If you’ll be upgrading from dentures to dental implants in Vienna, congratulations! Soon, you’ll have a healthy, beautiful, permanent smile that with proper care could last the rest of your life. But before you get ahead of yourself, here’s a closer look at what you can expect from now until your new prosthetics heal.
Why Upgrade to Dental Implants?
In addition to functioning, looking, and feeling just like real teeth, dental implants have the benefit of lasting a lifetime, while traditional dentures may need to be replaced every five to seven years. Other benefits to dental implants include:
- No dietary restrictions
- No gum sensitivity
- No slipping or coming loose.
- No need for messy adhesives
- Easier cleaning
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a tiny titanium or zirconia screw that permanently attaches to your jawbone to replace the missing roots of your tooth. Because a denture simply sits atop your gums, it cannot stimulate the jawbone, causing it to atrophy or sink. In fact, in just a year it can lose 25 to 50 percent of its volume in the area where the missing tooth originated.
What Happens While Transitioning from Dentures to Dental Implants?
Although this process is different for every person, in many cases transitioning from dentures to dental implants can involve several important procedures. First, you’ll need a consultation with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment.
Bone Grafting
If you aren’t initially deemed a good candidate for dental implants, you may require a surgical procedure called a bone graft or sinus lift that adds volume to your jawbone to support your new prosthetics. Following the initial treatment, your mouth will need to heal for three to six months. The longer you’ve been missing teeth or using dentures, the more likely it is that you’ll need a bone graft before qualifying for dental implants.
Dental Implant Placement
Once your jawbone is strong enough to support your new dental implants, your surgeon will schedule you for placement. If you have been wearing full dentures, you are likely a good candidate for implant dentures, which attach permanently to the jawbone via a series of four to eight posts. These can be inserted at the same time, and take about six months to heal, although depending on the individual could take more or less time.
Osseointegration
After your implants are surgically placed, they will fuse with your jawbone via the process of osseointegration. This takes three to six months. During this time, you should eat a soft diet to protect them. Once this portion of treatment is completed, your final restoration (the teeth) will be customized for you at a dental lab.
Final Placement
After your mouth has completely healed, you will be ready for your final restoration. This will be in the form of a single crown, bridge, or denture. Once placed, you can begin enjoying a full diet, without the fear of slipping, denture sores, messy adhesives, complicated cleaning, or nightly removal for soaking. In fact, your dental implants can be cared for just as you would your real teeth, with twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular visits to your dentist.
Remember, while it may take a while to get dental implants, it’s a treatment that most patients find well worth the wait. To learn more about transitioning from dentures to this permanent restoration, please schedule a consultation with your dentist today, and get the healthy, beautiful, permanent smile you deserve!
About Our Practice
At Pace Dental of Vienna, Dr. Saad and Dr. Jafari want to help you ditch those dentures for good with the help of durable, lifelike dental implants! If you’re tired of dealing with soaks, adhesives, and embarrassing slips, dental implants could be right for you. To learn more about this life-changing treatment, schedule a consultation for dental implants by visiting our website or calling 703-938-6800.
