Are you ready to say goodbye to dentures for good? They are a great tooth replacement option and are lifechanging for people who are missing most of or all of their teeth. However, they do have some downsides as well that many people don’t prefer to put up with. The good news is that you have another option – dental implants! More than 3 million Americans are already experiencing the benefits. If you’re thinking about making the transition from dentures in State College to implants, read on to learn more about the benefits as well as some tips that will make the process go smoothly.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants Over Dentures?
There are many reasons why one may want to switch from dentures to dental implants in State College. Here are the main ones:
- Easy Maintenance: You won’t have to stock up on adhesives or soaking solutions for your tooth replacement. Taking care of implants is just like caring for natural teeth. Brush, floss, rinse, and see your dentist for regular checkups.
- No Food Restrictions: You still want to be careful when eating foods that are particularly hard or sticky, but once the healing process is complete, you will be able to eat all of your favorite foods again with no trouble. Implants restore up to 90% of your natural chewing power while dentures only restore up to 30%.
- Prevents Bone Loss: Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that preserves the integrity of the jawbone. This is because they replace the natural roots of your missing teeth, therefore allowing the jawbone to be stimulated by regular chewing.
- More Stability: Dentures can shift and slip in the mouth if they aren’t fitting properly. Dental implants are anchored into the jawbone, so they provide just as much stability as natural teeth.
- Long-Lasting: Dentures need to be repaired and replaced periodically, but dental implants can last upwards of 25 years and even the rest of your life if you care for them properly.
3 Tips for Making the Transition
It will take a little bit of time to get used to your new implants. Remember to do the following:
- Allow Time to Heal: After your dental implant placement procedure, you will need time to take it easy and get plenty of rest. Be sure to take a few days off work.
- Eat Softer Foods: Unfortunately, you won’t be able to eat whatever you’d like right away. By sticking to soft foods, the healing process will go more smoothly.
- Adjust Your Oral Hygiene Regimen: Toss aside the adhesive and soaking solutions that you used for your dentures. Instead, stick to regular brushing and flossing. You can find special toothbrushes make for dental implants to make the job even easier.
There is a small transitionary period when you’re making the switch, but you’ll be glad that you did. Use the tips above, and you’ll have your smile back in no time at all!
About the Author
After playing for the Cincinnati Bengals for four seasons in the NFL, Dr. Chris J. Devlin attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine where he earned his doctorate. He continues to take many hours of continuing education each year and is associated with the Dawson Academy, the Pankey Institute, and The Society of Dental Anesthesiology. For more information on dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (814) 238-3553.