I Already Have Dental Restorations; Can I Still Get Implants?

Dentures and bridges can be excellent ways to replace missing teeth, but they don’t imitate the real thing quite like dental implants. If you’ve been dealing with the drawbacks of traditional restorations for years, you might be interested in a new set of artificial but fully functional teeth. If you worry that it’s too late to receive dental implants, you can put your concerns to rest! Here’s how dental implants work and how they can still be placed in patients who have been using traditional restorations.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone so that a lifelike artificial tooth can be attached above the gumline. This post will fuse with the surrounding bone structure through the natural process of osseointegration, resulting in a sturdy foundation that allows the new tooth to bite and chew with the same stability, force, and leverage as natural teeth. This also restores the pressure that natural teeth would exert on the jawbone, providing it with the exercise it needs to remain healthy and strong.

Without this exercise, the jawbone will atrophy and recede into the face, eventually resulting in a sunken and old appearance. This bone loss over time can leave the jaw with insufficient mass to support dental implants. Traditional restorations do not restore all the exercise the jawbone needs, meaning that the jaw will continue to recede while wearing them.

How Can I Get Dental Implants After Years of Wearing Traditional Restorations?

If you have worn traditional restorations for years, you can probably still get dental implants after undergoing a bone grafting treatment. Bone grafting works by taking donated bone tissue and surgically placing it along the skeletal structure needing reinforcement. The existing structure will absorb the donated tissue, resulting in stronger and denser bone. It will take two or three months to completely heal after the procedure.

In cases of thin or receding jawbone (which can happen after years of wearing traditional restorations), an oral surgeon can perform a bone graft along the jaw that can provide a strong foundation for dental implants after the patient has healed. After the dental implants have healed, the patient has a new smile that can serve them well for life.

Receiving dental implants with a receded jawbone might take a few more months to accomplish, but it is perfectly possible. Don’t let your old-fashioned false teeth get in your way if you are interested in receiving dental implants. A consultation with your dentist can help you determine if you are a candidate for a brand-new smile.

About the Practice

All Smiles Leesburg provides the best dental care available in Leesburg, VA. Led by Drs. Giannina McBryde, Bao-Tran Le, and Juliana Bermudez, the staff delivers great experiences in a warm and welcoming office so patients feel excited to come back. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to dental implant treatments. If you’re curious about receiving dental implants after wearing traditional restorations, contact the office online or dial (703) 782-5171.