Implant vs. Prosthetics: Which Option is Better for You?

The best option for dental prosthetics is usually determined together by the dentist and the patient.
Factors considered include the patient’s anatomical features, the number of teeth requiring prosthetics, the lifespan prognosis of the existing teeth, the patient’s preferences, and, of course, the financial possibilities of the patient.
The goal of dental prosthetics is to restore both aesthetics and function. Dental prosthetics must have a natural appearance and harmonize with the patient’s face to create a beautiful smile.

Today, these requirements are best met by dental implants. Implants can be used for single teeth or bridge prosthetics. In the case of a bridge prosthesis, more teeth are placed on 2 or more dental implants. For example, 3 to 4 teeth can be placed on 2 implants, depending on the patient’s anatomy and the number of missing teeth. Full restoration of the dental row is possible with 4 dental implants (4 on the bottom). If possible, more implants should be preferred for restoring the entire dental row.

There are different types of removable dentures. Compared to prosthetics based on dental implants, they perform worse in terms of aesthetics and function. They also take more time for the patient to get used to. They may shift in the mouth, and in some cases, prosthetic adhesives may be needed to improve their stability. In rare cases, even the adhesive may not guarantee the stability of a removable prosthesis. The stability of prosthetics can be improved by adding dental implants to which the removable prosthesis can be attached.

A strong recommendation is to always discuss and plan the dental prosthetics treatment before extracting teeth. If, for example, a removable prosthesis is planned with an additional dental implant for better fixation, it is now considered best to place the implant immediately after tooth extraction. This ensures less jawbone loss (which follows tooth extraction) and better stability of the future prosthesis.
For single tooth prosthetics, today the best option is a dental implant. A dental implant restores the missing tooth both aesthetically and functionally. Unlike a bridge prosthesis, it does not require grinding of adjacent teeth, ensuring their longer lifespan. Also, patients feel the dental implant in the mouth as a natural tooth.

If you need to have teeth prosthetized or if tooth extraction is planned, be sure to consult with your dentist to discuss the upcoming dental prosthetics. Together, you will find the best prosthetics option for you. HanzaDent Dentistry has experience in dental implant placement since 2005. We have thousands of satisfied patients and implanted and prosthetized teeth. Feel free to book a consultation!

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