Your oral health is associated with your overall health. Any dental issue should be treated immediately before it leads to digestive issues, cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, or other health issues. Missing teeth can be considered a dental issue. You could lose a tooth not only because of an oral health problem and not getting a tooth replacement can cause further issues with the rest of your teeth like decay, tooth loss, and misaligned bite. 

By replacing your missing teeth, the function of your teeth is restored and you minimize your risk of suffering from health complications. Also, it can help maintain your facial structure, improve your quality of life, and increase your confidence. However, with many tooth replacement options available, you may wonder which one is best for you. Usually, you may need to choose between dentures and implants. Thankfully, a family dentist in Upland, CA can walk you through the pros and cons of each option and help you make a choice depending on some factors.  

Dental Implants versus Dentures

Whether you should get implants or dentures depends on some factors unique to you. For instance, if you compare both options, dental implants are the best choice in terms of health benefits, function, convenience, and comfort. However, if you want a low-cost solution you can take advantage of right away, dentures may be a better choice. 

Factors to Consider 

Here are factors you must take into account when deciding between dental implants and dentures:

• Surgical versus non-surgical. When you get a dental implant, you undergo a surgical procedure as it needs to be inserted into your jawbone. Over time, the implant will fuse to the bone and create a sturdy anchor for your prosthetic tooth. Meanwhile, dentures do not involve surgery. 
• Time. Completing the implant process takes time. Once the implant is placed, it can take at least six months for it to fuse to the jawbone. If you do not have enough bone density, you may undergo a bone graft procedure before the implant can be placed. This adds more time to the implant process. In some instances, the dental implant process can be completed for at least a year. But getting dentures is a shorter process.
• Health benefits. A dental implant replaces your entire tooth, including the root. This affects your oral and overall health and facial aesthetics. Without a tooth root, your jawbone starts to atrophy, causing the rest of your teeth to move towards the created gap and loosen. Also, this can change the shape of your face. The implant itself is the replacement for your missing tooth root, stimulating jawbone growth, keeping you looking young, and supporting your oral health.