Baton Rouge Dentist

I’m Wearing Dentures with Not Much Jawbone Left

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I’m concerned because I am wearing dentures with little bone structure, and I’m not sure how much longer I can keep going like this. Although I am only 66 years old, this is my 20th year wearing dentures. I will not be able to keep a denture in my mouth soon. Chewing with dentures is not like chewing with your teeth. The bottom denture already lifts every time I eat. A coworker told me about implants, but I cannot afford implants. Is there a type of denture my dentist may not know about that would fit me better? Thank you. Kent from RI

Kent,

Thank you for your question. We understand that wearing dentures can be challenging. And when you are losing jawbone volume, your concerns increase. We will discuss the best approach to resolving the issue.

Wearing Dentures without Much Bone Structure

If you wear dentures but do not have much jawbone structure left, eventually, you will not be able to keep a denture in your mouth. Getting new dentures is not the answer.

Why new dentures are not the answer

Your jawbone will continue to shrink when all your teeth are missing. Tooth roots stimulate the bone and prevent shrinkage. The denture base will rest on your gums and make shrinkage worse. Each new denture will continue to loosen.

Building Up Your Bone for Wearing Dentures

Your dentures need a firm foundation, and the only way to support them is to rebuild the bone with grafting. After an implant dentist or an oral surgeon grafts bone tissue, your body will grow more tissue to support replacement teeth.

Supporting Your Denture with Dental Implants

After bone grafting, you will wait for the grafts to heal so the bone builds up again. According to the American Academy of Osseointegration, bone grafts can take up to six months to heal. After a healing period, you will be ready for a new denture. But this time, a dentist will recommend supporting your upper and lower dentures with dental implants. Otherwise, your issue with keeping a denture in will recur.

How Many Implants Will You Need for a Denture?

Four to six implants improve denture stability. But as few as two implants can support a denture and prevent it from rubbing on your gums and wearing on your jawbone. Also, implants stimulate the jawbone around them and minimize shrinkage.

Are You Wearing Dentures with No Bone Structure?

Snap-on denture as an affordable alternative to individual implants
A snap-on denture only needs two implants

If you wear dentures with no bone structure, it is best to request a consultation with a highly experienced implant dentist. It seems that your current dentist has not mentioned implant dentures as an option for you. So, find a skilled implant dentist on your own.

Search online for dentists with advanced training in dental implants to request a consultation for implant dentures. Ask the dentist about phasing your treatment or low-interest financing options if you need to pay for care over time.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge implant dentist, sponsors this post.

 

 

Will I Need Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?

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I need extractions for my remaining teeth because I lost most of them to injury and disease. I think I would need bone grafting if I got implants or implant dentures My family dentist says he can place implants, but when I ask them how many implant patients he has had, his answer was “a few.” I’ve been missing teeth so long that I am concerned about needing bone grafting before implants. How do I explain to my dentist that I would rather someone else do the implants? Thank you. Richard from Minneapolis

Richard,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s implants. Your decision to get dental implants will improve your oral health and quality of long-term quality of life. You are wise to look for a dentist with advanced implant training for the long-term survival of your implants.

Will You Need Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?

You will need bone grafting for dental implants if you lack enough bone volume to support the implants. After taking a 3-D CT scan, an implant dentist or oral surgeon will explain whether you need bone grafts.

What Is Dental Implant Bone Grafting?

Dental implant bone grafting is a method of building up the lost bone with a graft. Grafts are necessary because the jawbone shrinks when all your teeth are missing. Without enough bone, your dental implants will lack support. It takes about four months for the grafts to heal before you can get implants.

In cases where a dentist must remove damaged teeth, extractions, bone grafting, and implant placement may occur on the same day.

What Are Sources of Bone for Grafts?

An implant dentist may use these sources for bone:

  • Donor’s bone
  • Synthetic bone
  • processed bone from a cow or big
  • Bone harvested from your shin or hip

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants and Grafting?

An implant dentist will determine if you are a candidate for implant dentures and bone grafting after taking x-rays and a CT scan. You are probably a candidate if the following is true about you:

  • Good oral health
  • Good overall health, including free of gum disease
  • A non-smoker

How to Find a Dentist for Implants

You can find a dentist for implants by looking at dental websites and reviewing each doctor’s biography for these qualifications:

  • Post-graduate training in implant dentistry
  • Continuing education in implant dentistry
  • Currently and regularly performs implant surgery
  • Positive online reviews
Snap-on denture as an affordable alternative to individual implants
A snap-on denture is an affordable implant denture

After choosing two or three dentists who meet the qualifications, schedule consultations to discuss your concerns and learn about your treatment options and costs for implant dentures. Explain to your family dentist that you appreciate and value his work in support of your oral health. Still, you prefer a dentist with years of training and experience with implant patients.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, family and implant dentist, sponsors this post.

I Can’t Afford Dental Implants, and I’m Losing All My Teeth

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I’ve had periodontal disease for several years; unfortunately, I trusted that my dentist was doing the right thing with treatment. He wasn’t, and my teeth are so loose. My daughter finally convinced me to see another dentist, and I did. My periodontal disease is progressive, and I will lose my few left teeth. I know my choices are dentures or dental implants (I can’t really afford them). The thought of wearing dentures really scares me. Is it worth it to go into debt for dental implants and pay for them until it’s almost time for me to die? Thank you. Millie from Bay Shore, NY

Millie –

Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s office.

We understand your concerns because there are a lot of challenges that come with removable dentures. We will explain alternatives to individual implants.

What If You Can’t Afford Dental Implants?

There are alternatives if you cannot afford individual implants for each missing tooth. An implant dentist can use two to six implants to secure a denture for much less money than replacing each tooth with an implant. Two of the most affordable options are a snap-on denture and mini-implants.

Snap-on denture as an affordable alternative to individual implants
A snap-on denture is an affordable implant denture
  • Snap-on denture – You can get standard implants to support a denture, and as few as two implants can increase their stability.
  • Mini implants – A mini-implant is one-third the diameter of a standard implant and a fraction of the cost. Your dentures will be less stable than with traditional implants, but they will fit much more securely than removable complete dentures.

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the jawbone shrinks up to 50 percent in the first six months after losing all your teeth. Implants stimulate your jawbone and help prevent jawbone shrinkage and sagging muscles that lead to facial collapse.

We recommend finding an experienced dentist with post-graduate implant training for a consultation to discuss your options for implant dentures. The dentist will explain payment plans or financing options that may fit your budget.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post.

How Does Advanced Gum Disease Affect Dentures or Dental Implants?

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After losing 7 teeth within a year, I finally got the courage to visit the dentist. She diagnosed me with advanced periodontal disease. My case is out of her hands, and she is referring me to a periodontist. Although I’ve neglected dental appointments all my life, the good news is that I am fortunate to have employment and good dental coverage. I don’t know what to expect with a periodontist, and my dentist hinted that I should save my questions for the expert. I still would like to know if my gumline is slow are both dentures and dental implants an option for me? I’m only 51 years old, and I prefer not to have full dentures. – Kinston from GA

Kinston,

Your dentist is wise to refer to a periodontist to treat your gum disease. The periodontist will evaluate your medical and dental history before recommending any form of tooth replacement.

Factors that can affect your options

  • Advanced gum disease– Healthy gums are essential for healing around the implant for a snug fit. Diseased gums will interfere will the healing process.
  • Bone loss – You need enough bone volume to support dental implants. Advanced gum disease spreads to the bone and can deteriorate it. Additionally, missing teeth result in bone resorption. If you’re a candidate for dental implants, you might need bone grafting first.
  • Your physical health – Certain autoimmune diseases and health conditions, including diabetes, must be well controlled before you receive dental implants. Your body must be healthy enough to promote healing, so the implants and your jawbone will fuse.

Removable dentures

Removable complete dentures will decrease your chewing efficiency. They are not stable, and they can lift or slip.

Implant overdentures

Diagram of lower affordable dental implants with four screws
Implant overdentures are affordable and will stabilize your dentures

Although it might not be possible or practical for you to receive individual dental implants, your dentist can secure a denture to two or more dental implants. Implants make dentures look and feel more like your natural teeth. Your dentist can snap—or screw—the denture onto dental implants. Any option that includes dental implants will give you a healthier and more attractive smile.

Best wishes for a steady recovery and healing from periodontal disease.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.