Gum recession can make a huge difference on one’s ability to eat, speak, and smile with ease. For several decades, dentures have been the standard way of treating tooth loss. While numerous denture users suffer from pain, sliding, and issues chewing some food, modern dental technology means increasing numbers of people are choosing to swap dentures for dental implants.
But is it a change for you? In this full guide, we are going to consider everything you should know about denture replacement with dental implants, including the advantages, treatment, price, and considerations.
Understanding Dental Implants
A dental implant is a surgically placed titanium post in the jawbone and acts as an artificial root for a replacement tooth. The implant becomes anchored in the bone by a process of osseointegration over time, where the implant can withstand and support replacement teeth for years.
Dental implants can be employed to replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch of teeth. Current denture wearers can have full-arch dental implants or implant-supported dentures as an additional protection and natural-fitting option.
Why Make the Change from Dentures to Dental Implants?
Most people who wear traditional dentures have problems such as:
- Sliding or movement during eating or speaking
- Soreness or irritation of the gums
- Difficulty chewing food
- Loss of jawbone , and facial change
- Need for adhesives to retain dentures
With the transition to dental implants, patients can have permanent stability and a natural appearance for missing teeth. Let us find out more about the advantages.
Advantages of Dental Implants Compared to Dentures
Stability and Comfort
Unlike conventional dentures that sit on the gums and slip, dental implants are firmly placed into the jawbone. Stability eliminates slipping, soreness, and the use of adhesives.
Improved Chewing and Speaking Function
Dentures hinder easy chewing of hard or sticky foods and result in food restrictions. Implants allow patients to eat a wide variety of foods, including hard fruits and chewy meat.
Healthier Jawbone
Without the teeth, the jawbone begins to recede since it no longer receives any stimulation. Dentures prevent bone loss but not bone reduction. But dental implants function as roots of the tooth naturally, with the preservation of bone density and facial contours.
Long-Lasting Solution
Dental implants last a lifetime with proper maintenance, but dentures are replaced every 5-10 years because they wear away and even change the jawbone’s shape.
Better Esthetics
Implant-supported teeth look and feel more natural, and patients feel more confident with their smile.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Not all people are good candidates for dental implants. A thorough examination by a dentist needs to be conducted to establish candidacy. Some of the most important factors are:
- Adequate Bone Density: As the implant needs to be supported on a dense base, there needs to be enough jawbone density. In cases of extreme bone loss, bone grafting could be an option.
- Good Oral Tissue: A gum infection or active infection has to be cleared before implanting.
- General Health: Systemic diseases such as inadequately controlled diabetes or extensive smoking can impair healing and the success of implants.
- Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Regular care of the implants is needed, just like for natural teeth.
If you are not sure if you are a candidate for dental implants, talk to a dentist in Adelaide for a general consult.
Types of Dental Implants for Denture Replacement
If you currently have dentures and want a switch to implants, you have several options to choose from:
1. Implant-Supported Dentures
They are attached to a dental implant system but can still be removed for hygiene purposes. They are more secure than regular dentures but not costly.
2. All-on-4 Dental Implants
It is a procedure that supports the entire arch of teeth on only four implants alone. It is ideal for people with average bone loss and has a shorter recovery time.
3. One Implant for Every Missing Tooth
For the most natural solution, having every missing tooth replaced with an implant and crown is as close to having your own teeth as possible. But this is costly.
The Process of Replacing Dentures with Dental Implants
Denture replacement with implants is not that easy. It takes a number of steps. It may last several months, depending on the needs of the patient.
Step 1: Treatment Planning and Consultation
Your oral condition will be assessed by your dentist on X-rays or 3D images to review bone density and formulate the best implant plan for you.
Step 2: Preparation Procedures (optional)
If the jawbone has weakened because of long-time denture wear, bone grafting will need to be done to build up the bone so that it can support implants. This would increase recovery time for the procedure.
Step 3: Implant Insertion Surgery
During this brief procedure, titanium implants are placed in the jaw. Patients are usually given local anesthesia and temporary teeth upon recovery.
Step 4: Osseointegration and Healing
During the next 3 to 6 months, the implants will be a firm anchor as they fuse into the jawbone.
Step 5: Abutment and Final Prosthetic Tooth Placement
When the final stage of healing is reached, the connector pieces (abutments) are fitted to the implants and new crowns, bridges, or dentures supported by the implants are cemented in place.
Risks and Considerations
There is a very high success rate for dental implants, yet a few risks are associated with it:
- Infection: Good oral hygiene needs to be adhered to in order to avoid infection.
- Failure of the implant: The implant will not attach itself to the bone in some very rare cases.
- Cost: Implants cost more than dentures, yet it is a worthy investment in long-term oral health.
Having a trained practitioner, like Walsh Dental, can reduce risks and yield a successful result.
Keeping Dental Implants Healthy
Regular care must be taken to make implants successful. This includes:
- Brushing and flossing the teeth daily to avoid plaque buildup.
- Regular dental visits for cleaning and observation by a professional.
- Smoking avoidance to prevent gum disease and implant loss.
- Mouthguard use in the event that you grind your teeth while sleeping.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Swapping Dentures for Implants?
For others, a transition from a denture to an implant can be a quality-of-life, comfort, and functional upgrade that is revolutionary.
If you prefer dental treatment in Adelaide, consulting Dr. Thadsha, a qualified dentist in Adelaide at Walsh Dental, is the best way to explore your options.
Are you curious to learn if dental implants are the path for you? Book an appointment with Dr. Thadsha today and start on your way to a confident, stress-free smile!