Many people resort to using dentures instead of dental implants in managing tooth loss. Dentures may restore the look of the lost tooth or teeth, but they do not compare to implants. Many dentists may recommend shifting to implants. The goals are to increase comfort and improve function. If you want to know how to get dental implants in place of dentures, here are the details.
Bringing in dental implants in place of dentures
People who have used dentures for years may have bone loss in the areas of missing teeth. This may call for bone grafting before dental implant surgery. Complete healing must take place first before the titanium rod goes in. In some cases, dentists place the rod during bone grafting.
The implant should fuse with the bone and surrounding tissues. The titanium rod will act as the replacement dental root. Complete healing from the implant surgery will signal the placement of the abutment. The dental crown will follow after two weeks.
The right time
Dentures are easy to get, but this is a short-term solution to tooth loss. That is why many patients want to replace theirs with dental implants. These restorations can last for several years. A permanent dental replacement has the function, look, and feel of natural teeth. The right time to get implants is when the individual wants to have more stable, comfortable, and esthetically pleasing restorations.
Some patients may want to have dental implants for at least one tooth. They may have tooth loss in different points of the dental arch. Others may want to have full arch implants. These restorations will replace most of the teeth or the entire dental arch. The number of missing teeth does not matter. Dental implants will provide a better restoration experience.
Those in need of implant-retained dentures
People who need implant-retained dentures are those who need a full-arch restoration. The support for this kind of dental replacement will depend on several implants. The dentist will place the titanium rods in strategic areas of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. This type of denture will have the feel, look, strength, and function of natural teeth.
How these restorations work
Implant-supported dentures can be ball-retained or bar-retained. The denture will have an acrylic base. This will resemble the gums. The prosthetic teeth attach to the acrylic base. Ball-retained dentures attach to the dental implants with ball-shaped attachments. Bar-retained dentures have clips in the dentures, the bar, or even both.
After the dental implant surgery
The recovery process may hold some people from changing their restorations to dental implants. Any type of surgery results in swelling and some pain, which pain relievers can tone down. Following the dentist’s post-surgical care instructions will keep complications away. Practicing proper oral care and maintaining a soft diet for a while can help prevent pain and infections.
Caring for implant-supported dentures
These restorations are much like natural teeth. Caring for them is like caring for natural teeth. Brushing and flossing every day can remove the plaque from the surfaces of the dentures and around the implants. Removing them can prevent infections and implant failure.
The dentures can harbor stains if the individual does not care for them that much. These restorations can discolor faster if the cleaning is not constant. Using non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush for cleaning can prevent scratches on the prosthetics. A water flosser with an implant brush can remove the food particles and debris better than regular dental floss.
Soaking removable, snap-on implant-supported dentures is important. The solution disinfects the artificial teeth overnight. The soak also keeps the dentures soft and ready for the next day. This daily practice can make the dentures more comfortable to wear.
Seeing the dentist every six months can help maintain the good condition of these restorations. This also helps the dentist see how the surrounding tissues are developing around them. Routine dental inspections can help detect any signs of periodontal disease. This will allow the dentist to provide immediate treatment. The immediate gum disease treatment can prevent the infection from reaching the dental implants, which can result in implant failure.
Shifting to dental implants will be a leap from your dentures
Dentures are good dental replacements at first. As the years pass, the jawbone deteriorates. This leads to the loosening of these removable restorations. Stopping the discomfort and embarrassment of wearing dentures is possible by getting dental implants. Your dentist will determine if you are a good candidate for this permanent dental restoration.
Are you considering getting dental implants in the New York area? Get more information at https://www.newyorkdentaloffice.com.
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