How to Transition from Dentures to Dental Implants

Are you planning on making the transition from dentures to dental implants sometime in the near future? While dentures are a lifechanging tooth replacement option for people who have struggled with tooth loss, there are certain aspects of them that many people don’t find favorable. Dental implants have a variety of great benefits that you cannot get from other tooth replacement options. Read on to learn more about the pros of dental implants and how to care for them so your transition process goes smoothly.

Benefits of Dental Implants Over Dentures

There are so many reasons why patients tend to prefer dental implants. Here are just some of the many benefits:

• Easy Care: You won’t need to use adhesives or soak your implants overnight. They stay in your mouth at all times!

• Prevents Bone Loss: If you are missing teeth, your jawbone is not being stimulated by regular chewing. Eventually, it will begin to deteriorate and leave you with a more aged appearance. Implants are the only tooth replacement option that prevent this bone loss because they are placed directly into the jawbone.

• No More Slipping: If you have dealt with ill-fitting dentures, you probably know the frustration of your false teeth shifting around or making clicking noises. Dental implants are anchored into place so that you won’t encounter this.

• Zero Eating Restrictions: As you always do, you will want to be careful when munching on hard foods, but other than that, you can pretty much eat whatever you’d like! Dental implants restore up to 90% of your chewing power.

• No Trapped Food: Food can easily get stuck in your dentures, especially if they aren’t fitting very well. Just like regular teeth, you can remove food particles from your implants with normal flossing.

How to Care for Implants

Taking care of your dental implants is different than the denture care you are used to. Here are a few tips:

• Brush Twice Each Day: You can even find special toothbrushes for people who have dental implants. They make it easier to clean hard-to-reach places.

• Floss Daily: Floss at least once a day if not after every meal. This is crucial for avoiding tooth and gum damage.

• Eat with Care: While there aren’t any food restrictions, you still want to be careful when you are eating foods that are particularly hard or sticky.

• Don’t Smoke or Drink Heavily: Both of these activities interfere with the healing process and weaken the bone structure in your mouth.

• Visit Your Dentist: Regular cleanings and checkups are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

Dental implants are a great investment that can give patients their smile back. By using the tips above your transition will go smooth and tooth loss will be a thing of the past.

About the Author

Dr. Gary Rosenfeld is an experienced dentist who is been working in the field for more than three decades. He graduated from Columbia University Dental School and is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Long Island Dental Implant Study Club. For more information on dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (631) 286-9000.