No More Slip-Ups — Dental Implants for Denture Wearers
Have you ever been in the middle of a meal or conversation when your dentures suddenly came loose? Yikes! We know how embarrassing that can be. Unfortunately, that isn’t the only problem denture wearers experience. If you’ve had dentures for any amount of time, you may have also suffered from these issues:
- Difficulty chewing
- Lessened sense of taste
- Problems enunciating words
- Clicking when speaking
- Irritated gums
- Bone loss
Thankfully, dental implants are an option for many denture wearers. These restorations solve many of the issues dentures create. Continue reading to learn how dental implants can improve your oral health and quality of life.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small screw-like posts, surgically placed into the jawbone where a tooth should be. Each post mimics a tooth root by supporting a crown or bridge, or holding a denture in place, and stimulating the jawbone so that it retains its healthy density long-term. When the jaw does not atrophy and teeth are replaced, the facial structure is maintained for a youthful look.
After implantation, a process called osseointegration occurs. This is a two to six-month period when the jawbone and implant bond to create a solid foundation. Once complete, one of these types of prostheses is placed:
- Crown
- Fixed bridge
- Removable denture
- Fixed denture
Benefits
When compared to traditional dentures, there’s no competition. Here are five major benefits of switching to dental implants.
- Improved speech: Worrying about dentures slipping often causes mumbling. With dental implants, patients can speak clearly and confidently.
- Improved comfort: Removeable dentures often rub against gums and bone. Because implants are permanent, patients don’t even notice the difference between their natural teeth and prosthetic teeth.
- Easier eating: Dental implants function just like your natural teeth. Not only will chewing be easier without the roof of your mouth covered, but you’ll also be able to taste food again!
- Improved oral health: With other tooth replacement options, neighboring teeth need to be altered and bone density is lost. Dental implants won’t damage any part of your mouth. In fact, the implants will stop bone deterioration.
- Durability: Dentures often need to be relined or replaced. Dental implants are 90%-95% successful and last a lifetime.
Cost and Candidacy
Patients often don’t consider implants because of cost and candidacy requirements, but these don’t have to keep you from living a better, more satisfying life.
Payment options
Of course, all patients should check with the dental team or insurance provider to learn if insurance will cover the cost of the procedure.
However, there are still options if not. Many dentists offer in-house payment plans, accept most major credit cards, and accept CareCredit®.
Ask your dentist about what payment options they offer.
Ideal candidates
The best candidates for dental implants are in good oral and overall health. Patients should have adequate jawbone density to support the implant.
If you aren’t a good candidate right now, you might be later. There are a variety of dental procedures that support bone growth. These include:
- Bone augmentation
- Sinus lift
- Ridge expansion
- Distraction osteogenesis
Each of these procedures can make patients ready for implants by restoring bone structure to support a dental implant.
Schedule an Initial Consultation
The first step towards a more beautiful, more functional smile is meeting with a dentist that offers dental implants. Find a qualified dentist today.
To meet with our Visalia, CA dentist, call 559-732-4543.