Even if you’ve worn dentures for years, you can still get dental implants. At Venice Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Lisa Turner, our board-certified periodontist can replace each missing tooth with an implant or use four to six implants to support a denture for better function and a natural look. Here’s what’s involved in switching from removable dentures to implants.
Starting the Process
Switching from dentures to implants starts with a consultation. Dr. Turner will listen to your concerns, perform a comprehensive exam, and take a 3-D cone beam CT scan to see if you’re a candidate for implants. We’ll explain your options and any additional procedures you might need.
Why Switch to Dental Implants?
Without implants, your jawbone will shrink over time. This leads to dentures that move when you speak or eat, gum and bone irritation, faster bone shrinkage, and facial sagging. Even new dentures will eventually fit poorly as your jawbone continues to shrink.
Benefits of Implants
Switching to dental implants offers several benefits:
- Bone preservation: Implants help maintain bone volume and prevent facial sagging.
- Comfort: Dentures supported by implants feel more like natural teeth.
- Function: Easier speaking and eating with implant-supported dentures.
Partial Denture Replacement
If you wear a partial denture, implants can replace each missing tooth. After placing the implants, you’ll wait three to four months for them to integrate with your jawbone. Then, Dr. Turner will expose the implants, and your dentist will take impressions to ensure your implant crowns fit perfectly.
Complete Denture Replacement
For those with a complete removable denture, implant-supported dentures are an option. After implant placement, you’ll wear temporary teeth while your jawbone fuses to the implants, which takes three to four months. Then, Dr. Turner will expose the implants, and your dentist will take impressions for custom dentures.
Types of Implant Overdentures
- Snap-on dentures: Supported by two to four implants, these dentures can be snapped on and off for easy cleaning and gum rest.
- All-on-4® dental implants: Ideal for patients with lower bone volume, this treatment uses as few as four implants to support a fixed, non-removable denture.
Standard implants: Typically, four or more implants stabilize your denture. If you’ve worn dentures for years, you might need bone augmentation for implant support.
Bone Shrinkage and Implants
Missing teeth cause bone shrinkage, and adequate bone volume is necessary for implants. A cone beam CT scan assesses your bone volume, and if needed, a bone graft can rebuild it.
Bone Grafting
If a scan shows insufficient bone volume, a bone graft will be necessary. Post-graft, your body will develop more tissue to support implants. Depending on the graft type and extent of bone loss, healing can take four to twelve months before you can get implants.
Learn More about Dental Implants with Venice Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Whether you have a partial or complete denture, transitioning to dental implants is possible. At Venice Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Turner will evaluate your oral health and explain how you can benefit from dental implants.
