Caring for an Elderly Parent With Special Dental Needs
Denture Wearers: Should You Think About Full-Arch Dental Implants?
Joe Lawrence
Dentures have been a common solution for people with missing teeth for many years. While they can provide a functional replacement for missing teeth, they are not always the most comfortable or convenient option. This is where full-arch dental implants come in. You may be wondering if you should consider getting implants if you currently wear dentures. Here is what you need to know:
What Are Full-Arch Dental Implants?
Full arch dental implants offer a permanent solution for those with missing teeth. They involve the placement of four to six dental implants in the jawbone, which are then used to support a full arch of replacement teeth. This means that the dentures can be replaced with a fixed, permanent solution that looks and feels like natural teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Full-Arch Implants?
One of the main benefits of full-arch dental implants is that they provide better stability and comfort than dentures. Dentures can slip and move around in the mouth, causing discomfort and embarrassment. With dental implants, the replacement teeth are firmly secured in place, so there's no need to worry about them moving or slipping.
Another benefit is improved oral health. When teeth are missing, the jawbone can start to deteriorate over time. This can lead to changes in the shape of the face and cause problems with speech and eating. Dental implants help to prevent bone loss and preserve the natural shape of the jaw.
Additionally, full-arch dental implants can improve your quality of life. You won't have to worry about taking your dentures out at night, cleaning them, or worrying about them falling out at inopportune times. You can also eat the foods you love without any restrictions.
Are There Disadvantages of Full-Arch Dental Implants?
However, there are some things to consider before getting full arch dental implants. First, they are a more expensive option than dentures. While they provide a long-term solution, they do require a larger upfront investment.
Additionally, getting full-arch dental implants involves a surgical procedure that requires time to heal. This means that you will need to take some time off work and adjust your diet and lifestyle during the healing process.
Finally, not everyone is a candidate for full arch dental implants. Your dentist will need to assess your overall oral health and the condition and health of your jawbone to determine if you are a suitable candidate.
If you are interested in getting dental implants to replace your dentures, be sure to have the discussion with your dentist so you know about the process and what it entails.
Share
Caring for an elderly parent tends to be tough enough without the added stress of dealing with dental implants or dentures. But, the prospect is not the end of the world—there are many things you can do to ensure that your parent's dental health is not compromised without having to spend a lot of personal time doing the care yourself. Between working with the right dentist, hiring a service provider for part time work, and giving your parent the tools he or she needs to care for his or her own dental health at home, you'll find that dental health for your loved one isn't so tough or time consuming after all. Hopefully you are able to get the support and information you need right here.