Dental implants are embedded directly into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root in which the artificial teeth are attached. After installation, the implant material fuses together with the surrounding tissue of the jawbone, anchoring the implant portion permanently in most cases.
Dental implants are made up of three parts:
- Implant: The implant consists of a titanium screw that is inserted directly into the jawbone, creating an artificial root that will firmly secure the new tooth. Sizes vary, depending on the patient’s jaw size and amount of available natural bone.
- Abutment: After implant placement, ceramic or titanium abutments are attached atop, along the gumline, to create a “root” post to secure a new crown or tooth.
- Restoration: Once the implants and abutments are placed, crowns, bridges, or full prosthetics can be attached, resulting in fully functioning new teeth.
Dental implants can be used to replace a single, multiple, or the full mouth of teeth, making them an ideal solution to replace traditional dentures.
Why Are Dental Implants a Better Choice?
Patients often opt for dentures initially usually due to cost and availability and they do not require surgical placement. Over time, however, many patients become frustrated by the function and constant care of dentures. Common denture problems include:
- Certain foods must be avoided with dentures, such as raw fruit and vegetables, nuts, sticky items, and tough meats, along with foods and drinks that can stain dentures.
- Denture plates create constant stress and pressure on the jaws, resulting in painful sores.
- Dentures are not anchored and often slip and move around the mouth, particularly when eating or speaking, and often make a clicking noise.
- Food particles become stuck in and around the dentures, affecting placement and causing pain or raw spots along the gumline.
- Dentures must be continuously cleaned and maintained.
- Dentures must be removed during sleep.
- Even the highest quality dentures must be replaced due to damage, wear and tear, and changes in the mouth, typically every seven to 10 years.
Replacing dentures with dental implants improves overall dental health and quality of life:
- Dental implants fasten directly to the jawbone the same as natural teeth and prevent bone loss.
- Implants are firmly implanted into the jawbone, do not move about the mouth like dentures, and do not make noises when talking or chewing.
- Dental implants look, function, and feel the same as natural teeth.
- As implants mimic natural teeth, food does not become trapped as easily, and floss can be used to remove any food particles caught between teeth.
- There are no food or drink restrictions with dental implants, and patients can eat just as they did with natural teeth.
- Dental implants do not cause gum or jawline pain.
- Implants are cleaned in the same manner as natural teeth and do not require removing at night.
- With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime without replacement, offering patients permanent new teeth.
Depending on age and condition of the jawbone, many patients wanting to switch from dentures to dental implants may initially require bone grafts. When teeth are removed and the spaces left behind are not filled, the jawbone shrinks in size over time. Patients with insufficient bone for embedding implants require bone grafting before dental implants can be installed.
South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Replace Patients’ Dentures With Dental Implants
While dentures are a better alternative to no teeth at all, they are often frustrating and can be painful. Our skilled South Jersey oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons might be able to provide you with a more permanent and pain-free solution by replacing your dentures with dental implants. Call us at 856-582-4222 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. Located in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, we are dedicated to helping patients throughout South Jersey.