When you first experienced tooth loss, you may have gotten dentures or a traditional bridge to fill the gap and improve your chewing ability. Such treatments certainly have their advantages, but they are still not as strong, long-lasting, or convenient as dental implants. Is it possible to replace your existing restoration with dental implants, or has that ship already sailed? This blog post explains what you should know.
Qualifying for Dental Implants
It is certainly possible to replace a traditional denture or bridge with dental implants. More important than the existence of such restorations is whether your oral and overall health make you a good candidate for dental implants.
For example, your jawbone should be strong enough and large enough to accommodate dental implants. These small posts, which serve as prosthetic tooth roots, are directly placed into the bone, and they need adequate support in order to thrive. Your oral surgeon can use advanced imaging technology to assess your bone. If your jaw is not quite up to expectations, you might need a tissue graft to fortify it.
Other things, such as your overall health, whether you have gum disease, and more will all factor into whether dental implants are right for you. Rest assured that most adults with missing teeth, including those who already have dentures or bridges, can qualify for dental implants — even if some preliminary care is necessary first.
Replacing a Bridge
If your bridge is replacing just one tooth, your oral surgeon can place a single implant which will be topped with a crown. Keep in mind, though, that you may need new crowns to go on the abutment teeth (the teeth next to the gap in your smile). Since they were previously filed down to support a bridge, they will always need such restorations to protect them and allow them to function normally.
Replacing Dentures
I you have a full arch of missing teeth, your surgical team will determine how many implant posts are necessary to support a new prosthetic. In some cases, an existing denture can be retrofitted to work with dental implants. In other cases, you may need to exchange your old denture for something new.
Some implant dentures snap onto their implants, whereas others are fixed in place 24/7. Both options have their advantages, but most patients opt for a fixed denture when circumstances allow. They like the convenience of being able to treat their prosthetic like natural teeth.
If you currently have a partial denture, you might need a different implant solution, such as a few implant bridges or single implants. Or, if you only have a few natural teeth left, you might choose to get them extracted in order to make room for a full implant denture.
Replacing old restorations with dental implants can be an exciting process, and it is tailored to each individual. Talk to a qualified provider to find out more about the journey that awaits you.
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point Dental Implant Center, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, reasonably priced dental implant services. Our three oral surgeons have decades of combined experience, and they prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction. If you are ready to upgrade from your existing restorations, our team would be pleased to welcome you in for a consultation. Contact our Houston office at 713-597-7340.