Call Us: (267) 763-1500

261 Old York Rd, Ste 517, Jenkintown, PA 19046

Banner image on site front page
Cosmetic and
restorative
dentistry

Can I Get Dental Implants Instead of Dentures

Posted on by .

I have to replace all my teeth and my dentist wants me to get dentures. I asked him if I can get dental implants instead, but he said because I previously had gum disease that is not possible. Is there any way around this? I really feel too young for dentures. I’m only 42 years old.

Paula

Dear Paula,

Illustration of dental implant overdentures

 

I am sorry you are having to go through this at your age. Before I answer your question I have one of my own. You said you previously had gum disease. Does that mean you have already undergone treatment and no longer have periodontal disease? If that is the case and you are otherwise in good general health then there really should not be a reason you could not have dental implants. If you currently have gum disease, you will need to deal with that first.

It is possible you will need to have some bone grafting done, depending on how much bone structure you lost during your period of gum disease. That can be done outpatient.

Dental implants are an advanced procedure and it really requires that a dentist has post-doctoral training. Often, when a dentist is telling a patient that they can’t have a procedure it is because they are not comfortable doing that procedure. Don’t pressure your dentist to do it, though. There are way too many dental implant horror stories from patients who had the procedure done by dentists without the necessary additional training.

Look for a dentist who has training at one of the following institutions:

  • The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
  • Dawson Academy
  • The Kois Center

Why Dental Implants Are Important

When your teeth are removed, your body immediately begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone in order to use those resources in other places in your body that may need them more. It does this because you no longer have any teeth roots there so there is no need for the bone to support the teeth. While an efficient way to manage your body’s resources, it has the unfortunate side effect of shrinking your jawbone. After around ten years, it will become difficult for you to keep your dentures in. Shortly after that, it will be impossible. This is known in dental circles as facial collapse.

At your young age, this would be devastating. Having dental implants placed causes your body to recognize there are still “roots” there for your teeth. Because of that it will leave your jawbone intact.

When you are talking about removing all of your teeth, it is common practice to get implant-supported dentures, also called implant overdentures. This uses between four to six dental implants and then anchors your dentures to them. That amount of dental implants will both secure your dentures and provide the protection you need from facial collapse.

One other word of caution. Make sure your dentist has the cosmetic skills to provide you with beautiful dentures. Look at their smile gallery to see what type of work they do.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Should I Keep My Last Two Upper Teeth?

Posted on by .

After more problems with my teeth than I care to elaborate on, I am going to be left with most of my lower teeth and only my two front upper teeth. My main question is, would I be better off with removing those two teeth and getting dentures on my upper arch or keep those two teeth and work around them with partials? Those two teeth are healthy, but I cannot get a dentist to give me a good opinion one way or the other. I keep hearing, “Do whatever you want.” But, what I want is to know the best case scenario. I don’t really find the partial dentures very comfortable. I keep them out and mostly chew with those upper two teeth unless it is something that is too difficult for just those. But, if natural teeth are best I can keep doing it.

Ben

Dear Ben,

Illustration of dental implant overdentures

Implant Supported Dentures

You’re in quite a spot. In most circumstances, it is better to save your natural teeth. However, this situation is a bit different. Your upper teeth are going to hit those lower teeth when you’re chewing. Additionally, you are using those teeth more than usual and carrying the duty of the other teeth. I would not expect them to stay healthy at that rate. Dentures will be a little easier on those teeth, so that will work out well for you.

I did say in most circumstances it is better to keep your natural teeth, but that is more urgent if you are talking about lower teeth, not upper teeth. When your lower teeth are removed, it is more serious. This is because when your bottom teeth are removed, your body senses that and begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body where you will get more use out of them. The big problem with that is that your jawbone slowly shrinks as a result. If you place dental implants in your lower jaw, it helps to preserve the bone. Without that, you will eventually not have enough jawbone left in on your lower jaw to keep your dentures in.

For upper dentures, that bone is not as essential because they are held in by suction. I would say, in your unique case, you would be better off removing those last two teeth. You’ll be much more comfortable and able to eat a bit better. Of course, getting implant-supported dentures is always better and will increase your quality of life, especially your chewing capacity. But, they are more expensive.

One thing to note. Whether or not you choose the removable dentures or the implant supported dentures, you will want them to be attractive. Make sure you see a dentist who creates beautiful smiles. One easy way to do that is to look on mynewsmile.com, They screen cosmetic dentists for their technical and artistic ability.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michasel Weiss.

Will Medical Insurance Pay for Dental Implants?

Posted on by .

I have been trying dentures. Really trying. The problem is the denture plate makes me gag every single time I try to wear it. I haven’t been able to eat solid food for weeks. I had a little weight to lose, but not as much as I am losing. Will medical insurance cover the cost of me getting dental implants because of the impact it is having on my health?

Madeline

Dear Madeline,

Illustration of dental implant overdentures

Implant Overdentures

 

The good news is that getting dental implants to support your dentures will solve the gagging problem you have been having. There is no apparatus to cause gagging. The dental implants serve as teeth roots and the dentures will attach directly to them. Not only will you be able to eat, but you will be able to eat absolutely anything you want to.

The bad news is that medical insurance will not cover them, even if not having teeth is having a negative impact on your health. Medical insurance always has a dental exclusion clause.

If you have dental insurance, that will pay for some of it. Probably not as much as you are hoping, but some. Most dentists have you pay in two parts, so that helps some as well. You’ll pay the first portion when the dental implants are placed. Then, after a period of healing and time for osseointegration to take place, you get your dentures and pay for the second part.

If you are in difficult financial circumstances, you may find a dentist who offers a further break down of payments.

I will tell you, in the long run, it will be much better and less expensive for you to get the implant overdentures now. The longer you are wearing dentures, the more jaw bone structure you will lose. In about ten years or so, there won’t be enough bone structure left for you to retain your dentures at all. This is known as facial collapse. Getting implants prevents this because it signals to your body that you still have teeth and it leaves your jawbone intact.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Can My Smile Be Pretty after Dentures?

Posted on by .

Around 30 years ago, I lost all my teeth. My dentist never mentioned dental implants so I don’t think that was an option. I have a friend who has them and her smile is so much prettier. Plus, she can eat anything she wants. I don’t know which I’m longing for more, but I think it is a pretty smile. If I got dental implants now, could they be as pretty as her smile?

Alice

Dear Alice,

Illustration of a dental implant next to a natural tooth
I’m so sorry you have been going through this for so long. It is not the dentures that are the reason your smile doesn’t look pretty to you. Both dentures and dental implants can be beautiful giving you a smile you are proud of. The problem lies in the artistic skills of the dentist. My guess is your dentist thirty years ago had good intentions but not the skill. I truly wish he would have mentioned dental implants to you. They were available then and it would have made the last 30 years significantly more pleasant for you. However, that is water under the bridge and all we can do now is go from here.

There’s one obstacle you will face when it comes to dental implants— the aftermath of facial collapse. When your teeth were first removed, your body decided without the roots of your teeth you no longer needed the minerals in the jawbone that are used to help retain your teeth. After all, they are already gone. Slowly, that leeches your jawbone away. After 30 years, I’m guessing you are having quite the time keeping those dentures in any more.

As you can see from the image above, like your teeth, dental implants need bone to keep them secured in your jaw. There is a solution to this, though. There is a bone grafting procedure that can build that missing bone structure back up for you. Once that is done, you will be right as rain for dental implant again.

How to Get that Beautiful Smile

As I mentioned earlier, it is the dentist who does your procedure that determines how beautiful your smile is. You need a dentist who is both qualified to give you dental implants along with the artistry to make the dentures that anchor to them beautiful. My suggestion is you start by looking for an AACD accredited dentist. These are proven artists when it comes to dental work. You will finally have that smile you have always wanted and you can share it while you eat some steak!

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Dental Insurance for Dental Implants

Posted on by .

I want to replace all of my teeth with dental implants. They are in pretty bad shape and I want a smile I can be proud of. Is there a dental insurance that will cover these?

Kevin C.

Dear Kevin,

When you say your teeth are in pretty bad shape, you didn’t specify whether you meant in appearance or in health. If it is just an appearance issue, getting dental implants would be an overtreatment. This is designed for patients who need to replace their teeth because they have to be removed as a result of decay and infections. If that’s not you, a great cosmetic dentist can create a stunning smile for you, while enabling you to keep your natural teeth using porcelain veneers.

If, however, the teeth are unhealthy and have to be removed, then dental implants will be the right way to go. If you already have dental insurance, they will cover part of the cost but probably not as much as you would hope. Dental insurance tends to only want to cover the least expensive option. For tooth replacements, that is dentures. Though I only recommend dentures as an absolute last resort for reasons I’ll go over in a moment.

If you don’t already have dental insurance, be aware that most policies have a waiting period for anything other than cleanings and checkups. That may defeat the purpose if your teeth need to come out right away.

Why Not Dentures?

Two profile photos of a woman who experienced jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse, which can be prevented with implant overdentures, available from Philadelphia cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Jawbone shrinkage results in facial collapse

When your teeth are removed, your body begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere. This is in an effort to be efficient with its resources. Unfortunately, this also has the result of slowly shrinking your jawbone. Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone left to retain your dentures. This is known as facial collapse.

Getting dental implants signals to your body your jawbone is still necessary and will leave the minerals in place, thereby protecting you from facial collapse.

Implant Overdentures

Implant overdentures

Implant overdentures are a combination of dental implants and dentures

You don’t have to get a dental implant for every tooth. Instead, you can get implant overdentures. This will use between four and six dental implants and will anchor a set of dentures to them. This has the benefit of being more affordable while still providing you with all the benefits of dental implants.

If You Want a Stunning Smile

Whether you get dental implants or porcelain veneers, you still need a dentist who is skilled in cosmetic dentistry to give you that gorgeous smile you want. The top cosmetic dentists are AACD accredited. When you’re looking for natural results that look great, then you need to see an accredited dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Will Dental Implants Look Fake?

Posted on by .

My mother had dentures and, to me, they always looked fake. I now need to get my teeth replaced. I want to get implant-supported dentures and am hoping they look more natural these days. I’m rather young for dentures at 40 so I don’t want to look old before my time.

Pamela

Dear Pamela,

Implant overdentures

Implant overdentures are a combination of dental implants and dentures

First, I’m going to say you were wise to choose implant overdentures, especially at your young age. Once your teeth are removed, your body will recognize that and begin to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body where it perceives it will be more useful. Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone left to retain your dentures. This is known as facial collapse.

Getting implant-supported dentures, puts prosthetic roots into your jaw. This tells your body there are still “teeth” that need to be retained, therefore preventing facial collapse. You’ll also find it will improve your chewing capacity.

The Secret to Beautiful Dental Implants

Both dentures and dental implants can be made to look both natural and beautiful. That was true when your mother received her dentures. The beauty of dental implants is correlated to the artistic skill of the dentist. If you want a gorgeous smile, you need to find a dentist who creates beautiful smiles.

In your place, I’d look for a dentist who has reached accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) dentists have done extensive training and are the top cosmetic dentists in the country. They will give you a stunning smile. You’ll actually be thrilled to share your smile with the world.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Can I Get a Beautiful Smile with Dental Implants?

Posted on by .

I’ve had dentures for about ten years. I’ve hated them from the very beginning. They’re unattractive and uncomfortable. Their comfort has been going downhill from the beginning. I’m wondering if dental implants will be better. Will they be more attractive than the dentures? And possibly even fit better?

Kitty

Dear Kitty,

Implant overdentures

A beautiful smile isn’t dependent on whether or not you have dental implants or dentures. What creates the beauty is the skill of the dentist. The other issues you mentioned, however, are specifically a denture issue. Those can be fixed with dental implants. Let’s go over that first, then we’ll talk about how you can be sure they’re beautiful.

When your teeth were removed, your body recognized there were no longer any teeth roots in your mouth. As a result, it began to resorb the minerals in your jawbone in an effort to be as efficient with your body’s resources as possible. This has the unfortunate result of shrinking your jawbone. This is known as facial collapse and why it feels like your dentures no longer fit properly. Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone left to even retain your dentures.

The dental implants serve as prosthetic tooth roots, thereby letting your body know the minerals in your jawbone are still necessary. This preserves your jawbone.

When you’re talking about full removable dentures, such as you have, you wouldn’t do a one-to-one ratio dental implants to teeth. While you could, it is the “Cadillac” of tooth replacements and would cost a pretty penny. Instead, it’s usually recommended you get implant overdentures, which you see pictured above. This uses dental implants spaced around your arch and anchors your dentures to them. They’ll fit perfectly and be completely secure. You won’t feel uncomfortable with your dentures any more.

Dental Implants after Years of Dentures

You will have to deal with the loss of jawbone you’ve likely experienced after ten years with dentures. In order for the implants to be secure, there needs to be enough bone there to retain them. It’s possible you won’t have enough, but that can be solved with an outpatient bone grafting procedure. This builds up the bone enabling you to get the secure treatment you want.

Getting Beautiful Dental Implants

As I mentioned earlier, the best way to get a beautiful result is with an excellent cosmetic dentist. The best of the best cosmetic dentists are AACD accredited. That’s what I’d look for in your case. In a way, this is a blessing in disguise. It gives you a chance to get a stunning smile, like you see celebrities get.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.