Moving from Dentures to Dental Implants—What to Know

You’ve probably worn dentures for a while now, and while they’ve supported you for some time, there are some issues you’d like to overcome. For a more efficient teeth replacement option, you might consider dental implants instead! But what should you know before making the shift? Read on to learn about the transition from dentures to dental implants.

The Transition from Dentures to Dental Implants

Dentures are often the most convenient method for restoring a smile. Not only are they much simpler to get, requiring significantly less recovery time, but they’re also more affordable. While these qualities make them attractive, they also sometimes bring certain problems. Other than having to remove them every night and the potential for them to slip off, dentures don’t specifically prevent your facial structure from changing.

Transitioning to dental implants would be an improvement to your dental health and your quality of life. They’re surgically embedded in your jawbone (meaning they won’t slip off), they’ll prevent facial changes, and you can fully enjoy your favorite foods again! After making the switch, you’ll feel like you have your natural teeth back.

Is a Bone Graft Necessary?

Before you can make the change to dental implants, however, your dentist will need to assess if you have sufficient jawbone volume. Whenever there are missing teeth, your bone will begin to shrink due to a lack of blood circulation. If there isn’t enough density to support dental implants, then you may require a bone graft to add and promote growth. This can take four to six months of recovery time for the bone to fuse properly.  

Can You Reuse Your Old Dentures?

While dental implants can support dentures, you most likely won’t be able to use your old ones (except in rare cases). Your previous restorations may not be made of effective materials to function with certain foods, requiring you to get something new like crowns or bridges. Consult your dentist to see which option is best for you.

There’s always time to explore the transition from dentures to dental implants. With your dentists help, you can be sure to enjoy a more fully restored smile than before!

About the Practice

At Happy Smiles, we are proud to deliver outstanding, comprehensive, and passionate dental care. Our expert dentist—Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti—stays updated on the latest advancements in dentistry to provides high-quality services. Among a collection of treatments, we offer dentures and dental implants, and can help you explore transitioning to the latter. If you want to know more about your restorative options, visit our website or reach us at our Westchase office at 813-818-4520 or our Clearwater location at 727-535-2700.