Are you ready to ditch your traditional dentures? Dental implants can stop slipping and irritation for good. Dental implants will anchor your denture to your jawbone, creating the next best thing to your real teeth. However, it will take time to get used to your new set of teeth. Here’s what you can expect when transitioning from dentures to dental implants.
Process of Getting Dental Implants
Traditional dentures rest on top of your gums, replicating the crowns of your teeth. Dental implants differ because they replace the entire tooth structure. As a result, it takes several steps to replicate the tooth roots and the crowns. Your new smile won’t happen overnight. Instead, it will occur in phases which include:
- Consultation: Your dentist will examine your mouth and review X-rays to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. They’ll also take a CT scan to have a complete picture of your dental health and oral structures.
- Preparatory Procedures: Based on the results of your examination, you may need a little prep work. It’s not unusual to need gum disease therapy or bone grafting. Your dentist will explain if any additional treatments are needed to ensure your mouth is healthy before moving forward.
- Placement Surgery: Your dentist will surgically place 4 to 10 dental implants into your jaw to serve as tooth roots. The posts will stimulate bone growth, allowing your jaw to fuse to them through a process called osseointegration. This can take several months, but once your bone has healed, your implants can potentially remain in place forever.
- Abutments & Restoration: Once your bone has healed, your dentist will place special fixtures on each post to secure your denture in place. Your new teeth will have the support of your jawbone, regaining up to 70% of your natural biting force.
Benefit from Long-Lasting Results
Dental implants are the most cost-effective method of treating tooth loss because they never need to be replaced, unlike regular dentures. Dental implants have over a 95% success rate of lasting for 30 years longer with the correct care, like brushing and flossing.
You don’t have to live with the limitations of dentures. Adding the stability of dental implants to your smile will give you results that look and feel natural.
About Dr. Tavi Henry
Dr. Henry achieved his dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued his education in various specialties, like sleep dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and implant dentures. He is also a certified Invisalign provider and a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Book an appointment through his website or call his office at (303) 984-1400.