If you’ve been wearing dentures for a while, you already know their limitations—the slipping, the adhesives, the dietary restrictions. For many patients, there comes a point where they start wondering if there’s something better. Fortunately for them, there is! Keep reading to learn about dental implants and how denture wearers can make the switch.
Why Should You Drop the Dentures?
There’s nothing wrong with dentures, practically. They replace the visible part of your teeth and can be an affordable way to reclaim your quality of life. However, they have some definitive quirks that can leave much to be desired. They also don’t have a way to stimulate your jawbone to keep it full, strong, and healthy.
Without root stimulation, your jawbone gradually deteriorates, changing your facial structure and causing your prosthetics to fit less securely over time. Dental implants solve this at the source. The titanium posts act as tooth roots, stimulating the bone and preserving its density.
Are You a Candidate?
A few factors determine whether implants are right for you, such as:
- Good Overall Health: Unmanaged conditions, like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, can make healing more difficult.
- Adequate Bone Density: Wearing dentures for a long time often leads to bone loss, and there’s a certain density that implants need to stay sturdy.
- Healthy Gums: Gum disease can complicate the implant procedure in multiple ways.
- Willingness to Stop Certain Habits: Smoking, vaping, and heavy alcohol use can damage your oral tissues, slow healing, and raise the risk of implant failure.
Implants aren’t for everyone, but if you’re not a candidate and want to be, there’s almost always a path forward.
What Are Your Options?
Two paths are worth knowing about for full-arch replacement:
- Implant Dentures: These anchor a full set of teeth to four to six implant posts, offering the look of a traditional denture with far greater stability. They can be removable or fixed.
- All-On-4: A more advanced treatment that uses four strategically angled implants to support a complete arch. This is often completed in a single visit, and works well even for patients with some degree of bone loss.
What’s the Timeline?
After your consultation and any prep work you may need, the implant posts are placed and given three to six months to fuse with the bone. Once this process, known as osseointegration, is complete, the final restoration is attached. It’s a longer process than getting dentures, but the results are well worth the wait.
If you’ve been wearing dentures and want to know whether implants are a realistic next step, a consultation is the place to start. Your dentist can give you a thorough examination, explain your options, and help you restore your smile.
About The Author
Dr. James Kirby earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis, where he was awarded the Harold S. Cloogman Scholarship for academic performance. He has a particular passion for dental implant restoration and cosmetic dentistry, offering exceptional care at Green Hills Dental Center. Call (615) 327-2123 to get started today.