Modern dentures are more functional and attractive than ever before. However, they still have some major drawbacks. That is why many people are thinking about switching from dentures to dental implants. Are you one of them? If so, you might be curious about what you can expect during the journey in front of you. What exactly is the treatment process like, and how do dentures compare to dental implants? This blog post provides some helpful information.
Before You Get Dental Implants
If you lost your natural teeth a while ago, you may have also lost some bone density and volume in your jawbone. Because of that, you might need a bone graft before you can move ahead with dental implants. Some patients also need other preliminary procedures, such as gum disease treatment. Once your mouth is healthy and able to support dental implants, your oral surgeon may approve you to move forward with the implant procedure.
Implant Placement and Recovery
Dental implants act as prosthetic tooth roots, so you will need to undergo a surgery to have them placed in your jawbone. Your care team will strive to make you comfortable during this process. You should feel normal within just a few weeks after the procedure. However, it may take several months for your bone to heal. During that time, a process known as osseointegration should take place. It is the biological means that allows dental implants to bond with the surrounding tissue, enabling them to provide a sturdy base for artificial teeth.
Receiving and Using Your New Teeth
After adequate osseointegration has occurred, you will receive your beautiful new implant denture. (In some cases, a regular denture can be adapted to work with implants, but it is more likely that you will need a whole new restoration). Your new denture might be permanently attached to your implants, or it might snap onto and off of small connector pieces on your implants.
Here are some important notes to keep in mind as you start using your new implant-supported teeth:
- Implants are stronger than dentures, so you should be able to eat virtually any food after you adapt to using your new teeth. Even foods that were off-limits with dentures may be easy for you to consume.
- You might notice increased saliva production, similar to what you may have experienced when you first got your traditional denture.
- Oral hygiene is vital for dental implants, so be sure to have a good routine of cleaning your mouth and your prosthetic teeth. If you have a fixed denture, you may need to use a water flosser to clean beneath it and around your implants.
Switching from dentures to dental implants can be a lengthy process, but the rewards are worth it! Talk to a qualified care provider to learn more about how you can upgrade your smile.
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Katy/Cypress, Drs. Steve Koo and William Shepard provide a broad range of dental implant services. If you are struggling to thrive with traditional dentures, our team would be happy to consult with you and advise you on your next steps. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, get in touch with our office at 832-353-1100.