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In the past, dentures were traditionally the only tooth replacement option available for anyone missing all of their teeth. Dental implants now provide a better option with quality of life benefits.
Many people considering dental implants have already lived with dentures for some time. In some cases, this can affect your dental implant treatment plan. But you may still be a candidate for dental implants, even if you have had dentures. Many factors play a role in determining who is a candidate for dental implants.
Dentures and Jawbone Resorption
If you have lived with missing teeth for an extended period of time, you have likely experienced loss of jaw bone, or resorption. This progressive loss of jaw bone causes dentures to become loose and ill-fitting over time, robbing people of their confidence to smile and eat.
Jawbone resorption may affect a person’s candidacy for dental implants. The implants need a strong foundation to stand up to forces involved in chewing and maintain long-term durability.
A Complete Replacement Smile with Dental Implants
Dental implants can be used to support your teeth either in a removable (overdenture) or permanent (All-on-4®, hybrid prosthesis) fashion. If you have severe loss of jaw bone, implants can be placed in your cheekbone (zygomatic implants) for a permanent solution. These options depend on your individual goals and costs.
The All-on-4® treatment concept describes placing at least 4 dental implants across the arch to support teeth that are permanently held in place. This solution offers optimal esthetics and function and a restoration of confidence in smiling, speaking, and eating.
The implant retained overdenture is a more economical option that provides stability to a loose denture. The denture snaps into the implant and is removable, allowing the best access for hygiene.
Zygomatic implants are an option that is available when a patient has lost a significant amount of bone, and traditional dental implants are not an option. Implants are anchored in the cheek bone, emerge through the mouth to permanently support teeth.
Your full-arch replacements will not budge or slip when eating or speaking, letting you face those activities more confidently and avoid the discomfort caused by denture movement. Improved bite strength lets you maintain a more diverse diet than traditional dentures.
Factors that Can Affect Dental Implant Candidacy
Dental implants are a versatile option but are not necessarily right for everyone. Certain factors can affect your candidacy for dental implants.
Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure, and this means that certain existing conditions can cause complications. You will discuss your individual medical history and medications with your oral surgeon during treatment planning.
Learn More About Your Dental Implant Options
If you are currently living with dentures, then you could improve your smile’s appearance and function with the All-on-4® treatment concept. Even if you have had dentures for an extended period of time and experienced jawbone resorption, options may be available to help you become a candidate for dental implants.
Inland Empire Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons has been recognized as an All-on-4® Center for Excellence. They can perform an assessment and the required 3D imaging to determine whether jawbone resorption is a concern in your case. If so, you can opt for bone graft surgery to enable your dental implant treatment.
See how our experienced surgeons handle the All-on-4® treatment concept or zygomatic implants today.
