Dental implants could be the right solution for missing teeth or other dental problems like gingivitis or cracked teeth. But will they work for you? Is it too late to get them?

There is no time limit on getting dental implants. You could get dental implants throughout your entire life—age doesn’t play a role. The only factors about dental implants are whether they will work for your dental goals and whether your jaw can support them. 

The first step toward discovering if dental implants are right for you is booking an appointment with your dentist. It’s essential you understand how dental implants work, how to care for them, and what options are available if they aren’t right for you.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial roots made of titanium used to replace lost teeth. The root is surgically implanted into your jawbone to ensure it’s secure. A replacement tooth is then fit directly into the gap where your old tooth used to be, attached by a screw to the implant. 

Dental implants can be a great tooth replacement option because they look and feel similar to your regular teeth. They’re a more permanent solution and can last up to 15 years as long as you work with your dentist to take care of them.

How Does Dental Implant Surgery Work?

Your dentist will determine if dental implants are right for you after taking detailed x-rays of your mouth, head, and jaw. The entire dental implant surgery process can take a few months to complete. 

During the first stage, your dentist will directly implant the titanium posts through your gums into your jawbone. The artificial tooth won’t be added at this stage—your gums and jawbone need to heal first.

After a few months, your jawbone will bond with the titanium post, creating a solid base. During your next visit, your dentist will add an abutment to the top of the titanium post, which is what the artificial tooth will attach to. When creating the artificial tooth, your dentist will take measurements of your mouth and other teeth to ensure it sits comfortably and doesn’t affect your bite.

It’s normal to see bruising around your mouth and jawbone following surgery. The area will be sensitive for a couple of weeks as you heal. Your dentist can prescribe medication to help you manage the pain. 

How Do You Take Care of Dental Implants?

Proper aftercare following your surgery ensures your dental implants last longer and complete your smile for years to come. Taking care of your dental implants reduces the risk of infection during the healing process. Tips for taking care of your dental implants include:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your gums healthy and artificial tooth clean
• Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to reduce the risk of damage to your artificial tooth
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups to ensure the implant is working
• Avoid chewing hard items like candy, ice, and particularly tough foods

At the end of the day, taking care of your dental implants takes the same amount of time and effort as caring for your teeth normally. Brushing twice a day, using dental floss, and regular visits to the dentist should ensure your dental implants are healthy and effective for a long time.

What If I Can’t Get Dental Implants?

There are some cases where dental implants might not be the right option for you. Without enough jawbone, the implant either won’t reach the bone or may not be stable enough to properly hold your new artificial tooth. 

Sometimes, a bone graft is an option if you don’t have enough jawbone. A bone graft is a surgical procedure to take bone from one area of the body and place it on another. Bone grafting is common to help someone get dental implants, but other options are also available.

Crowns

If your tooth is partially cracked or still somewhat intact, you could get a dental crown. Crowns sit on top of or as part of existing tooth fragments and are made of either metal, porcelain, resin, or ceramics. 

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are similar to implants because they are meant to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge often consists of 3 or more artificial teeth. The outer teeth support the ones in the middle and are attached to existing teeth or implants. 

Removable Partial Dentures

Complete dentures replace all the teeth on the top or bottom of your mouth. Removable partial dentures replace specific teeth in your smile. They are usually placed using clasps around existing teeth with a retainer-like device.

Getting Dental Implants in Chatham

Dental implants may be an option for you if you have missing teeth, no matter your age. However, if they aren’t, other options are available to replace your teeth and give you a complete set of teeth to smile with! 

Our team at Garcia Dental Care is trained to give you advice on dental implants and replacement teeth. Get in touch with our Chatham dentist, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.

If you have missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry may be an option for you. Cosmetic dentistry provides opportunities to replace missing teeth with artificial ones like crowns and bridges, veneers, and dental implants. Dental implants are a more long-lasting solution for people with missing teeth. 

What do dental implants feel like? Do they feel natural? How can you make sure dental implants fit your mouth? Your dentist can help determine the best artificial tooth option and walk you through dental implants when you visit them. 

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a type of artificial root and tooth meant to replace missing teeth. While most people lose teeth naturally throughout their life as their jaw and gums grow, dental implants are an option for people who have missing adult teeth. Adult teeth go missing teeth for a few identifiable reasons:

• Gum disease
• Root canal failure
• Injury/trauma
• Tooth decay

It’s essential to understand that a dental implant replaces the tooth root, not the tooth itself. When your doctor discusses a dental implant with you, they are referring to a titanium replacement root. The titanium implant consists of a screw and post surgically placed in your gum and jaw. 

On top of the implant sits an artificial tooth. This artificial tooth serves as the replacement for your missing tooth. The nature of implants and artificial teeth means they won’t feel the same as your regular teeth. 

How Your Teeth Feel

When you understand the structure of your regular teeth, you can better grasp how they feel sensations and send information to your brain. Your tooth consists of five key parts:

• Enamel: the outermost and only visible layer of your tooth consisting of hard bone
• Dentin: the middle layer of your tooth that supports the enamel and protects the pulp
• Pulp: the inner layer of your tooth containing blood vessels and nerves
• Cementum: the hard, bone-like material that protects your tooth root
• Root: the tooth root helps keep your tooth secure in your gum

Like every other part of your body where you feel sensations, like in your fingers or skin, your teeth contain blood vessels and nerves. These blood vessels and nerves sit in the root of your tooth, deep in the centre of your tooth. The nerves in your teeth help you regulate how much force you need to chew. 

Dental implants can’t provide the same feeling as your regular teeth because they don’t contain the important blood vessels and nerves to provide input to your brain on sensations like temperature, pressure, and pain. However, your dentist can help shape them to feel as close to natural teeth as possible.

What Are Artificial Teeth Made Of?

For the most part, dental implants are made of titanium because it fuses with the jaw bone, creating a solid bond and a solid base for the artificial tooth to sit on. Artificial teeth are made of a few different materials. The material used for your artificial tooth depends on location, durability, and material strength.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a hard material that allows your dentist to match the colour of your natural teeth. Porcelain artificial teeth look natural, and because the material is so hard, they are incredibly durable and long-lasting.

Since porcelain can look more natural, your dentist can use porcelain artificial teeth for implants to replace more visible front teeth. 

Metal

Gold, nickel, and palladium are the most commonly used metals for artificial teeth. These metals are hard and can withstand a lot of force from chewing. However, they don’t look very natural because they are often gold or silver coloured. 

Metal artificial teeth are often a good option for replacing molars at the back of your mouth, for example, because of their durability and colour.

Resin

Resin is a synthetic compound that can be easily moulded into different shapes, making it an ideal material for creating artificial teeth. However, resin isn’t as hard as porcelain or metal, which means it can break more easily. 

Getting Dental Implants in Chatham

Your Chatham dentist at Garcia Dental Care can go through all of these options and more with you when you visit them for your dental implant consultation. They’ll walk you through the process and help you decide if dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you. 

Book an appointment today at either our Queen Street or Richmond Street office. We can’t wait to see you and help your smile shine! 

If you’re new to the wonderful world of dentures, welcome! Dentures are an incredible way to show off your smile, regain some confidence, and enjoy foods you may have missed due to your prior dental issues. 

Garcia Dental Care wants to make sure your new smile stays as fresh as the first day you brought your dentures home, so we’ve put together a few tips on how to maintain them properly. 

Meticulous care is vital to keeping your dental prosthetics clean and stain-free, and proper maintenance can prolong the life of your dentures. 

Quick Steps to Clean Dentures  

The dentist will provide comprehensive cleaning instructions when you bring your dentures home for the first time.

Here are Garcia Dental Centre’s 5 easy steps to clean dentures: 

Step 1: Protection 

Dentures are easily damaged, and patients should take special care to avoid chipping or breakage. We recommend placing a towel on the counter, directly in the sink, or filling the sink with water. This step will help ensure your dentures are protected if dropped accidentally. 

Remember to handle your dentures gently; be extra cautious to prevent bending the plastic or attachments.

Step 2: Rinsing 

Thoroughly rinsing your dentures helps remove excess food particles and debris. Rinse your dentures carefully under warm water to remove food particles, and diligently ensure all traces of dental adhesive are removed from the surface. 

Remember to use warm water only! Hot water could potentially warp your dentures. 

If you are having difficulties removing the adhesive, place your dentures in ice water. This additional step helps harden the smaller bits of adhesive, making them easier to remove. 

Step 3: Disinfection 

Dentures contain high counts of bacteria that can cause infection if not properly cleaned. 

At Garcia Dental Centre, we recommend soaking your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution for a minimum of 30 minutes, or even overnight. 

Some patients create their own disinfectant by using a simple mixture of water and vinegar. Our team does not recommend using vinegar for certain types of dentures, as it may cause damage to some metals. 

If you have questions about the ideal solution for your dentures and smile, reach out to us for additional guidance. 

You may have heard that microwaving your full or metal-free dentures can be an effective sanitation tool, and this technique has been proven to eliminate MRSA on dental prosthetics. 

However, although convenient, studies have shown that frequent microwaving can affect the lifespan of your dentures. 

Step 4: Brushing 

Plaque and bacteria can form on your dentures, just like they would on your natural teeth. Daily brushing helps remove plaque, food particles, and keeps your dentures shiny and stain-free. 

Choose your weapons wisely! You’ll need special tools to brush your dentures: 

• A soft-bristled toothbrush or denture brush: Soft is the keyword here; you want to avoid unnecessary damage or wear to your dentures. When brushing, use a gentle technique and work carefully to ensure no parts are bent or altered during cleaning. 
• A specialized denture cleaner or gel: Regular toothpaste is not recommended for dentures, along with other harsh products like bleach or baking soda. These types of products can scratch or damage dental prosthetics, inviting bacteria growth.

If you have questions about the correct type of brush or cleanser for your dentures, contact our team at Garcia Dental Centre. 

Step 5: Soaking 

Dentures rely on moisture, and patients should take special care to avoid drying them out. Soaking dentures overnight in warm water or a denture-soaking solution is just the trick to maintaining your denture’s shape. 

Remember to thoroughly rinse your dentures before putting them back in your mouth, especially if you use a denture cleaner. Denture cleaners may contain chemicals that can cause harm if swallowed. 

Tips & Tricks 

Here are a few additional tips and tricks to help ensure the longevity of your dentures: 

• Brush your dentures daily (or more)! 

• • Don’t forget to clean your mouth: After removing your dentures, use a soft-bristled toothbrush on your remaining natural teeth, your tongue, cheeks and the roof of your mouth. 
  • Routine dental care is essential: Visit your dentist for regular dental check-ups. Your dentist can examine your dentures, ensure a correct fit, determine your overall oral health, and provide professional cleaning. 
  • Keep it tight: Book an appointment with your dentist right away if you notice your dentures loosening. Ill-fitting dentures can irritate the mouth, causing sores and infection. 
  • Avoid abrasives: Stick with soft-bristled brushes, and avoid abrasive toothpaste that can result in damage or wear to your dentures. 

• Avoid whiteners: Bleach-containing products like whitening toothpaste can weaken your dentures and cause discolouration. 

We Love to See You Smile 

Keep up the great work! Your dentures will last a long time if you: 

• Practice excellent oral hygiene
• Keep up with denture care
• Maintain regular appointments with your dentist

If you have questions about caring for your dentures, want to discuss your oral health or require a re-fitting for your dental prosthetics, contact our team at Garcia Dental Care. 

We’re a compassionate and experienced practice that loves seeing our patient’s happy and healthy smiles. 

Reach out to us today! 

How to Decide? 

Missing teeth can affect your confidence, but thankfully there are a few options available to get you smiling again. If you have 1 or more missing teeth, you may be wondering about replacing them with dental implants or dentures. 

If you’re having trouble making a decision, Garcia Dental Care can help! 

There are many factors to consider when choosing between implants or dentures, like:  

• Cost
• Care and maintenance 
• Jawbone health 
• The overall health of remaining teeth

Your dentist will be able to provide a thorough assessment of the advantages and disadvantages pertaining specifically to your oral health and dental history, so don’t be shy about discussing these options at your routine check-up. 

Although starkly different solutions, dentures and implants are both acceptable options for teeth replacement, because they both: 

• Help to increase self-esteem 
• Help support facial muscles 
• Help to improve speech 
• Help with chewing foods

All About Dentures 

Dentures are removable teeth replacements that are available as full or partial sets. They work as a replacement for missing teeth and some parts of the gum tissue. 

Dentures are typically designed with a gum-coloured acrylic base that supports the denture teeth, and some contain metal frames to provide additional strength and support. 

Before receiving your dentures, a dentist will map your bite and jaw alignment to ensure your dentures fit correctly. A lab creates an initial set of dentures, which your dentist will examine and make any necessary adjustments before a final set is produced. 

Dentures have 2 options: 

• • Complete: Full or complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper, lower or both jaws. Complete dentures sit directly on the gums. 

• Partial: Partial dentures are typically used to fill in gaps where individual teeth or clusters of teeth are missing. These dentures are placed using clasps around remaining teeth, or attached to fittings in dental crowns. 

The Pros of Dentures 

Here are a few benefits of dentures: 

• Freedom: Dentures can be removed at any time, for any reason. 
• Price: Dentures cost less than dental implants. 
• Placement: Dentures rest directly on the gums or are anchored to fittings in dental crowns, making them an ideal option for patients with bone or gum loss. 
• Coverage area: Dentures are a popular option for patients who are missing sets of teeth 
• Non-invasive: Denture fittings are non-invasive and don’t require surgery. 
• Quick: Fitting and making dentures is a reasonably short process compared to dental implants. 

The Cons of Dentures

• Adjustments: Patients’ facial structure and gums change with age, and denture adjustments may be necessary.
• Discomfort: Dentures can be uncomfortable initially,  and patients may experience increased saliva, difficulties with eating or chewing, and issues with speaking. 
• Care and maintenance: Dentures require additional daily maintenance. Mouth and gum infections can occur if dentures do not receive proper care.
• Slippage: If dentures are not appropriately secured with adhesives, they can fall out or slip while eating and speaking.  
• Improper fittings: Ill-fitting dentures can lead to infections or tooth decay.
• Replacement: Dentures may need to be replaced if they show signs of significant wear.

All About Dental Implants 

Dental implants are a more permanent replacement for missing teeth that have increased in popularity over the last decade. 

Dental implants are placed during an outpatient surgical procedure. An artificial titanium metal post is inserted into the jawbone, which replaces the natural root of a tooth, and this implant will anchor an artificial replacement tooth to its place. 

Dental implants can replace missing roots to support artificial replacement teeth, have a more natural appearance, and are widely considered more comfortable than dentures. 

The Pros of Dental Implants

• • Success rates: Dental implants have a success rate of 95% or better. 
  • Long-lasting: Dental implants are intended to be permanent, and with proper care, can last a lifetime.
  • Low maintenance: Dental implants are easy to maintain and result in fewer trips to the dentist. 
  • Care: Patients can care for implants as they would natural teeth, with a few specialized tools to help work around the nooks and crannies of the mouth.
  • Comfort: Dental implants look and feel more natural than dentures. 
  • Security: Dental implants will not fall out while eating or speaking.

• Cost savings: Dental implants last considerably longer than dentures, and although more expensive, their longevity and durability can help patients save money over time.  

The Cons of Dental Implants

• Surgery: Dental implant surgery can be invasive and time-consuming. 
• Price: Dental implants are more expensive than dentures.
• Requires healthy bone density and gums: Dental implants need to be secured to the jaw, so patients with bone loss or gum disease may not be candidates for the procedure. 
• Crown replacements: If a crown breaks or becomes cracked, the patient will require a replacement crown. 

Still Undecided? 

Ultimately, there’s only one person who should decide whether dentures or dental implants are better for your smile. (Hint: It’s you!) But while weighing the options, it’s a great idea to have a long conversation with your dentist about which procedure will work best. 

Your dentist has a good handle on your dental history, your overall oral health, and will be able to explain the differences between treatments in greater detail.

Contact our team at Garcia Dental Care If you have questions about: 

• Dental implants and dentures for yourself or your loved ones 
• Maintenance of dental implants or dentures 
• Dental implant surgery and recovery periods
• The differences between dental implants and dentures 

Let’s work together to get you a happier smile!