Can I Get Dental Implants After Having Dentures?
Replacing dentures with implants is a popular choice for many long-term denture users. Making the switch can make daily tasks, like eating, drinking and talking, more comfortable. Implants are also less maintenance, as you can look after them in a similar way to natural teeth, and they provide a long-term solution to improving your smile.
Keep reading to learn more about getting dental implants after dentures, how it works and what to expect during treatment recovery.
What’s the Difference Between Dentures vs Dental Implants?
Getting dental implants means getting a replacement tooth, called a crown. The crowns are non-removable and, with proper care, can last forever. Because of this, dental implants tend to be more expensive than dentures.
Dentures are very different to implants. They are a removable plastic or metal frame you place in your mouth that contains false teeth. Generally, dentures will last around 5-8 years before needing to be replaced.
Can I Get Dental Implants After Having Dentures?
Yes, you can get dental implants after having dentures. In fact, it’s common to switch from dentures to implants after several years of having dentures. While dentures are easy to get, they can cause issues after long-term use.
Why Switch From Dentures to Dental Implants?
Switching to dental implants is a decision many people choose to make. Dentures are the more affordable solution and the process of getting them is quick and non-invasive.
However, there are downsides to having dentures, including:
- They can fall out while talking
- Cleaning can be tedious
- You’ll need to get new adhesive regularly
- They can shift your jawline and cause changes to your facial structure after long-term use
- They can cause sore gums or raw spots over time
- Taking them out can be uncomfortable, especially if you have sores
By switching, you can enjoy all the benefits of dental implants, including:
- Increased comfort while eating, drinking and talking
- A long-term solution
- Easy cleaning
- A more natural smile
- Similar maintenance to natural teeth
- A better quality of life
What to Expect When Switching from Dentures to Dental Implants
Switching from dentures to dental implants has its benefits, but there are some things to prepare yourself for during and after the change.
Firstly, you may need a bone graft before you can get dental implants. If you had teeth removed and not replaced before getting dentures, your jawline may have shrunk.
If this has happened, your jawline needs to be strengthened with a bone graft before implants are installed. This can make the process of getting implants longer. Typically, you’ll need to wait 4-6 months after a bone graft before you can have your implants installed.
Secondly, you may need to consume soft foods for 1-6 weeks after getting implants to prevent irritation of the gums. During this time, you’ll need to avoid anything overly hot, cold, spicy, rough or chewy.
Speak to a trusted dental professional for personalised advice on whether you need a bone graft before getting implants.
What Does Recovery From Dental Implants Look Like?
Recovery from dental implants looks different for everyone. The impact on your day-to-day will depend on how complex your surgery is. For example, if you need a bone graft first or if you’re having a single implant or multiple.
After getting implants, you’ll usually experience some discomfort for a couple of weeks. Swelling is possible, but minimal, especially if you’ve only had a single implant installed.
Depending on how complex your procedure is, you’ll also need to temporarily change your diet to avoid discomfort and protect the new implants. You shouldn’t need medication for the pain, but your dentist can prescribe it if the discomfort is severe.
Even though recovery from dental implants usually ranges between 1-6 weeks, it can take up to six months before the implant fully integrates into the bone. Despite this extended healing process, you shouldn’t experience pain or discomfort during this time.
To aid your recovery, your dentist will usually recommend getting lots of rest, avoiding vigorous exercise for a couple of days, gentle brushing/flossing, and applying ice packs to your face nightly to reduce swelling.
Conclusion
Getting implants is an ideal solution for many people, especially if you’ve had dentures for a while and no longer see the benefit in them.
The complexity of your treatment depends on the strength of your jawline, and your recovery will be different depending on the solution offered.
Despite the temporary measures you’ll need to take during recovery, switching from dentures to dental implants offers many benefits long-term. For this reason, many people choose to make the switch.
If you’re considering getting dental implants after dentures, book a consultation with our friendly team today to learn how it can benefit you.