After thirty years wearing dentures which I got when I was in my 20s, I finally have money. I lost my teeth due to advanced periodontal disease. My parents didn’t believe in dentists. They thought it was a waste of money. I’ve never liked my smile because dentures are so ugly. Is it possible for me to finally get dental implants?
Laurie
Dear Laurie,
I am so sorry you had to lose your teeth at such a young age. Parents aren’t perfect and, obviously, yours were confused about the importance of dental care. Unfortunately, we sometimes suffer because of other people’s mistakes. You can get dental implants but may have to take some preliminary steps first.
The very first thing you will want to do is make sure your gum disease is under control. That can derail any attempt at dental implants. After that, you will need some bone grafting done. Implants need to have bone structure to help retain them. When your teeth were removed, your body began to resorb the minerals that hold your jawbone together to use elsewhere in your body. After 30 years, you won’t have much left. This is known as facial collapse and can make you look decades older than you are.
Getting bone grafting done will restore that bone. Then you can have implants placed. Don’t try to do it on a one-to-one ratio. That is too expensive. Instead, get between six to eight dental implants on each arch and your dentist can secure dentures to them. These are called implant overdentures. You will have a completely secure smile for years to come.
I know you were concerned about the appearance of your dentures. You should know that dentures can look stunning when done by an excellent cosmetic dentist. The unattractiveness of your dentures had nothing to do with the fixture themselves as much as the cosmetic skill of the dentist who made them. Choosing your dentist carefully will be extremely important.
Look for an AACD accredited dentist. These are the best cosmetic dentists in the country. Then, see which of those dentists has post-doctoral training in dental implants. When you find that magic combo, you have your dentist and will be on your way to a stunning smile you’ll be proud of for the rest of your life.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.