Removable dentures are a convenient and affordable solution to missing teeth. They cost less than dental implants and can be removed at any moment. Unlike dental implants, dentures restore function without invasive surgery. However, dentures can fall out when they fit poorly or when you’re eating tough and sticky food. If you’re not enjoying life because of ill-fitting dentures, it might be time to upgrade to dental implants.
Dental Implants and Bone Grafts
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. During dental implant surgery, the oral surgeon inserts titanium implants into the gums and the jawbone. The site is allowed to heal completely before the dental crown is attached to the implant.
Dental implants look and function like real teeth, but the procedure can be tedious if you’re replacing multiple or all of your teeth. That means the dentist will have to drill about twenty-eight holes in your upper and lower jawbone to accommodate each titanium implant—a big problem if you have poor bone volume and quality.
The traditional solution is reinforcing the jawbone with bone grafts. Bone grafting strengthens your bone for implant placement, but the procedure is invasive and the recovery time is long.
Alternatives to Conventional Dental Implants
Patients who want permanent solutions to missing teeth can opt for the One Day Smile Solution. Instead of one implant to support each tooth to be replaced, only four or six implants are needed to anchor a full arch of teeth. The implants are angled and strategically placed in the jawbone for maximum stability, eliminating the need for bone grafts in patients with thin bone. And with Teeth-in-an-Hour, you can have dental crowns made in an hour or less.
New Albany dentist Dr. Ron Receveur offers many solutions to missing teeth, including removable snap-on teeth, the One Day Smile Solution and mini implants. Call (812) 945-7645 now to learn more!