For years, you relied on a traditional bridge or denture to fill in the empty space in your smile left by missing teeth. However, recently you’ve heard about the many unique advantages offered by dental implants, and it has left you wondering whether an upgrade might be a good idea. Is it possible to replace your current bridge or denture with sturdy dental implants? Here’s what you need to know.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implant posts look like screws, and they are normally made out of titanium. When they are surgically inserted into the jaw, they form a lasting bond with the bone around them via osseointegration. This allows them to act as artificial tooth roots that can provide a dental prosthesis with stability and chewing power on par with that of natural teeth. The right number of implant posts can support a crown, a bridge, or a denture in order to replace any number of missing teeth.
Can You Replace Your Current Prosthesis with Dental Implants?
In many cases, the answer is yes; even if you currently have a traditional bridge or denture, you may still be able to get dental implants. That said, there are several factors that can influence your candidacy for dental implant surgery, such as:
- Oral Health: Your mouth must be free of gum disease and other oral health issues before you can have dental implants placed.
- Overall Health: Diabetes and certain other health conditions can affect your ability to get dental implants. As such, your dentist will need to review your overall health history before determining whether the procedure is right for you.
- Jawbone Density: You can only receive dental implants if there’s enough bone in your jaw to support them. If a significant amount of bone loss has already occurred due to your missing teeth, you may need to undergo bone grafting prior to dental implant surgery.
What are the Benefits of Switching to Dental Implants?
There can be many advantages of switching from a traditional form of tooth replacement to dental implants. For one thing, it can promote a stronger, healthier jawbone. Traditional bridges and dentures don’t do anything to prevent the bone loss associated with missing teeth. In contrast, because dental implants act as new tooth roots, they can stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from deteriorating.
Furthermore, dental implants can allow you to enjoy a more varied diet. Individuals with traditional bridges and dentures may have trouble eating certain foods. But with dental implants, you have the freedom to eat virtually anything you want.
If you think upgrading from a traditional bridge or denture to dental implants may be the right choice for your smile, you should schedule a consultation with your dentist. After carefully considering your unique situation, they’ll let you know whether dental implants are a viable option in your case.
About the Author
Dr. Shawn Zahner studied dentistry at the University of Connecticut Dental School. He has completed continuing education courses in the fields of implant dentistry and dental surgery, and he is a department head of the prosthodontic team at the Connecticut Mission of Mercy. At Zahner Dental in Ellington, he offers various solutions for replacing missing teeth, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. If you’re interested in getting dental implants to recomplete your smile, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Shawn by visiting his website or calling (860) 870-9031.