Traditional dentures have helped countless patients to enjoy renewed confidence and restored chewing ability. However, they do have some downsides, including their instability and the fact that they last for just 5 – 10 years. Dental implants are superior in numerous ways. Are you thinking about making the denture to implant transition? This guide will let you know what to expect during your treatment journey and give you some practical tips for adjusting to your new smile.
Before You Get Dental Implants
Your dentist will have to determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants in Ponte Vedra Beach. During your consultation appointment, they might find that you need a bone graft before your jawbone is strong enough to support your dental implants. This is especially common for patients who lost their natural teeth more than a year or two ago. Some patients need other preliminary treatment as well, such as extractions or gum disease treatment. After your dentist determines that your mouth is ready for implants, you will undergo your implant placement surgery.
Getting Your Implants
After your implants are placed in your jawbone, you will go through a recovery period. During this time, which may last a few months, the dental implants will fuse with the surrounding bone. You’ll have to make careful dietary choices in order to facilitate a smooth healing process. You should also avoid smoking. Complications with dental implants are rare, but if you notice anything amiss with your oral health during your recovery, you should contact your dentist immediately.
Receiving and Using Your New Teeth
In some cases, a dentist is able to retrofit a patient’s existing denture to work with dental implants. Most of the time, though, it is necessary to design an entirely new restoration. After you receive your new teeth, you’ll find that adapting to them is a breeze! Here is a preview of what you might experience:
- You may remember that when you first got your traditional dentures, you produced a lot more saliva than usual. You’ll go through something similar when you begin to use your implant-supported teeth.
- Your restoration won’t slip around when you are eating and speaking, even if you are consuming relatively tough foods. However, it may be wise to stick to soft foods until you get used to your new teeth.
- If you have a removable implant-supported denture, you should care for it similarly to how you cared for your old prosthetic. If your denture is permanently fixed in your mouth, you can treat them almost as if they were your natural teeth.
Are you thinking about saying goodbye to dentures and hello to dental implants? A personalized consultation with a local implant dentist is the best way to learn more about the exciting journey ahead of you.
Meet the Dentists
Drs. Kristopher Harth and Eric L. Townsend are both highly accomplished, highly experienced dentists in Ponte Vedra Beach. Dr. Harth is even a Master of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Would you like to discover how our talented team can help you transition from dentures to dental implants? Contact us today at 904-285-7711.