Can you Get Dental Implants after Using Dentures for Years?

Dentures—they fall out, become loose, aren’t strong enough, and need to be taken out for thorough cleaning. While they’re one of the most common, longstanding tooth replacement options, dentures certainly aren’t the best, nor do they effectively replace missing teeth.

If you’ve had missing teeth for years and have used dentures since then, you’re likely familiar with all of these downsides. That’s why there isn’t a better time to think about a better, longer-lasting option.

Today, dental implants are widely regarded as the most effective and only complete tooth replacement method. If you’ve been wearing dentures for years, it’s a great time to find out how you can transition to dental implants and how this process works.

Here’s everything you need to know about switching from dentures to dental implants, so you can restore your strong and healthy smile, from root to crown.

Dentures are More Work to Wear and Maintain

Dentures may be one of the oldest, most painless, and affordable tooth replacement methods, but their benefits end there. While they’re initially custom-made and fitted to your mouth, this can change in the long run. Over the years, they can become loose, causing your dentures to slip out. That’s the last thing anyone would want while eating or talking.

Add to these; dentures are also more work. Before eating, you’ll have to consider if you can chew the food without any mishaps, such as chipping one of the false teeth or causing the dentures to fall off. Then, brushing your teeth becomes taking them out for a thorough cleaning. And finally, it’s not uncommon to hear clicking sounds while you’re wearing them.

Why Switch to Dental Implants: A Complete Tooth Replacement System

Do you know why dental implants are considered the most advanced and only complete tooth replacement method?

Keep in mind that the implant itself—consisting of titanium posts—are not the new dental crowns or teeth. Instead, the implants are placed in the jawbone, where they function as the roots of missing teeth. Once they fuse with the jawbone, they anchor the replacement teeth in place. The result is a complete, healthy smile.

Unlike tooth restorations like dentures and dental bridges, dental implants don’t just sit along the gum line. Since implants are in the jawbone and attached to the dental crowns, they’re much stronger, allowing you to bite, chew, talk, and smile confidently. With implants, you get new teeth that look, feel, and function like your natural one.

Is your jawbone not strong enough? Then you need a bone graft

Despite their life-changing benefits, one of the biggest barriers to receiving dental implants is the strength and volume of the jawbone. Since implants are placed deep there and fuse with the jawbone, you need to have good bone density, width, and height.

If you’ve had missing teeth for a while and didn’t get them replaced initially, it’s likely that any remaining teeth have drifted or your jawbone has shrunk. To be a good candidate for dental implants, you will first need a bone graft. Once the graft heals and your jawbone is stronger, your periodontist will proceed with the implantation.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Clearly, dentures are no match for stable, more natural-looking, and longer-lasting dental implants. But if you’ve had them for years, it’s normal to be wary or unsure about considering newer and better tooth replacement methods.

There certainly are a few factors to consider before getting dental implants. Many people are primarily concerned with pain and recovery time, as well as the cost of the procedure. However, these concerns are easily outweighed by long-term benefits of getting dental implants, such as:

• Complete tooth replacement, from tooth to crown, making implants more stable and secure.
• Enjoy all of your favourite foods.
• Talk and smile with full confidence.
• No slipping out and clacking sounds.
• No sore gums or raw spots from long-term wear.
• Brush and floss like your natural teeth—no removing to clean and soaking overnight.
• Improved diet, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.

Can old dentures be used with dental implants?

Since implants go below the gum line and into the jawbone, some people wonder if they can use their old dentures along with dental implants. However, this isn’t advisable.

Most dentures aren’t made of very strong materials. While you can eat and talk with them, you would always have to think twice about biting into tough or chewy foods. Meanwhile, dental implants can support new artificial dental crowns that look and work like your natural teeth, allowing you to bite, chew, and talk normally. This means, using dentures defeats the purpose of getting a complete tooth replacement system.

In some cases, it is possible to use implant-supported dentures. Unlike regular dentures, these are still anchored by implants, making them stronger and more stable. Keep in mind, though, that you will still need to remove implant-supported dentures for cleaning.

Ask Our Periodontists About Switching from Dentures to Dental Implants

Are you ready to take your dentures out for good and replace them with something better and longer-lasting? It’s time you switched to dental implants and got a complete tooth replacement solution in Oakville.

Now, you can leave behind all of the annoyances and hassles of wearing, cleaning, and maintaining dentures. With dental implants, you get a complete tooth replacement—from root to crown, and enjoy the benefits of new teeth that look, feel, and function, like your natural ones.

Periodontal Associates is here to help. Our team of highly qualified and experienced periodontists can help you upgrade your smile and unlock the long-term benefits of a complete set of healthy teeth. Whether you’ve used dentures for years or they were just a temporary solution, we can help you transition smoothly to dental implants in Oakville. Discover the benefits of a fully restored smile, from eating to talking and long-term oral health.

Ready to switch from dentures to dental implants? Start today with Periodontal Associates in Oakville. Find out how to transition to a better, stronger, and healthier smile with dental implants.