Are you tired of your dentures slipping around in your mouth when you eat, speak, or laugh? You may be interested in switching to a more permanent solution to missing teeth like dental implants. Though both dentures and dental implants are viable options to replace missing teeth and complete your smile, switching can take some getting used to. Read on to learn more about what you can expect during your transition from dentures to dental implants.
Before You Make the Switch
If there’s been a big gap between when you lost your teeth and when you go to your dental implant consultation, your dentist will examine your jaw to determine if there is any bone loss. This is because tooth loss results in a lack of stimulation in that part of the jaw, which can cause the bone to deteriorate.
If you have experienced any jawbone corrosion, you will likely need to get a bone graft before you have dental implants placed. This will strengthen the jawbone enough to provide adequate support for your new replacement teeth. If you have gingivitis or other oral health issues that can cause implant failure or further complications, these will need to be treated before you move forward with the procedure.
After Treatment
Once the implants have been placed, you can expect a recovery period of a few months in which they will fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. During this time, you’ll need to make adjustments to your diet so that the healing process goes smoothly. Avoid hard and crunchy foods like apples, hard taco shells, carrots, chips, crusty breads, and tough meats for the first 10-14 days after surgery. Dental implants have a 95% success rate, and complications like infections are rare. If you notice any unusual swelling, pain, or redness, contact your dentist immediately.
Using Your Dental Implants
Though your dentist may be able to modify your old dentures attach to dental implants, you’ll likely need to have a whole new restoration created. Here are a few things that you can expect when making the switch from dentures to implants:
- No slipping –The fear that your teeth will slip around in your mouth while you eat or speak will be a thing of the past with your new dental implants. Even so, while you’re getting used to your new teeth, eat soft foods like soup, smoothies, cooked cereals, and mashed potatoes to ease the transition.
- Permanence –Traditional dental implants are permanently attached to the jawbone, so you can care for them as part of your normal oral hygiene routine. If your new restoration is a removable denture, you’ll still need to take it out and clean it as instructed by your dentist.
- Getting used to things –As you get used to your implants, it’s common for patients to produce more saliva than usual. This is because your body is considering your implants to be a “foreign” object. Before you know it, they’ll look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
Switching from dentures to dental implants will help you maintain a beautiful smile while gaining increased stability. So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to your dentist about switching to implants so you can be on your way to a radiant, more convenient smile!
About the Author
If you are a resident of West Bloomfield or a surrounding community and are interested in trading your dentures for dental implants, LakeView Family Dental can help. They perform the entire procedure onsite so achieving the smile you’ve always wanted is faster and more convenient than you ever could have dreams. Visit LakeView Family Dental’s website or call (248) 363-3304 to set up an appointment or for more information on switching from dental implants to dentures.