Right now, you’re wearing a bridge or denture so that you can enjoy the benefits of a complete smile again even after tooth loss. However, recently you’ve heard about dental implants and all the unique advantages they boast, and you’re starting to think that maybe it’s time for an upgrade. But can you even get dental implants if you already have a traditional bridge or denture? Here’s what you need to know.
What Makes Dental Implants Different from Traditional Bridges and Dentures?
While traditional bridges are anchored to two of your remaining teeth and traditional dentures stay in place via natural suction (or with the help of clasps if you have a partial denture), dental implants are surgically inserted in your jaw and fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This unique method of placement allows your dental implants to act like new tooth roots – something bridges and dentures are unable to do by themselves.
Is It Possible to Get Dental Implants to Replace a Traditional Bridge or Denture?
Yes! Even if you’ve had a bridge or denture for years, you still have the option of getting dental implants. This can be great news for bridge wearers who want to switch to a more cosmetically pleasing tooth replacement option as well as denture wearers who are tired of having their prosthesis slip out of place.
That said, before you can get dental implants, your dentist will need to confirm that there’s enough bone in your jaw for the surgery. If your teeth have been missing for a while, chances are that quite a bit of bone loss has already occurred. Luckily, a procedure called bone grafting can often be used to build up the jawbone again so that dental implants can be placed successfully.
Should You Switch to Dental Implants?
No form of tooth replacement is suitable for every patient. It’s important to speak with your dentist in order to figure out whether dental implants are truly right for you. In the meantime, though, here are some of the benefits of the treatment that you should keep in mind:
- Many people find that dental implants feel very natural once osseointegration is complete.
- Dental implants are known to look highly lifelike once the final restoration has been placed.
- Thanks to the chewing strength they provide, dental implants will let you eat all kinds of foods.
- Dental implants can stimulate your jaw to prevent further bone loss.
In many cases, getting dental implants can improve your quality of life in a variety of ways. No matter how long you’ve had a traditional bridge or denture, dental implants can still be worth considering.
About the Author
Dr. Joshua Thomas Pogue went to the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He is a Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association, and he is able to personally handle the process of placing and restoring dental implants. If you are interested in replacing your current bridge or denture with sturdy, long-lasting dental implants, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Pogue at Pleasant Valley Dentistry in Bettendorf by visiting his website or calling (563) 332-7734.