Why do people choose dentures?

Dentures are an appealing choice to treat teeth loss for several reasons. They are –

• Removable Dentures are less challenging to obtain, and they typically take minor healing than a dental implant treatment.
• Most importantly, full dentures are far cheaper.

Why should people choose dental implants?

Though dentures are easier to get and cheaper than dental implants, dentures have significant drawbacks. They are bone loss, less patient compliance due to bulky structure, and additional adhesive to hold them in place. As a result of these drawbacks, patients get annoyed with their dentures and stop wearing them altogether. This would further comprise their jawbone and facial structure.

Changing from dentures to dental implants increases your dental well-being and your overall quality of life. Switching to dental implants has the following advantages:

• Dental implants do not slip out of your mouth, fits properly and while talking.
• Food will not get stuck under implants as it does with dentures. No more swollen gums or raw patches.
• You will be able to consume anything you want, including things that are tough to bite into or have tiny seeds (after the implant heals).
• Implants are similar to natural teeth. So, you don’t have to take the dental implant out to clean them and maintain them. 

Am I eligible to shift from dentures to dental implants?

You can consult with your dentist and discuss whether dental implants are the best option for you. At this visit, the dentist can take dental x-rays to assess the health of your jawbone. If you’ve had missing teeth and dentures for a long duration, you’ll also require a bone graft before getting dental implants.

How does the transitioning process from denture to dental implants happen?

If you wish to shift to implants (implant-supported dentures), you might need a bone graft first. When your teeth are extracted, your jawbone starts to diminish in size due to bone loss. This will alter the appearance of the face and makes placing implants more difficult. You will not have a successful implant operation if you do not have enough bone to hold the implant. So, you will have to consult your dentist to evaluate your condition and determine if bone grafting is needed.

If your dentist decides that you need bone grafts, they are usually done 4-6 months before dental implant surgery. You will get your implants after your bone graft has healed. Minor oral surgery is required to place dental implants in the jawbone. After making an incision in the gum, the implant screw is placed into the jawbone.

After the implants have been placed, you may need to follow a soft foods diet for the recovery period of around six months. The implants take 3-6 months to fuse completely with bone. During this time, it is critical to prevent putting undue pressure on the implants; otherwise, it would lead to implant failure. When the implants have bonded with the jawbone, the surgeon will advise you to resume your regular diet.

How should I care for dental implants?

Caring for an implant-supported denture differs from caring for a conventional denture. This is because implant-supported dentures are not removable, and they are the same as your regular teeth. The critical distinction between dental implants and natural teeth is that you must floss between the dental crown and implant. Your daily oral hygiene regimen of brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits remain the same. Oral health plays a key role in the success of implants.