Have you ever caught yourself wondering what it would be like to switch from wearing dentures to dental implants? Rest assured, you’re not the first person to ask this question, and you won’t be the last! Dentures can be a good tooth replacement option, and many patients do find them to be reliable and convenient. However, there are many reasons why dental implants are often considered to be an upgrade for your smile. Here’s what you should know about making “the big move.”
The Physical Process of Switching from Dentures to Dental Implants
Dental implant treatment is generally more complex than receiving traditional dentures, so it’s important to know what sort of physical steps are involved in making the transition. Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Consultation
First, you’ll schedule a consultation with your prosthodontist in Ponte Vedra Beach. Everyone’s oral situation and dental needs are a bit different, and your prosthodontist will help you personalize your treatment plan. This appointment will also include an oral exam and X-rays.
Step 2: Preliminary Treatment and Implant Surgery
Depending on your exam results, you might need to undergo preliminary treatment to take care of issues like gum disease or jawbone loss. Rest assured, these will ultimately promote the success of your dental implants. Once any oral conditions are addressed, your prosthodontist will surgically place the implant posts along your jawbone.
Step 3: Osseointegration (Post-Op Recovery)
For the next three to six months, you’ll have to stick to a soft food diet and follow other strict recovery instructions from your prosthodontist. This is because of osseointegration – the process of your jawbone and implants fusing together. It’s crucial that this goes smoothly.
Step 4: Attaching Your Restoration
When osseointegration is complete, you’ll return to your dentist’s office in order to receive your restoration (the crown, bridge, or denture that will be replacing your missing teeth). After your prosthodontist finishes making any final adjustments, your transition will be complete!
Experiencing the Difference After Treatment
Naturally, you’d probably also like to know how different your everyday life will be with dental implants. Most people find this to be the most exciting and rewarding part of making the switch!
Thanks to osseointegration, your implant restoration will stay fixed in place without any slippage, enabling you to chew and talk without issue. You’ll also have a much stronger bite force, and will be able to eat all of your favorite foods. Finally, you’ll likely be spending less time at the dentist’s – implant restorations can go a lot longer without needing repairs or replacements.
Transitioning from dentures to dental implants can take some work and careful planning. In the end, though, you’ll have more confidence in your smile. For many patients, that alone makes the upgrade completely worth it!
About the Practice
Dr. Kristen De Bonis is proud to work alongside Dr. Joshua Perry, Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry’s skilled prosthodontist. As a specialist, Dr. Perry is more qualified than most to advise patients on making the transition from dentures to dental implants. If you’re no longer satisfied with your traditional dentures and want to switch to an implant restoration, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Perry by contacting our team at 904-280-1200.