Dental implants have many advantages over traditional dentures; they offer better stability, typically have longer lifespans, and allow you to eat a wider range of foods. As such, the idea of switching from traditional dentures to implant dentures can be a very attractive one. Before you begin this transition, however, you should make sure that you have an accurate idea of what will happen.
Qualifying and Preparing for Dental Implants
When you tell your periodontist that you’re interested in upgrading to implant dentures, they’ll need to make sure that you’re a candidate for dental implant placement. To do so, they’ll thoroughly examine your mouth and jaw, and they’ll carefully consider the current state of your oral health.
Note that people who have been wearing dentures for a while often don’t have enough bone in their jaws to support dental implant posts. Fortunately, this issue can often be corrected with a bone grafting procedure. You can count on your periodontist to let you know upfront whether bone grafting or other preliminary treatments will need to be completed before you can have dental implants placed.
Receiving Dental Implants
Dental implants are placed via a relatively simple surgical procedure. Your periodontist will take every step they can to keep you as comfortable as possible during the treatment; this includes numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic. The number of dental implants you receive can vary, but usually around four to six are required to support a full denture.
After the Surgery
Thanks to a process called osseointegration, your dental implants will gradually fuse with the bone around them. Until they do, you need to avoid putting too much pressure on them; this means only eating soft and liquid foods until your mouth and jaw have fully recovered. Once osseointegration is complete, it will be time to place the final prosthesis. It may or may not be possible to reuse your original dentures for this step; your periodontist will let you know what they recommend based on your needs.
Enjoying the Benefits of Implant Dentures
Transitioning from traditional dentures to implant dentures can take months, but the long-term benefits are well worth it. Not only will you be able to enjoy a more varied diet, but you’ll no longer have to worry about your prosthesis slipping out of place when you’re trying to speak. On top of that, implant dentures look and feel very natural, which can help you feel more confident about your smile.
Are you interested in upgrading from traditional dentures to dental implants? Don’t be afraid to take the first step and talk to your periodontist. You can count on them to help you make the choice that’s right for your smile.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman studied dentistry at Temple University before going to the University of Tennessee for his Masters of Dental Surgery in periodontology. He is a well-regarded member of the periodontal community and belongs to several notable organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology. At Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester, he offers dental implants for rebuilding his patients’ smiles. If you are interested in switching from traditional dentures to implant dentures, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Handsman by visiting his website or calling (508) 753-5444.
