If you’ve been using dentures for a while, you may have heard of implants too. Sometimes we wonder whether the option we chose is better than the other. In this case, as many health-related cases, it always depends on your situation. When you’re interested in implants even though you are currently using dentures, it’s better to get the proper information.
Can you get implants after dentures? The answer is yes, but some aspects will have to be considered in order to make the decision. At Dental Clinic Monterrey, we are experts in dental care; keep reading and we’ll clear all your doubts.
How do implants work?
Dental implants came to innovate the dental treatment options for patients that at some point lost their teeth. They are prosthetic teeth that are inserted in your mouth and work as natural teeth. The anatomy of an implant consists of a dental crown, which is the upper part of the implant that looks like a normal tooth, and the metal post, which is the part that is inserted in the jawbone.
Positioning an implant is a surgical intervention that, because of its nature, secures every tooth to the mouth; unlike dentures, they don’t become lose and do not need molds or adhesive to be attached.
Switching to implants
To some people, using dentures becomes annoying because they can slip or stick and even require extra adhesive. The truth is dental implants are a great option, but patients will have to analyze if it is the best for them. If you’ve used dentures for a long time, your gums and jawbones have probably changed: since teeth were removed and weren’t replaced, the jawbone shrinks because there is nothing inside.
Due to this, some people don’t have enough jawbone and the implants cannot be attached properly. If this happens, you will need to talk to your dentist about the options, and even consider bone grafting (adding bone to your jawbone). If this is the case, the recovery time will extend, and it will take longer to get your implants.
Implants or dentures: which one is the best?
Dentures are a good option if you want immediate results. To make a denture, your dentist needs to make some impressions of your mouth; after this, your dentures will fit and be comfortable. They also represent a more economical alternative, compared to dental implants. But despite these advantages, implants can be a more convenient option for most patients.
While dentures are an accessible option, implants are a long-term comfortable solution. They are stable and do not slip like dentures; you will be able to eat any kind of food and brush your teeth normally, and the appearance of implants are way natural than dentures.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide; nevertheless, we recommend you to talk with your dentist about it and listen to their advice. At Dental Clinic Monterrey, we will take care of your teeth, as well as listen to your needs, advise you and make you smile. If you want to get to know our plans and treatments, contact us!
