For quite some time, dental implants have been considered the gold standard of tooth replacement, capable of restoring lost teeth in terms of appearance and functionality. But if you’re unfamiliar with implants, you might find yourself asking: “How does this treatment option differ from dentures, and is it possible to upgrade from dentures to dental implants?” Continue reading below to learn more about dental implants and why it’s worth it to upgrade to this innovative solution, as well as a few things you can expect while doing so!
Why Make the Change from Dentures to Dental Implants?
Dentures are tried-and-true and have assisted countless generations of patients with missing teeth. Composed of a base (often made from acrylic) that’s set with lifelike replacement teeth, patients can use dentures to smile, talk, and eat with ease, making them a practical and affordable answer for those without all their natural teeth.
So what makes dental implants an even better option? Mainly, the benefits they can impart to the jawbone, as well as some other unique benefits. Here’s a closer look at a few:
- Dental implants replace the entire structure of missing teeth, from the root system to the crown. This leads to unrivaled stability and durability for decades; dentures, on the other hand, tend to become loose or ill-fitting after a couple of years. This doesn’t mean implants are just longer-lasting than dentures—it also means they’re more cost-effective.
- Since they’re directly implanted into the jawbone, dental implants stimulate it and encourage it to grow; dentures, on the other hand, cannot counteract the bone resorption that occurs following tooth loss.
- Dental implants actually look more like natural teeth than dentures and increase the amount of bite force that’s restored. This translates into an easier time eating, as well as speaking.
What Can I Expect When Transitioning from Dentures to Dental Implants?
In order to make the transition from dentures to dental implants, you’ll need to speak with your dentist first. Having missing teeth isn’t the sole qualifying factor for implant surgery; patients must also have adequate oral health and possess sufficient jawbone density, and to meet these benchmarks, sometimes preliminary procedures are necessary.
Once you’ve been cleared to receive implants and they’ve been placed, you’ll have to endure a recovery period of a few months. This doesn’t mean an extensive amount of downtime; rather, it means you’ll have to protect your implants as they heal and fuse with your jawbone. You’ll be placed on a soft-food diet, given special care instructions concerning your mouth, and provided with a list of guidelines and restrictions to ensure a smooth and stress-free recovery.
It’s also worth mentioning that when you receive implants, you likely won’t be able to reuse your old dentures; most patients will have a crown or bridge instead, or even implant-supported dentures. This new restoration is fairly easy to care for though, compared to dentures—dental implants can be cleaned just like your natural teeth!
So in short, it’s completely possible to make the change from dentures to dental implants—and not only is it possible, but it’s also often encouraged, given the numerous benefits that implants can offer! If you’re curious about whether your mouth can host dental implants and you’re ready to upgrade your quality of life, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist today.
About the Practice
The team at Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra has proudly served patients and families in the Alhambra, CA community for several years, offering a wide range of restorative services including both dentures and dental implants. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to schedule an appointment to see if you’re a potential candidate for dental implants, feel free to visit the practice’s website or call their team today for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (626) 289-6131.