Implants vs. dentures?

Dear friends,

I'm overwhelmed by your kind, generous, and thoughtful response since my initial appeal to you to help Teddy. Some of you have asked why we chose implants instead of dentures, especially as dentures are a much cheaper option.

Let's make sure we all start on the same page since a lot of this teeth lingo is new to me too!

• Dentures: removable false teeth 

• Implants: a metal post (like a tooth root) surgically positioned into the jawbone to allow the mounting of a replacement tooth. An implant does not come loose like a denture can. 

The dentist presented both dentures and implants as possible options of dealing with Teddy's missing front teeth. He showed us pictures and models of each option. The main advantage of dentures is its cheaper cost. However, dentures can slip out of place while eating or speaking and partial dentures can increase the risk of infection and decay in other teeth if not fitted properly. There are advantages and disadvantages to dental implants as well. Implants can last for 25 years or more without the need for replacement if the patient has healthy gums and jaw and good oral hygiene. The dentist also said the success rate was especially high (>90%) if the patient does not have risk factors, such as smoking, pregnancy, or diabetes. However, dental implants are exponentially more expensive than dentures.

Dr. Chapman thought Teddy would be an excellent candidate for dental implants. She had healthy gums and bones upon visual inspection, good oral hygiene (no history of cavities), and no major risk factors (e.g., smoking, diabetes, pregnancy).

Teddy and I discussed the two options - considering costs, length and pain associated with the procedures (dentures would be relatively fast and painless), and how each option would affect her quality of life. Teddy expressed sadness if she needed to wear dentures at age 25. She understood she would eventually learn to speak clearly with dentures on. However, she felt like this was one more reminder of how the assault has changed her life incontrovertibly. She felt that implants would at least help her feel like she got "real teeth" back.

SO - long story short - we decided to choose implants over dentures because Teddy was an excellent candidate for implants clinically and we believe she could benefit more - emotionally, quality of life wise at her current young age of 25 years - from implants than dentures.

We recognize that dental implants require careful daily dental hygiene and long-term maintenance (e.g., annual visits to the dentist) but I truly believe Teddy can do this. I mean, it's pretty amazing to me that she has no cavities and she's 25 years already! Also, the 35,000 UGX for the annual dental visit to check the bone and implants is something she and her family can realistically raise and follow through on...

Anyway... I just wanted to share our thought process.

Many thanks for listening!
Sharon