When it comes to fixing missing teeth, dental implants have made a big difference. But if you’ve been using dentures and wonder if you can switch to dental implants, let’s talk about it with Dr. Niraj, a dental implant expert.
Understanding Dental Implants
To figure out if you can switch from dentures to dental implants, it’s essential to know a bit about these two things. Dental implants are like metal roots that go into your jawbone, and they help hold replacement teeth in place. Over time, technology has made these implants better and more suitable for more people.
Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Dentures are fake teeth that you can remove. They’re a common choice because they’re less expensive. But they can be uncomfortable, hard to chew with, and even affect how you talk. Dental implants, on the other hand, feel and look more like your own teeth and don’t move around.
Switching from Dentures to Dental Implants
So, can you move from dentures to dental implants? Yes, in many cases, you can. Dr Niraj says it’s possible and shares these steps:
Checking Your Mouth: First, your dentist will take a close look at your mouth. They’ll check your teeth, gums, and the bone in your jaw to see if dental implants are a good fit for you. Sometimes, you might need extra bone added to your jaw for better support.
Taking Out Dentures: If you already wear dentures, they might need to come out during the implant process. This step helps ensure that the implants go in the right place and stay put.
Putting in Implants: The next step is when the dentist carefully puts the implants into your jawbone. Dr. Niraj uses special tools and techniques to make sure you don’t feel too much pain.
Waiting for Healing: After the implants are in, your body needs some time to heal. It’s like when a cut scabs over. This usually takes a few months.
Adding Crowns: Once your jawbone and implants are friends, the dentist adds connectors called abutments. Then, they put crowns on top of the abutments. These crowns are custom-made to look like your real teeth.
Follow-Up Visits: You’ll need to visit your dentist regularly to make sure everything is healing right and your new teeth are doing their job.
Is Everyone a Good Fit for the Procedure?
Not everyone can switch from dentures to dental implants. Your overall health, the strength of your jawbone, and your lifestyle (like smoking) can affect how well the implants work. But with better dental implant tech and techniques, more people can benefit from them.
In Closing:
To sum it up, moving from dentures to dental implants is possible. It can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel and how well you can chew and talk. But you should talk to our dental implant expert, Dr. Niraj at Smile 360 Family Dentistry, to see if it’s the right choice for you. With the right care and advice, you can enjoy the benefits of dental implants, even if you’ve been using dentures for a long time. Call us today to schedule an appointment today!