You might’ve chosen dentures as your missing tooth replacement for a number of reasons. They’re relatively simple to use, easy to understand, and are less expensive than some other replacement options.
However, as you probably already know, dentures also have some characteristics that make dental implants seem attractive. Whether you’re considering a transition because your dentures slip out of place, don’t give you the chewing power you want, or are just plain tedious, keep reading. This is what you should know about making the switch.
Evaluating Your Dental Implant Transition
Your experience in going from dentures to dental implants largely depends on your unique situation. Some patients only need a few implants, which makes their transition very different from the patient who will need a bone graft. Consulting with your dentist will give you a more detailed idea of what your specific journey will look like, but there are a few facts that can help you evaluate the option in the meantime.
The health benefits of dental implants are overwhelmingly positive. They boast a 95% success rate, meaning that as long as you follow your dentist’s recommendations, your chances of developing complications post-placement are slim. Your dental implants will also preserve your bone mass, so if you do need a bone graft, you’ll likely only need it once.
Recovery After Switching to Dental Implants
There’s no reason to sugarcoat it – the recovery period for dental implants is long. Your dentist will want to make sure your jawbone has time to integrate with your implants before you start eating the crunchy, chewy foods you love. Depending on the extent of your implants, you could be waiting between six months to one year for your teeth to feel fully normal.
If a miniscule menu is your major gripe with traditional dentures, though, the wait is worth it. Dental implants give you 70% of your natural chewing power, while your dentures are only giving you 30%. So another way of looking at it is you’re only waiting one year to be able to eat almost anything you want for a lifetime!
Cleaning Dentures Vs. Cleaning Dental Implants
Your dental cleaning routine will have to change quite a bit with dental implants. You’re probably used to taking your dentures out for a meticulous scrubbing, and then dropping them into their special cleaning solution overnight.
Of course, often the point of dental implants is that they don’t come out. Unless you opt for a removable denture-implant hybrid, all you’ll really need to do is brush and floss as if they were normal teeth.
There are some aspects of transitioning to dental implants that are less than convenient. If you need a bone graft to make the switch, you’ll have to endure more waiting before you can even get to the year-long dental implant recovery time. However, this replacement option is popular for a reason. Once your jawbone has integrated with the implants, you’ll be able to eat more food with less discomfort – and with half the maintenance.
If you’re thinking that transitioning from dentures to dental implants would be totally worth it, give your dentist a call! They’ll be happy to get you started with a consultation.
About the Author
Dr. Dan Passidomo practices at Daniel J. Passidomo, DMD Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Centerville. As an active member of the community, he cares for his patients and provides them with a quality care experience. If you’re considering dental implants, give the office a call at 937-886-9935. Dr. Passidomo will gladly consult with you!