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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Five Things You Should Know Palateless Dentures and Dental Implants

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If you’re missing all of your teeth, a palateless denture provides an affordable, comfortable option to replace them. Before you ask your dentist about this option, get the facts.

  1. A palateless denture is made to replace your upper teeth. It is open in the center, so it doesn’t cover the root of your mouth. The denture is made in the shape of your arch, similar to the shape of your gumline. It helps the denture fit securely.
  2. If you’re interested in a palateless denture, you should expect it to be secured with dental implants. Here’s why:
    • A traditional upper denture covers the roof of your mouth. This provides suction to keep the denture in place. Without a palate in your upper denture, it would frequently dislodge and fall out due to lack of suction.
  3. Grooves are made in the base of the denture so that it can snap onto dental implants. Implants provide stability and keep the denture from slipping around.
  4. As few as two dental implants can be used to snap on the denture, but the more implants there are, the more stable your dentures will be.
  5. People who have worn dentures with a palate and later try this option prefer the palateless version. It’s more comfortable, and eating is much more enjoyable.

Interested in Dental Implants and a Palateless Denture?

If you want to receive implant dentures, schedule consultations with two or three implant dentists. Each dentist should be concerned about reviewing your medical and dental history to find out if you are a candidate for implants. No dentist should recommend dental implants without verifying your eligibility.

Diagnostic studies are needed to ensure you have enough jawbone density for implants. If not, bone grafting will be required. Don’t choose the cheapest option. Look for a dentist with extensive training who offers high-quality implant fixtures. Why invest your time and money into an oral appliance that won’t last?

Wearing dentures can be made as comfortable as possible with a palateless denture that is supported by dental implants. Implants prevent jawbone shrinkage and facial sagging. The time and investment are worth it.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

 

Blood around one of my dental implants

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I keep seeing blood around one of my dental implants. It is not constant, but it happens every day. It’s mostly when I floss around it or brush it. Sometimes I don’t notice it, but then I will taste blood in my mouth and look at the implant and there is blood around it. I’ve had the implant for 8 months now. It isn’t still healing is it? Vicente

Vicente – Minor bleeding, swelling, and bruising after dental implant surgery gets better after a few days. If you are noticing blood around an implant eight months after surgery, you need to have the implant examined.

There may be in infection around the implant, or the problem may a result of periodontitis (or gum disease). You may also notice swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, bad breath, or loosening of the implant. An infection needs to be quickly treated, and bacteria around the implant need to be removed to prevent the implant from loosening and requiring replacement. You may be prescribed an antibiotic or an antibacterial mouthwash to help eliminate the infection.

While a dental implant looks and functions like a natural tooth, it can also harbor infection like a natural tooth. Diligent oral hygiene is critical for the health and function of implants. A conscientious dentist try to identify the cause of the bleeding so it can be treated and prevented in the future.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

What brands of dental implants cost less than what my dentist uses?

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My dentist uses Nobel Biocare dental implants. After he told me the cost of implants from the imaging to surgery and the crowns, I knew that I should start comparing prices. I asked him about using another brand that is cheaper, but he won’t budge on the brand. He says he uses that brand because he likes it and gets good results. What brands of dental implants are more competitively priced and how can I find a dentist who uses those brands? Thanks. Jim

Jim – Dental implants are fixtures. As with household fixtures, there can be low-priced, low quality fixtures that need to be replaced more frequent, or more expensive, quality fixtures that last many years.

Think about a quality kitchen faucet. It can last for many, many years, and after 15 years or so, it needs to be replaced. If the faucet is replaced with a less expensive one that will need to be replaced in five years or less, or with another, more expensive quality fixture that will last another 15 years. The same is true of dental implant fixtures, high-quality fixtures are more expensive, but they last much longer, and they are less likely to need to be replaced. They also contribute to better overall oral health.

We have a few suggestions for you:

  • Don’t to insist on lower-priced brands of implants, because it can mean a sacrifice in quality.
  • Speak with your dentist about the brand he uses and why he prefers it. The conversation can give you confidence in your dentist’s decision and that he is concerned about your oral health.
  • Get a second and third opinion from other dentists who also use quality fixtures, and discuss your options with them.

Remember that shopping around for a low price can lead to cheap implant fixtures that don’t last, that result in infection, or that require your implants to be completely redone.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Is 16 too young for dental implants?

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My 16 year old daughter was in an accident that caused three of her front teeth to get knocked out. We did a quick search for the teeth, but we couldn’t linger in our search because a head injury was suspected. We’re happy to say that she didn’t have a head injury, but we are concerned about the best way to replace her teeth. Teenage years are difficult enough without a problem like this, so I want her to get the best restoration possible for her teeth which as I understand it is dental implants. I have scheduled appointments with three cosmetic dentists to get their opinions and estimates for the cost of the work. We’ve seen one so far, and he recommends a dental bridge, but as I mentioned, I really prefer implants. Is she able to get dental implants at 15? – Jordyn

Jordyn – Although there are no age restrictions for placing dental implants, there are some cosmetic considerations for young patients with jaw growth that is not complete.

Jawbone growth can continue until about age 19. If dental implants are placed while your daughter’s jawbone is still growing, the natural teeth will continue to grow and may surpass the length of the implants. Dental implants are anchored in the jawbone and will not move to match the length of her natural teeth as her jawbone grows. The uneven teeth could detract from her smile.

You received a recommendation of a dental bridge for your daughter. If you truly want dental implants for her, a less expensive and temporary option is a dental flipper. Replacement teeth are embedded in a plastic mold with clasps that hook onto natural teeth. When your daughter’s jawbone growth is complete, dental implants can be placed.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

 

Thinking about leaving the country for dental implants

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I never considered going out of the country for affordable dental work but now that I need dental implants, it’s hard for me not to consider it.

If a travel and accommodations plus the dental care are cheaper in another country, I think it would be unwise not to investigate. I know there are risks for everything, but if something goes wrong with the treatment there, how agreeable would a dentist here be to doing the follow-up work? Thanks. Drew

Drew – If you choose to receive dental work out of the country and you need the assistance of another dentist in the U.S., you will be able to find a dentist who will assist you. But we often ask our patients, why take the chance?

It is recommended that you do a lot of research before choosing to leave the country for dental work. Some of the information you need to gather includes the dentist’s credentials and how you will verify them; the facility in which the care will be administered; governmental regulations for dental implants in that country; the quality of implants used; follow-up care; and how you will handle emergencies or implant failure.

We understand patients’ concerns about the cost of implants in the U.S., but we are concerned about your on-going oral health. You will find many implant dentists in your area who will work with your budget and provide payment options to help make treatment affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.