My partial denture is for two missing teeth that I regret having extracted. Is it too late to get dental implants? I am only 44 years old and tired of wearing a partial denture. I have had gum disease treatment for over a year, and I think it’s best to look for alternatives that don’t wear out other teeth and my gums. Thank you. Alan from Snellville, GA

Alan,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office.

Can You Replace a Partial Denture with Dental Implants?

Yes, you can replace a partial denture with dental implants. The replacement will be a healthier option for the teeth next to the missing ones and your gums. An implant dentist must complete a comprehensive exam, evaluate your gum and bone health, and determine what’s needed to give you healthy implants.

• Gum health – Your gum tissue must snuggly form around dental implants to support them. An implant dentist will ensure your gums are healthy and do not interfere with healing.
• Jawbone health – You need enough quality jawbone because the bone is the foundation for dental implants. An implant dentist must complete a 3-D CT scan to evaluate bone quality and volume. If you have experienced bone shrinkage, you may need bone grafting to ensure the implants have solid support.

BioMed Research International published an August 2021 article on the biomechanics of partial dentures. The article lists the possible effects of removable partial dentures on the adjacent teeth that support it, including:

• Stress during function, insertion, and removal of the partial denture
• Bone shrinkage
• Loss of the teeth supporting the partial denture
• Partial denture failure

What Are the Benefits of Replacing a Partial Denture with Dental Implants?

The benefits of replacing a partial denture with dental implants include the following:

• Longevity – Dental implants can last a lifetime—outlasting a partial denture or a dental bridge.
• Healthy for adjacent teeth – Implants do not clip onto or cover adjacent teeth for support.
• Jawbone stimulation – Tooth roots, like dental implants, stimulate the jawbone, preventing shrinkage of jawbone.
• Appearance – A dental implant resembles a natural tooth emerging through your gums. You will not have unsightly clasps on your teeth like a partial denture.

We recommend consulting with two credentialed implant dentists to discuss your options.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Read how he strives to give patients some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.