Archive for the ‘Partial Dentures’ Category

Afraid of a dental implant

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

I had a root canal several years ago on my upper left molar. It broke off and now needs to be extracted. My dentist said I can now have artificial bone put in, and then, after 6 months, have an implant. I recently went to another dentist for a second opinion, and he agreed that it should be removed.

I realize that I should get it removed. However, my question is about the effects of getting a tooth removed, and not getting an implant, but instead getting a removable ‘partial’. My dentist says that if I get only a “partial”, that my bone can receed over the years, and I can eventually lose the teeth on both sides of the extracted tooth area. Is that your opinion also? Do I need to get this implant, or will a ‘partial’ be acceptable? I am just a little fearful of getting an implant. Thanks for your help.
- Erica in Virginia

Erica,
You have three acceptable choices to replace a single tooth. A dental implant, a dental bridge, or a removable partial denture.

Yes, when you have a tooth extracted, the bone does resorb where that tooth used to be. But that doesn’t affect the adjacent teeth, only the space. If you have a removable partial, it will clip to those two teeth on either side and hold them in place.

A bridge is a much better tooth replacement because it doesn’t collect debris, it is much more comfortable (the hardware on a removable partial is uncomfortable in your mouth), and is more stable.

A dental implant is also an excellent tooth replacement. It’s nice because you don’t alter the teeth on either side of the space. But if you’re afraid of an implant, in many cases a bridge will do just as well.

 I’m suspicious of this dentist who says what you told me about a removable partial. The information appears slanted. And if he didn’t also offer you the option of a dental bridge, I don’t understand why.

Posted in Implant vs. Bridge, Partial Dentures | Comments Off

Looking for affordable dental implants

Monday, July 20th, 2009

I had bone graft surgery two years ago and currently have partial upper and lower dentures. I am an executive and feel very uncomfortable. I need to have the implants done as soon as possible, however, it must be affordable.
- Michael from Maryland

Michael,
I’m not sure I understand your question. But I wanted to comment on your search for affordable dental implants.

You need to be very careful here. Dental implants is the number one area of dentistry for malpractice lawsuits, and it comes from the temptation for patients that gets transferred to dentists to look for shortcuts. You can always find a dentist who will cut corners for you and do it cheaper, but the risks are great. If the dentist, for example, uses a panographic x-ray or single CT scan view, it can save hundreds of dollars. But you risk perforations or nerve impingement from inadequate care being exercises in planning the case. If less expensive root form parts are used, it can save hundreds of dollars per implant placed, but then you have screws that don’t fit precisely and the implants may then only last a few years, and loose parts can contribute to infections.

So be careful and look for reputable practitioners who have adequate credentials and are members of respected implant organizations. That’s my advice.

Related links:
Phoenix dental implant costs
Read about dental implant horror stories and dental implant failure.

Posted in Dental Implant Costs, Partial Dentures | Comments Off

Should I get a removable partial or dental implants?

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

Hello. I’m a 40-year-old adult with only 17 teeth left. Is a partial the way to go or should I get the implants or is there a denture besides the soft liner that is totally soft and hooks in the back of your upper and lower ja w? I’ve been in serious pain every day of my forty years and would love to know what it’s like to not wake in pain.
- Troy in California

Troy,
I’m not sure what your pain is from. Is it a jaw pain? Or is it toothaches? When you are missing a lot of teeth, you will often have jaw pain. This is called TMJ disorder, and it comes from your bite being off, which can cause spasms of your jaw muscles or other problems.

There are several reasons why dental implants would be much better for you than removable partial dentures. Partials put stress on the remaining teeth which can cause you to lose them, and they are often uncomfortable. Dental implants don’t have those problems. Plus, with so many teeth missing and you are only 40 years old, unless you get some dental implants in the spaces where you used to have teeth, your body is going to dissolve away the bone that used to support those teeth, and you will end up with facial collapse. Too many dentists don’t discuss with their patients the long-term effects of some of their decisions. Do you want to be able to eat when you are in your 70s? If you end up with facial collapse, you won’t be able to retain a denture in your old age, which means you may not be able to eat anything chewier than baby food when you get to be in your 70s. So try to keep the teeth you have left, and replace the missing ones with dental implants.

You don’t need to have a dental implant for each missing tooth. Especially if money is a factor, be up front with your dentist on what you can afford, and develop a plan to protect your remaining teeth and insure your long-term dental health.

Related information:
Phoenix TMJ specialist

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