Baton Rouge Dentist

Will affordable dental implants help with my facial collapse?

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My grandchild recently told me I looked old. While I am in my 50s, I would hardly call myself old! However, I have been noticing my facial appearance looks to be aging. Therefore, I started researching and came across the term facial collapse. Now, I should also mention that I have worn dentures for years, yet no one ever mentioned to me that facial collapse could happen as a result of my dentures. I am now on the hunt for affordable dental implant options that will help restore my jaw bone.

Sincerely,
Barbara

Dear Barbara,

Kids say the craziest things, don’t they!

You are on the right path regarding facial collapse. Once your teeth are gone, the jaw bone, to which your teeth were once anchored, begins to resorb back into your body, leading to facial collapse. If you are experiencing this, the additional bone would need to be added before any type of dental implant can happen.

Because the bone is only retained in places where implants are placed, an option such as the snap-on denture would definitely help retain your youthful appearance, as well as help with eating and reduce the chances of future jaw shrinkage.

Therefore, you may want to consider multiple implant placements. If this interests you, schedule a consultation to find out what your best affordable implant options are and their costs.

Good luck!

This article is brought to you by Baton Rouge affordable dental implant provider, Dr. Ryan Perry.

Made A Huge Mistake Not Getting Dental Implants

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I feel like I made a horrible mistake and I’m afraid there’s no remedy for it. I wanted to get dental implants to replace if not all the missing teeth, at least the ones that show when I smile, but I wound up getting a denture to save on costs. I knew I wouldn’t be overly thrilled with the aesthetics, but I had no idea this thing would ruin my life. It hurts. I can’t eat. I can’t talk. I can’t smile. The dentist says I’ll get used to it. No. I won’t. Now the time has passed and I’m afraid I’m stuck with this thing for life. I really wish I would have gotten another opinion or tried to save my remaining teeth. Any advice?

-Lauren

Dear Lauren,

It’s a shame you went through this ordeal. Try not to beat yourself up about your lost teeth. They may not have been savable, so try to focus on what you can do now to make things right so you can eat, talk, and smile again.

In some cases, people do adapt to their dentures over time. Equally, your gums may be sore for a while after extractions, and as time passes, you’ll feel better, too. Adjustments can also be made to dentures at any point if the soreness isn’t being caused by healing. Sometimes, just smoothing out a small area can make a world of difference in making dentures feel better to wear. If your dentist didn’t check them and try, he probably should have. Give the office another call and let them know exactly what’s happening. If it really s related to the fit of them, they should be able to help.

As far as affordable dental implants go, you may still have an option. You can get something called a “snap-on denture,”  which relies on dental implants to hold the denture in place. This gives you a firmer hold than traditional dentures, but without the expense of a full set of implants. It often only takes two for it to work. Depending on your preferences, you can also have more placed, and have a partial denture designed to fit around them. Either method is less expensive than a full set, and will provide a better hold.

It’s also worth noting that dentures can look beautiful and natural. If you’re not happy with the appearance of your dentures, it may be worth having them remade by someone who does a better job with aesthetics.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Perry.

I’m in despair. Can’t afford implants. I’m going to lose my jaw.

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I’m in complete despair. I’m losing a lot of my teeth because of an accident. I can’t afford dental implant, which means dentures. Now my dentist tells me if I don’t get implants, I will lose my jawbone.  Is there some way I can use supplements to keep my jawbone?

Lola V. – Pittsburgh

Lola,

There isn’t a supplement that will keep your jawbone. The reason for that is the cause of the bone loss. When your teeth are removed, your body begins reabsorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere throughout your body. The only way to keep that jawbone is to trick your body into thinking there is still a tooth root there.  Dental implants do that.

I know you said there is no way you could afford them, but I wondered if you looked into affordable dental implant options, such as mini implants?  I would discuss it with your dentist. It will still require a denture, but it will help retain your jawbone.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.