedure — Dental Implants Vs. Dentures
Dentures are the traditional way of replacing lost teeth that has been in practice for ages. The procedure is relatively simple. Your dentist will first take an impression of your mouth and then send it to the laboratory where your dentures will be made. It’s a painless, non-invasive procedure that doesn’t require any sedation or surgical intervention. If a tooth is currently failing, our team also provides gentle tooth extractions to prepare your mouth for your new smile.
Implants, on the other hand, need surgical intervention. The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthesia. Your dentist will make a cut in your gum, drill into your jawbone, and then insert the titanium screw (technically known as a post) into place. Your dentist will then stitch the gum back into place and wait for the healing and osseointegration, which may take several months (3 to 6 months on average). Once it has been healed and anchored to the jawbone nicely, your dentist will perform another small surgery to expose the post and attach a small connector to it. Next, you’ll have to wait again for a couple of weeks to allow the gums to heal. Finally, impressions will be taken to custom-make your crown, which’ll then be attached to the connector.
Dental Implants Vs. Dentures — The Comparison
| Implants | Dentures |
| A more natural feel since the start | Require time to adjust and feel normal again |
| Don’t affect speech and eating | Need a lot of practice and time to chew and speak normally |
| Invasive procedure (requires surgery) | Non-invasive and painless |
| Long-lasting with good aftercare | Replacement is required every 5 to 8 years |
| Expensive | Cost-effective |
| Prevent jawbone resorption | Don’t prevent bone resorption |
| Permanently secured | May slip out of place |
What to Expect Afterwards
Dentures
After getting your dentures, you’ll need some time to get accustomed to them. Initially, speaking and eating with your dentures on will feel difficult. Your taste sensation will also be a little compromised because the denture base covers your palate for support. But the good news is that with practice and time, people report good adjustment and adaptability.
Implants
You’ll be able to go home right after the procedure. Take good rest until the effects of local anaesthesia wear off. You can expect some light bleeding for the first couple of days. Most people are able to resume normal activities on the next day. However, it’s recommended to avoid strenuous activities for some days.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Choosing what’s right for you doesn’t depend on a single factor. Various factors come into play, such as your lifestyle, jawbone health, choice for a surgical procedure, and whether you want to invest more in a permanent and long-term solution or are just looking for an affordable, short-term missing teeth solution.
Our experienced team at Macquarie Dental Care can evaluate your condition and recommend the ideal solution for you. We regularly welcome patients from across the Belconnen region, including Weetangera, Cook, Aranda, and Evatt.
If you are looking for a check-up and clean or a full smile restoration, don’t wait. Macquarie Dental Care in Macquarie is here to help. Our experienced team, led by Dr Sandeep Peddi, provides personalized tooth replacement options to patients across North Canberra.Book your appointment online today to consult on what’s the best option for you.
