Dentures to Dental Implants: Your Guide for the Transition

Dentures are a lifechanging tooth replacement option, and they are a great option for some patients. However, they do have some downsides. Fortunately, dentures aren’t your only option. Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there because they replace the roots of the missing teeth in addition to the chewing services. This allows for a wide range of benefits. Continue reading to learn about some of the benefits of dental implants and how to make your transition as smooth as possible.

What Benefits Do Dental Implants Have Over Dentures?

There are many reasons why you may want to transition from dentures to dental implants. Here are some of their advantages:

• Stability: If your dentures are ill-fitting, you will notice that they lack stability. It’s difficult to eat when they are slipping and sliding around your mouth. Dental implants are anchored to the jawbone, providing as much stability as natural teeth.
• No Food Restrictions: You will still want to be careful when eating foods that are particularly tough, but you don’t have any eating restrictions after your dental implants have healed. This is because they restore up to 90% of your natural chewing power.
• Prevents Bone Loss: Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that preserves the integrity of the jawbone. They replace the natural root of the tooth, therefore allowing the bone to be stimulated from regular chewing.
• Long-Lasting: Dentures need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years. Dental implants can last upwards of 30 years or even the rest of your life when cared for properly.
• Easy-to-Maintain: With dental implants you don’t need to stock up on adhesives or soaking solutions. You care for your implants just like you would with natural teeth. Brush twice, floss, and rinse every day.

How to Make a Smooth Transition to Dental Implants

Adjusting to dental implants can take some time. Here are some tips to make it go as smoothly as possible:

• Expect Healing Time: It will take some time for your mouth to heal after your dental implant surgery, so it’s a good idea to take a few days off work so you can get plenty of rest during this time.
• Stick to Soft Foods: You won’t have any eating restrictions once your dental implants completely heal. During the healing process, you should stick to a soft food diet to avoid aggravating the implant site.
• Adjust Your Oral Hygiene: You don’t need adhesive or soaking solutions anymore. Just stick to an oral hygiene routine that you would use for natural teeth. You can also find special toothbrushes made especially for dental implants.

There might be a transitionary period, but most patients find that it’s well worth it to reap the benefits that dental implants have to offer.

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner earned his dental doctorate at the University of Maryland School of dentistry. Since then, he has completed advanced training in many areas of dentistry, including dental sleep medicine and treating sleep apnea. He also earned fellowship with Implant Pathway – a training program in implant dentistry. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (410) 390-0277.