Nothing against your dentures, they’ve done a respectable job in recent years for you when it comes to tooth replacement. But you’ve been hearing about dental implants in Tukwila, and you are convinced they’ll be an upgrade for your smile.
Indeed, dental implants can have a major positive impact on your quality of life. Before you transition from dentures, keep reading for some information that will help you prepare.
What Are Reasons People Switch from Dentures to Dental Implants?
Dentures are a traditional solution for missing teeth and remain the preferred option for some people. They are affordable, easy to use, and require a lot less recovery time than a patient who just had a dental implant procedure.
However, they are not a permanent solution. They can slip, there can be issues with the adhesive, taking them out can hurt, and you might consider cleaning them to be a hassle. For one or more of these reasons, some patients decide to seek dental implants in Tukwila.
What Are Advantages of Choosing Dental Implants?
When you are considering dental implants as a tooth-replacement option, remember that they:
- Preserve bone mass: When you get dental implants, it stimulates your jawbone and will help you retain your facial structure.
- Have a natural appearance: Dental implants are created to look and function just like natural teeth. Other people will probably never know the difference if you don’t tell them.
- Offer durability and stability: Dental implants fuse to your jawbone, so the stability is unmatched. You won’t have to worry about them moving around in your mouth, and you can eat all the foods you enjoyed with natural teeth.
- Aren’t very expensive in the long run: While you can expect a high up-front cost relative to other options, dental implants will save you money in the years that follow because all you need to do is brush and floss as you would for natural teeth.
What Is the Transition to Dental Implants Like?
The first thing to consider is that you may potentially need a bone graft if you do not have sufficient bone mass in your jaw. Especially if you lost teeth and did not promptly seek a replacement, your jawbone naturally loses density. If you do move forward with the bone graft, a recovery period will be required before you can have the implant procedure.
Some patients ask if their dentures can be used with implants. It’s possible but not advisable. However, implant-supported dentures could be an option for you.
If you currently have dentures in Tukwila but are considering the transition to dental implants, it’s definitely worth investigating. Talk to your dentist and ask any questions you’ve been wondering about, plus they can evaluate if the bone mass in your jaw is sufficient for the implant procedure. Get started by calling to set up a consultation.
About the Author
Dr. Lance Timmerman was born and raised just up I-405 in Kirkland. He believes a true dentist is also an artist and he wants to help patients achieve the happiness they deserve. Dr. Timmerman has remained diligent about pursuing continuing education since earning his dental doctorate, as he has studied specialties including dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and sleep apnea therapy. He has a Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. If you are interested in dental implants, Dr. Timmerman can perform the implant placement at his office location. Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or all of them, dental implants could be your permanent tooth replacement answer. To schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (206) 241-5533.
