See a Dentist or Oral Surgeon for Dentures and Implants?

Should I see a dentist or oral surgeon for immediate dentures and implants? I lost most of my teeth to gum disease and agreed with my dentist that extractions are best for the few remaining teeth. My dentist showed me 10 to 12 pictures of her patients’ dentures, but I don’t like how they look. I will switch dentists, but I wonder if I should see a dentist or oral surgeon first. My mouth is in such bad shape that I want to get this done as soon as possible, so the thought of immediate dentures makes sense. I would like to have this behind me by early fall. Thanks. Curtis

Curtis,

Should You See a Dentist or Oral Surgeon for Implant Dentures?

If you want implant dentures, we recommend searching for a dentist with advanced implant training who can remove your remaining teeth, place dental implants, and restore the implants with a custom denture. Teeth-in-a-Day and All-on-4 dental implants are fixed implant overdentures. You can get all the treatment you need in one location from one provider, eliminating miscommunication between an oral surgeon and restoring dentist who provides the denture.

However, completing your smile and preserving your oral health will take time. Avoid looking for a dentist who promises to meet your timeline rather than doing what’s best for your oral health and quality of life.

What Is an Immediate Denture?

An immediate denture is a removable denture for an entire arch of missing teeth. A dentist places the denture on the same day as tooth extractions. Still, before agreeing to any treatment, we recommend consulting with a periodontist (gum disease specialist) or a dentist with periodontal training to ensure your gums are healthy. However, you mentioned that you also want dental implants. So, the process will be different.

How Long Does It Take to Get Implant Dentures?

Getting implant dentures takes six months to a year, even longer if you need gum disease treatment first. If you qualify for dental implants, you may be interested in Teeth-in-a-Day or All-on-4 dental implants. You can get dental implants and temporary dentures in one visit. Your dentist will provide a custom final denture after your implant heal.

However, before you get implant dentures, a dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays and a 3D CT scan to determine the following:

• Your gum health and whether you need periodontal treatment
• Your jawbone quality and volume
• Whether you need bone grafting before dentures and implants

The treatment you get from an implant dentist depends on your medal and dental history and the status of your oral health.

Schedule a consultation with a dentist with advanced implant training to get high-quality implant overdentures, including All-on-4 dental implants. The dentist will explain your treatment options for dentures and dental implants.

 

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologist, sponsors this post. He serves Hartford, Connecticut, and surrounding communities.

Will I Need a Tooth Implant If My Dental Crown Fractured?

One of my four porcelain crowns cracked, and I would like to know if it is an emergency and whether I will need a tooth implant. The tooth is my left lateral incisor; I’ve had a crown on it since 2002. I do not want to jeopardize my tooth and need a dental implant. The fracture is near the bottom. I took pictures of the crack when I first noticed it, and it’s more noticeable than it was a few months ago.  I do not want it to break while I am out of town visiting my mom for two weeks. The other issue is that I have a new dentist whom I have only seen for cleanings and exams. I’m unsure if I want this practice to do any cosmetic work on my teeth. Is my fractured crown an emergency? – Thank you. Ellis from MI

 

Ellis,

Thank you for your question.

Is a Fractured Dental Crown an Emergency?

A fractured crown is not an emergency that immediately jeopardizes your tooth. Thin fractures (craze lines) in teeth or crowns usually affect only the tooth enamel. However, if you can see the fracture and it is more visible than before, it may worsen. And the crown will eventually break completely.

Do You Need a Tooth Implant if a Crown Breaks?

You do not automatically need a tooth implant if a crown breaks. However, if you leave the tooth unprotected for an extended period, your natural tooth might weaken and break. A cosmetic dentist will examine and x-ray your tooth and look for any signs of damage. Unless you experienced trauma or internal damage to the tooth and the tooth is unsavable, you don’t need a tooth implant.

Get a Dental Crown Second Opinion

You are wise not to trust a dentist whose cosmetic work you haven’t experienced or seen. We recommend scheduling an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist to replace the crown. If you are concerned about the crown while out of town, consider seeing a cosmetic dentist as soon as possible. It usually takes about two weeks to get a new crown.

Replacing one crown requires a dentist to have the color-matching skill to ensure the replacement matches your natural teeth and other crowns. Color-matching is a challenge for many dentists, who seldom admit when they do not have the skill.

If you must delay a dental visit and anything happens to your crown while out of town, look for an accredited cosmetic dentist or one with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. Look at dentists’ websites for a smile gallery of before-and-after photos of crowns on front teeth. You can prevent the need for a tooth implant by getting an experienced dentist to examine the condition of your crown and tooth promptly.

 

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologist, sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Michalski strives to provide patients with some of the best dental care in Rocky Hill.