I need new dentures. I go through this every 5 years or so. For some reason my jawbone seems to be shrinking fast and no matter what the dentist does, after about 3 yrs the dentures don’t fit. But maybe that’s because I started wearing dentures young and this is my 20th year of wearing them. Anyway things didn’t turn well for me financially over the past 2 years, so despite my planning for implants I still can’t get them this year. I am switching to a new dentist for dentures because I don’t like the denture teeth that I currently have look thick and fake. If I can’t afford the implants now, will I be able to do them as an add-on later? Thanks Peggi
Peggi – Yes, your new dentures can be modified to accommodate the fixtures needed for dental implants. This doesn’t work in all cases, so it’s best to let your new dentist know your intentions, so that he or she can plan accordingly. As you select a new dentist for your dentures, we suggest that you find a cosmetic dentist who also offers dental implants. Your dentist will provide you with natural-looking dentures, and plan your treatment so that implants can be added later.
Since your jawbone density is decreasing, you may be a candidate for mini implants, which are 1/3 the diameter of standard implants. Mini implants are also less expensive than standard implants. If you want standard implants, an examination of your mouth will be needed to determine if bone grafting is needed to support the implants.
Find a dentist with training and credentials specific to cosmetic dentistry and implant dentistry, or who at least has a skilled implant surgeon available.
This post is sponsored by Pasadena dentist Dr. Arash Azarbal.