If you lost one or more of your natural teeth some time ago, you may have chosen to get a fixed bridge or traditional denture. While those types of tooth replacement certainly have their benefits, they also have some drawbacks. Are you thinking about replacing your existing restorations with dental implants? Is it even possible to do so? In most cases, yes, it is perfectly possible. This blog post provides more information on what you can expect during the treatment journey ahead of you.
Why Are Dental Implants the Better Option?
Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots; after they are surgically placed in the jawbone, they provide an incredibly strong base of support for the restorations on top of them. Therefore, you can expect superior stability and strength compared to what you currently have with a non-implant bridge or denture. Plus, because dental implants stimulate the jawbone, they prevent the deterioration that normally occurs after tooth loss. Traditional restorations cannot do that.
Can You Replace Traditional Restorations with Implants?
Very often, it is possible to replace a traditional bridge or denture with dental implants. Here are some notes to keep in mind:
- Your jawbone may have lost some of its density and strength, so it might not currently be strong enough to support dental implants. A bone graft may be able to address this issue.
- In some cases, a traditional denture can be retrofitted to work with dental implants. However, there is also a strong possibility that you will need an entirely new restoration.
- If you have a fixed bridge, your natural teeth (the abutment teeth) were permanently modified in order to support it. If you receive an implant, the abutment teeth may need to receive crowns. Or, you might need to replace them altogether.
The Treatment Process
If you want to replace your old restorations with implants, book a consultation with an oral surgeon. They will examine your mouth to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. If you are, they will plan the details of your treatment. After you receive your implants in a minimally invasive surgery, it might be a few months before your new teeth are attached to them. (One exception to this is the All-on-4 treatment, which allows you to get an entire implant denture on the same day as your implant placement surgery.)
From beginning to end, the treatment process may take several months or longer. The strong, confident, and long-lasting smile that you will get to enjoy make the procedure well worth the time, effort, and money!
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo, Thomas Weil, and William Shepard have decades of combined experience. As board-certified oral surgeons, they are highly qualified to place dental implants and help patients replace their old restorations with a superior alternative. To learn more about how they can put their skills to work for you, contact our Houston office at 713-597-7340.