May 13, 2024
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryce Lamer
Patients who are missing teeth often must choose between two primary options for tooth replacement – dentures and dental implants. While either can greatly improve your quality of life, dental implants have a number of key advantages.
Many patients who already have dentures are curious about whether dental implants could work for them. There are several factors you should consider when thinking about making the change to dental implants.
Who Are Dental Implants Right For?
Countless examples exist of individuals who have made the transition from dentures to dental implants – even after years of using dentures.
The dental implant process can be catered to your unique needs, and a skilled surgeon can provide results in many different situations. At the very least, it is worth seeking out a consultation with an oral surgeon to find out what your options are.
However, dental implants are not necessarily the right treatment plan for every patient. In some cases, various medical conditions can reduce the likelihood of candidacy for dental implants. The majority of those seeking out tooth replacement options are the elderly, who are more likely to have complicating medical factors.
Osteoporosis is one condition that can reduce the chances of successful dental implants. The weakened jawbone may not be able to support the implants, and the condition also inhibits efforts like bone grafts. Further medical conditions that could complicate the implant surgery and recovery include diabetes and hypertension.
In the elderly, jawbone deterioration is one of the most common complicating factors for dental implants. Dental implants rely on the jawbone to serve as a foundation. If the bone is not thick enough, then the treatment cannot proceed without prior interventions, such as bone grafts, to provide increased support.
Jawbone deterioration is common in patients who have gone a long period of time without teeth. Even those who have used dentures in the interim have likely suffered from at least some jawbone deterioration, as it is the pressure exerted by teeth roots on the jawbone that prevents the condition from developing.
Because jawbone deterioration is common in one of the largest demographics for dental implants, it is among the most significant concerns during the treatment process. Your individual situation is highly unique, so the only way to be sure about dental implants and potential interventions such as bone grafts is to seek out a consultation.
Why Choose Dental Implants over Dentures?
Aside from their eligibility, the other big question that people with dentures have about dental implants is why they should choose to make the switch. Many people can speak and eat quite naturally with dentures and enjoy a high quality of life without suffering from confidence issues related to missing teeth.
However, dental implants do just about everything that dentures do much better, along with providing additional long-term oral health benefits.
Dental implants can offer a permanent solution for a full mouth of missing teeth through full arch treatments. With just four implant posts, an entire arch of teeth can be supported, providing the greatest results for the least intervention.
The supports for these full arch replacements are incredibly strong and provide a lasting foundation by bonding to the jawbone. You will not have to worry about the slipping or movement that is common with dentures or the ensuing irritation and sore spots. Your dental implants will be as solid or more so than your natural teeth ever were.
That same strength makes many everyday activities easier and more natural. With dental implants, you will have eating and speaking experiences very close to those with natural teeth. You will also have a more straightforward oral hygiene routine than dealing with dentures, which is much more like taking care of natural teeth.
Even more important than those areas is the impact dental implants can have on long-term oral health. Dental implants help prevent jawbone deterioration, one of the most significant health issues associated with dentures or other tooth replacement options.
Finding Out If Dental Implants Are Right for You
Dental implants can provide many benefits over dentures in terms of experience, oral health, and quality of life. However, the only way to know for sure if dental implants are the right choice is to consult with an oral surgeon.
OKC-OMS provides dental implants in Oklahoma City. Read more about the procedure here to find the answers to any other questions you might have.
