If you are missing a row of teeth or both rows, you are likely looking into a replacement. There are a few options to choose from, with the most common being traditional dentures. While these are a good option overall, many patients prefer implant-supported dentures or all-on-4.
If you currently have dentures, you may be wondering if you can simply use those dentures for your implant-supported dentures. This is a great question!
Below is more information about what dental implants are, what traditional dentures are, the benefits, whether dentures can be made into implants, and more.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal rods that are installed in the jawbone of a patient permanently. Once they are placed in the jawbone, they fuse to the bone and become a permanent installation.
Along with the implants themselves are prosthetic teeth that are used to replace natural teeth. This can be as few as a single tooth and as many as an entire row of teeth. For the replacement of a row of teeth, implant-supported dentures or all-on-4 will be used.
What Are Traditional (Conventional) Dentures?
Traditional (conventional) dentures are prosthetics that replace a patient’s natural teeth and sit on the gums of the patient. Besides adhesive, nothing is used to hold these dentures in place but the gums of the patient.
While these are an affordable option for patients, many patients prefer implant-supported or all-on-4 when they are available options.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are a form of dentures that are essentially a mixture of traditional dentures and dental implants. Where traditional dentures are held in place with the gums and sometimes adhesive, implant-supported dentures are held in place with dental implants. These dentures snap into place—allowing them to be removed.
All-on-4
All-on-4 are another form of implant dentures that aren’t meant to be removed. Instead, the prosthetic is semi-permanently placed. This provides additional strength and security, but it also means the dentures can only be removed with the help of a dentist.
What are the Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures?
You may be wondering why you should consider implant-supported dentures or all-on-4 implants. Below are some of the top reasons for implant-supported dentures:
· Strength and Durability. Dental implants provide an additional level of strength and durability that many patients love. They also are secure and stay in place, which makes it much easier to bite and chew.
· Preserved Facial Appearance. Dental implants are an excellent option for preserving the appearance of a patient’s face. Without a replacement, a patient risks a sunken-in appearance. Dental implants help to support and strengthen the jawbone. This prevents the deterioration of the jawbone and a change in the shape of the patient’s face.
· Long-Lasting. Dental implants are intended to last a lifetime. While the prosthetic dentures will eventually need to be swapped out—if properly cared for—the implants should never need to be replaced.
· Improved Smile. Who doesn’t love having a full smile? Implant-supported dentures provide patients with a secure, natural-looking smile. You can smile with confidence and without any worry about your dentures shifting when you are smiling wide.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
One major consideration when it comes to implant-supported dentures and all-on-4 is whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. Not all patients are good candidates, and there are a few reasons why you may not be able to have implant-supported dentures placed.
One major factor is the integrity of your jawbone. You need a strong enough jawbone to hold the dentures in place. If your jawbone has started to deteriorate, it may not be strong enough to hold the implants in place. There are options if this is the case. You may be a candidate for a sinus lift or bone graft. Keep in mind these procedures will take extra time and money, though.
Other factors to consider are the cost and insurance coverage. Your insurance provider may or may not cover the procedure. Even if they cover part of the procedure, you’ll need to consider out-of-pocket costs and whether you can afford them.
We will work with you to find the best solution for you and see how we can best meet your needs.
Can Dentures Be Made into Implants?
The answer is, “sometimes.” For some patients, existing dentures can be made into implant-supported dentures. The current security and integrity of the dentures will matter, along with the jawbone, gums, and other factors. This may be a great time to update your dentures instead of installing the dentures you currently have. With that said, your dentist will need to take a look at your dentures and decide if using your current dentures is a possibility, and whether it’s your best option.
Why Forest Hills Dental?
If you are considering implant-supported dentures, you may be wondering why Forest Hills Dental is your best option for the placement procedure. There are a few reasons you should consider Forest Hills Dental…
Forest Hills Dental provides outstanding dental services at affordable rates. We also believe strongly in providing the best customer service possible. We offer service with a smile!
Dr. Mark has over 30 years of experience, and he does amazing work. You can rest assured he will install your implants with the highest degree of care.
Reach Out to Forest Hills Dental Today!
Whether you currently have dentures and are looking to have them made into implants or you are looking for brand-new dentures, reach out to Forest Hills Dental. Dr. Mark will take a look at your gums, jawbone, and current dentures (if applicable), and decide on the best replacement solution to meet your needs and budget.
We look forward to helping you and providing you with top-quality dental care.
