Implant or Prosthesis?
Research tells us that 70% of adults over the age of 35 lose at least one tooth for different reasons (infection, trauma, wrong treatment, etc.). Of course, tooth loss naturally increases with advancing age. In summary, experiencing tooth loss has become normal at all ages.
You had to choose between implant and prosthesis treatments for the treatment of your tooth loss and you are having a hard time deciding; You are now at the right address. In this article, we will explain in detail the differences between dental implant and prosthesis treatments; We will try to help you decide on the best treatment for you.
What Causes Tooth Loss?
Conditions that can cause loss or permanent damage to teeth include:
- Inadequate oral care
- Rotten teeth
- Gum (Periodontal) diseases
- Traumas (Injuries or accidents)
- Unbalanced or incomplete nutrition
- Genetic factors
- Use of tobacco products or alcohol
With tooth loss, both functional and aesthetic difficulties may arise in people. Functional problems caused by not being able to bite while eating and drinking are accompanied by resorption of the jaw bone and secondary problems in chewing and digesting. If we add the negative consequences of incomplete understanding resulting from not being able to pronounce words fully while speaking, the functional dimension of what is happening can be understood.
The psychological aspect of missing teeth is also an important topic that needs to be addressed. Because the psychological consequences of not being able to smile sometimes affect patients emotionally more than functional problems.
In this case, we have two different alternative treatment options to fill the gap and normalize dental functions: Dental implants and prostheses. Which treatment is applied depends on the patient’s specific situation. The first thing those who are missing teeth should do is to be convinced that these gaps must be filled.
If you waste time making this decision, you leave the door open to new losses. How will these gaps be filled from now on? is to find the correct answer to the question. In this article, we will discuss whether an implant or a prosthesis will be placed in the space in our mouth. We will examine the factors that need to be taken into account on how to find the most accurate answer to the question.
Implants and bridge prostheses have been preferred and used safely for many years in the treatment of missing teeth. It is not possible to say that one of these two treatment methods is superior to the other under all circumstances. Both approaches; It is necessary to compare the advantages and disadvantages of different patients and different situations.
Although implants are becoming increasingly common today, it is in the nature of the process to be indecisive when comparing them with prosthesis. The most important threshold for making the right decision; It is the objective and impartial evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of treatments in a personalized manner.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an innovative, contemporary and healthy solution applied to the gap in our mouth caused by missing teeth. Dental implants are generally produced from titanium (albeit a little zirconium). They are functionally screw-like artificial (artificial) tooth roots. Dental implants form a strong physical infrastructure by fusing with the jawbone, like natural tooth roots. They are placed on the jawbone by local (regional-partial) anesthesia, with the help of devices specially produced for this purpose, and by surgical methods. The teeth made of porcelain or zirconium attached to these roots look like our natural teeth when viewed from the outside. Functionally, results closest to natural teeth are obtained.
Titanium is a material that is very compatible with human biology. Dental implants are very successful in protecting teeth and gums in the treatment of missing teeth. Dental implants provide very compatible results in terms of speech, chewing and smile aesthetics. With proper care, it is the only dental treatment that is guaranteed to last a lifetime. Dental implants are more costly than dentures (Palate). However, when divided over a long period of time, taking into account its lifetime use, it can be seen that it covers its initial high cost.
Application and Treatment Process of Dental Implants
Dental implant treatments; It usually consists of several stages. Although rare, it is possible to install the implant and the tooth on it on the same day. However, this option is not common enough to be applied to every patient. On average, the dentist can place an implant in 10-20 minutes. Often patients can return to work or other activities the next day. After this stage, the stitches inside the mouth are removed. If a self-dissolving stitch (suture) has been placed, this is not necessary. We move on to the stage that causes the implant application to take a long time.
At this stage, the implant and the jawbone are expected to fuse with each other (osteointegration). This period is on average 3 months. Patients with osteoporosis and those with general health conditions (diabetics, hormone intake, etc.) may wait longer. This period can sometimes take up to 6-12 months.
After this, we move on to the stage where the tooth to be placed on the implant is made. For this purpose, first the parts that will ensure compatibility between the implant and the teeth to be placed on it are placed in the mouth. This period is on average 5-10 days. After this, it is time to take measurements. After the impression is taken, permanent teeth are placed in the mouth between 5-15 days.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental Implant Treatments Do Not Affect Neighboring Teeth
Considering oral and dental health, should you get a dental implant or a prosthesis? The most realistic answer to the question is of course dental implant. The most commonly used method in prosthetic dental treatments is bridge treatments. When applying bridge treatments, we must take into account the damage caused by abrasion on other adjacent teeth. During bridge treatments, the prosthesis is placed in the gap and the adjacent teeth are cut to make them suitable.
The prosthetic tooth is glued onto two adjacent teeth. However, this is not required for the placement of an implant-supported prosthesis. Therefore, the most important advantage between implant and prosthetic treatments is that other adjacent teeth are not damaged.
Dental Implants Have a Lifetime Guarantee
When we consider the duration of use, a significant difference emerges between implant and prosthesis applications. Prosthetic applications last between 5-10 years on average, depending on personal oral care and application quality. The other most important criterion that determines the duration of the treatment is the health of the adjacent teeth to which the prosthesis is attached. On the other hand, in implant applications, a lifetime warranty is given for the root part.
This issue is generally interpreted as meaning that all treatment is guaranteed for life. Implant-supported dentures or zirconium coatings remain in the mouth depending on many factors, especially personal care. Therefore, a lifetime warranty cannot be given.
Implant is the Alternative Most Compatible with Natural Teeth
Implant or prosthesis? Another criterion that determines the answer to the question is the natural feeling and harmony felt in the mouth. Implant teeth promise a completely natural and aesthetic appearance. Implant-supported teeth are applied by taking measurements of the space and bone structure before application. Since prosthetic teeth are glued to other adjacent teeth, it is more difficult to achieve a natural appearance. In addition, when the neighboring teeth that support the prosthesis decay, the naturalness of the prosthetic teeth will also deteriorate.
Implants Are Functionally Perfect
When comparing implant and prosthesis applications, it is necessary to take functionality into account. Since prosthetic teeth are placed in a position closest to the missing tooth, they often make the patient feel like a stranger. This incompatibility causes patients to not have the comfort of their natural teeth during chewing and speaking. On the other hand, there is no such risk in implant-supported teeth. Implant-supported teeth, which adapt to the mouth very quickly, are as functional as natural teeth.
Implants are Easy to Maintain
Care and cleaning of implant-supported teeth is as easy as our natural teeth. It can be easily cleaned by brushing.
Implants Prevent Bone Loss
Implants not only protect the jawbone, they stimulate and protect the natural bone tissue. Thanks to the screws placed in the jawbone, the jawbone receives normal pressure and becomes stronger over time.
Advantages of Bridge Prostheses
Ease of Application
The application protocol can be completed with a few visits planned between 5-15 days. It does not require a surgical procedure. In implant treatments, this period can sometimes extend up to 12 months. In addition, implant treatments require professional harmony since both the surgeon and the prosthetist are involved in the process.
Risk of Complications is Low
Since no surgery is performed during the treatment, there is no risk of complications. Since surgical procedures are performed with regional anesthesia in implant treatments, there is a low risk of infection.
Jaw bone resorption is not an obstacle for treatment
For implant treatments, it is necessary to have a certain density of bone in the jawbone. If this density cannot be found, the surgery becomes more complicated and the time is longer. However, there is no such prerequisite for prosthetic treatments.
It is economical
Although bridge prostheses need to be replaced periodically depending on age, their initial costs are lower than implant treatments.
Implant Treatment Takes Longer
It is possible to say that among the differences between implant and prosthesis, the only disadvantage of implant treatment is the treatment duration. However, when it comes to treatment duration, a similar situation arises with implant and prosthesis prices. Although implant treatment takes longer, it promises longer-lasting and more durable use. For this reason, once it is built, it is very rare that the need for renewal occurs throughout a lifetime. On the other hand, in prosthesis treatment, the health of both the prosthesis and other teeth may frequently require replacement.
Implant Treatment for a Permanent Solution
The answer to the question of implant or prosthesis actually varies depending on what kind of solution the patient wants. If you need a short-term but faster and lower-cost solution, it is possible to choose prosthesis treatment. On the other hand, it should not be forgotten that even if you prefer prosthetic treatment at the beginning, you may eventually need to resort to implant treatment as the supporting teeth lose their function over time. Therefore, when we look at the differences between implant and prosthetic treatments, it would not be wrong to say that implant treatment stands out with permanent solutions.
In our article, we answered questions such as what are the differences between implant and prosthesis, implant or prosthesis, which is the better solution for your dental health. If you want to learn more about the differences in implant prosthesis, you can make an appointment with our dentists and start the most appropriate treatment for your oral and dental health in a short time.
Implant or Prosthesis?
The following personal criteria should be taken into consideration when choosing between these treatments, which have been used successfully for years for the same purpose:
Your age
In implant treatments, older patients are at greater risk because they do not have the physical conditions required for implant treatment. However, it is more comfortable for a person of the same age to have a prosthesis.
Detailed investigations may be required regarding the general health status of an elderly individual with a completely toothless mouth. If you have chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure that may prevent you from having an implant, your choice should be closer to the prosthesis alternative. Despite everything, implants can be applied successfully at older ages in individuals whose systematic health problems are under control.
Jawbone density
The basic anatomical qualification for the application of implant treatments is jaw bone density. For this purpose, your situation is evaluated with panoramic x-ray or tomography if necessary. Implant placement in patients with low bone density requires additional surgical protocols. Both the treatment time increases and the cost increases. If both the prolongation of time and the increase in cost will exceed your expectations and budget, you can choose prosthetic treatments. If it is assumed that the implants will remain in the mouth for a lifetime, this will occupy minds before making a decision.
Oral Hygiene
The mouth is a very dynamic environment and requires constant care. Some types of dentures must be removed from the mouth and cleaned with appropriate solutions before sleeping. If care is not taken, the mouth can become an environment prone to infections.
If you think that you will not pay the necessary attention to oral care, it would be better to choose implant treatment. However, it should not be forgotten that implant teeth should be brushed just like natural teeth.
Desire for a Natural Look
The most important difference between prosthesis and implant treatments is the expectation of comfort. When viewed from the outside, the implant undoubtedly looks more natural. Additionally, if you want to experience a natural feeling while chewing and biting, the implant will be the best choice for you.
