4 Facts About Transitioning from Dentures to Dental Implants

August 23, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — John Owen @ 4:02 am

Woman holding apple after transitioning to dental implantsAre you ready to toss your denture adhesives in the trash because you’re finally investing in dental implants? That’s great! You’re never going to have to worry about any slipping or irritation again because 4-10 dental implants will anchor your denture to your jawbone. You’ll benefit from unmatched stability using a nearly perfect replica of your real teeth; however, they won’t feel like your dentures. There’s going to be a bit of an adjustment period. Here’s what you can expect when making the transition from dentures to dental implants.

1. Say goodbye to denture annoyances.

When you first treated your missing teeth, dentures were likely appealing because they provided quick results that accommodated your budget. After the excitement of your new smile wore off, a few denture annoyances likely set in. They require a lot of maintenance, and they must be replaced every few years. You’ll never deal with those issues again. Although you’ll need oral surgery and the process may take longer, you’ll gain a solution that’s proven to last for decades if you take the time to care for them like you would your real teeth.

2. Mimic your natural teeth.

Titanium posts are surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as tooth roots. They’ll stimulate your bone to encourage new growth. Your bone will fuse to them through a process called osseointegration to provide exceptional support. You won’t need to worry about your teeth falling out when you’re laughing or skipping a juicy steak next time you eat out. Implant dentures will never move from position, so you won’t even deal with food particles getting trapped underneath them. You’ll regain as much as 70% of your biting force for stability you can trust.

3. You might need bone grafting.

Losing even a single tooth can cause your jawbone to shrink by as much as 25% within the first year. Significant tooth loss can leave the jaw severely weakened, which means it won’t be able to support dental implants. As a result, your implant dentist may recommend bone grafting to enhance the jaw’s thickness. Although this isn’t needed with traditional dentures, bone grafting can be crucial for the long-term success of your new smile.

4. You can’t use your old dentures.

Your old dentures can’t be used along with dental implants because they aren’t constructed from good enough material. Your new teeth will be carefully crafted to meet your exact specifications. You’ll have exceptional comfort because special attachments will connect your new denture to your posts.

You don’t need to settle for less than the best. There will be a small learning curve, but in no time at all, you’ll forget your dental implants aren’t your real teeth.

About Dr. Jay Owen

Dr. Owen earned his dental degree from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry before continuing his training in advanced techniques, like IV sedation, dental implants, and bone grafting. He can treat the most complex cases of tooth loss. Contact our office today to see if dental implants are right for you.