You’re considering making the switch from dentures to dental implants, but understandably, you want to know what you’re getting into first. Rest assured, many people consider the transition to be well worth it. At the end of the day, you’ll be able to enjoy more foods, talk and smile with confidence, and rest easy knowing your dental implants aren’t going anywhere. Keep reading to experience the difference between these two restorations!
Making the Transition
Actually making the transition from dentures to dental implants is a bit involved. Depending on your oral situation, you may need preliminary treatments like bone grafting or gum disease therapy before you can get started. Then your dentist will have to surgically place titanium implant posts along your jawbone, and you’ll have to wait anywhere between three to six months for the two to fuse together. During that time, you’ll be asked to follow a strict set of instructions to avoid disturbing your implants.
Is the Difference Worth It?
Let’s start with some basics. Dentures are made from a gum-colored base and a series of prosthetic teeth. They rely on suction to stay in place, rest directly on top of your gums, and retain about 30% of your bite power.
Dental implants involve anchoring a titanium post to your jawbone, attaching an abutment, and connecting those two pieces to a crown, bridge, or denture restoration. After the posts fuse with your jawbone, you’ll retain closer to 80% of your bite power!
The main differences between dentures and dental implants are stability, durability, and power. Because of the unique way dental implants are designed, they won’t slip out of place like dentures sometimes can, will last for twice as long, and can cut through pretty much all of your favorite foods. So, yes – many patients do find that the difference makes the transition worth it!
Your Life with Dental Implants
Once your restoration is attached to your implant posts, having dental implants is a lot like having natural teeth. You can brush and floss without removing your restoration and won’t have to take it out at night. Dental implants even feel more lifelike; since they’re rooted to the jawbone like natural pearly whites, they’re quite comfortable and secure.
If you’re not satisfied with your dentures, talk to your dentist about getting the next best thing to natural teeth: dental implants!
About the Author
Dr. John White is a highly experienced dentist. During his residency, he even completed a year-long externship hosted by the prestigious Midwest Implant Institute. Thanks to his advanced training, Dr. White can provide start-to-finish dental implant treatment in-office, saving patients time and money on referrals. If you’d like to learn more about the dental implant difference, schedule a consultation with Dr. White; he’s well-qualified to help you transition from dentures to implants! To contact his office, call 828-684-3020.