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.
How Can I Find Affordable Implants for My Pop-Up Denture?
I got a bum pop-up denture from a dental school. I won’t say which school it came from, but now I know I should never have gone the cheap route. The bottom denture pops up whenever I move my tongue, yawn, or cough. I press it back down, and it pops up again. I want to be furious, but I am disappointed with myself for choosing the school. I don’t have much money, but neither am I broke. A friend recommended his dentist, but I chose the dental school figuring the instructors were supervising and I could get a good deal. Now I need affordable implants to hold the denture down. Where do I start? – Thomas from NJ
Thomas – Thank you for your question. We are glad that you are seeking professional advice before getting dental implants. Please begin by avoiding looking for a bargain or the cheapest implants.
How Can You Get Affordable Implants for an Existing Denture?
You may find affordable implants for an existing denture by scheduling a consultation with a skilled implant dentist. The dentist will examine your denture to determine why it lifts and whether the dentist can fit it for implants. Depending on the condition and quality of your denture, a dentist may be able to refit it, or you may need a new denture.
Qualifying for dental implants
Before placing dental implants, a qualified implant dentist will take a 3-D CT scan to see your oral anatomy and bone volume. If you have worn dentures for years, you may have some bone shrinkage. The dentist will determine whether you have enough bone volume or need a bone graft to support the implants. You will get a customized treatment plan to ensure the dentist places your implants precisely and the dentures fit the implants securely.
Getting Dental Implants that Fit Your Denture
After implant surgery, you will wear temporary replacement teeth. In three to four months, your jawbone and implants will fuse. Your implant dentist will take impressions of your mouth to ensure your existing or new denture fits your implants securely.
Expect to pay well for high-quality dentures and implants. Thorough, well-planned implant-supported dentures take time and skill. With patience and a good implant dentist, your frustration will change to satisfaction when you receive a stable, natural-looking smile.
Schedule a consultation with one or two advanced implant dentists to discuss your options and how to make treatment affordable.
Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologist, sponsors this post.