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Transitioning from Dentures to Dental Implants

Dental Clinic in Strathroy

Dentures are a popular option for addressing multiple tooth replacement and dentures work as a viable treatment for many people. However, they do have their downsides. For example, they are prone to slipping in the mouth while you eat or speak. They also do not support bone health and require many adjustments over the course of their useful life.

Alternatively, dental implants are typically a more permanent and comfortable option than dentures. Implants involve a more invasive procedure in which a titanium post is placed into your jawbone, which is then topped by a full crown.

Although a common solution, Dentures are not always the right option for everyone. At some point, dentures need to be relined or adjusted, and can be a constant struggle to make comfortable. So, is it possible to make the switch from Dentures to Implants?

Before You Get Dental Implants
If you have been missing your teeth for a long time, your dentist will need to evaluate your jaw to figure out if you are the ideal candidate for dental implants. This will involve a consultation appointment, including x-rays taken of your jaw, to discuss your options. If the bone around your missing tooth has resorbed, a bone graft may be necessary in order for dental implants to be an option.

A bone graft will build up your jawbone to the right density to support the dental implants. In some cases, periodontal therapy may also be necessary in order to provide a suitable space for the dental implants. Once your bone and gum levels are ready to receive the dental implants, your dentist will have you schedule an appointment for your implant placement surgery. Of course, if your gum and bone levels are sufficient, these treatments would not be necessary, and you’d likely be ready for dental implants immediately!

Implant Placement Surgery and Recovery
Dental implants involve a surgical procedure that places the implants into your jawbone. Once all of the implants have been placed, they require time to heal and integrate with the bone and surrounding tissue. The time frame can vary, but typically, dental implants take several weeks to fully heal. Your dentist will examine your implants to make sure that they have healed properly before proceeding with the next phase of treatment.

During the healing process, you will need to avoid eating certain foods that might irritate the surgical site. Your dental team will be able to provide post-surgical instructions and answer any questions or concerns you may have along the way.

Once the healing is finished you can use your dental implants the way you would regular teeth. The dental implants are meant to be permanent, so they are incredibly durable.

After your surgery, you may want to stick to eating soft foods until your new teeth become more comfortable. It will not be long before you are able to consume tougher things like steak or raw veggies as you usually would. Because your dental implants are surgically inserted, you will not need to worry about them slipping like you would with dentures.

You will be responsible for cleaning your dental implants. You can do so just like you would regular teeth, with brushing, flossing and mouthwash. If they are removable you will need to clean them similarly to dentures.

If you would like to consider your options when it comes to dentures or dental implants, contact Strathroy Family Dental today. We can set up a Free Consultation for Dental Implants and Implant Retained Dentures!

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