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dentistry

Implant Overdentures with Diabetes

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I’ve had dentures for a few years and really hate them. Now I learned that they’re the worst replacement I could have gotten because they will contribute to my jawbone shrinking. I’d like to get implant overdentures to replace them, but I have Type 1 Diabetes. My dentist said that is a contra-indication for dental implants. If so, what can I do?

Martin

Dear Martin,

Implant overdentures

 

I feel like you haven’t been getting the best dental advice available. Your dentist should have forewarned you about facial collapse when he suggested dentures. He also hasn’t been completely forthright in regard to your question about diabetes. It is not a contra-indication. However, it does put you at a greater risk of implant failure than other patients.

What you’ll need is careful diagnostics previous to your procedure and close monitoring throughout. Make sure they are willing to take more care with you. I want you to see a dentist with significant post-graduate training in the dental implant procedure. Look for someone who’s trained at the Dawson Academy or the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies.

I think it’s also important you go to a dentist who is skilled in both the placement and the restorative (cosmetic) aspect of your case. If they can’t be the same person, they’ll need to work in close communication so there is complete coordination between them to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Benefits of Implant Overdentures

You’ve already mentioned the biggest benefit to implant overdentures. You will no longer have to worry about losing the minerals in your jawbone. Instead, having implants will signal to your brain that those minerals are needed. You will not suffer from facial collapse the way you will if you continue with dentures.

There are other quality of life improvements as well. You won’t ever have to worry about your overdentures slipping or sliding. They will be completely secure. You can eat what you want. You can brush and floss normally. It’s like having a healthy set of teeth again.

Who Should Do the Cosmetic Work?

When it comes to the appearance of your new teeth, you’ll want them to look natural. However, this is also an opportunity to improve the look of your smile at no extra cost. As I said earlier, your dentist should also be skilled in cosmetic work along with the implants. The best cosmetic dentists are accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He or she can help you design the smile of your dreams.

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

Do You Have to Implant Every Tooth?

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I’m losing my teeth and my dentist is highly suggesting I get dental implants. I’ve been figuring the cost and it is astronomical. Is there a way to do this without implanting every single tooth?

Karen

dentures versus dental implants
Implant overdentures combine dentures with dental implants

I wish your dentist would have done a better job of helping you understand your options. When you’re talking about replacing all your teeth, as you are, you don’t usually do a 1 to 1 ratio of teeth to implants.

Some people do, but that’s considered the luxury treatment for those with the funds. It’s definitely not necessary and not what most patients do. Instead, you’ll do implant overdentures. It places around four to six dental implants into your jawbone and anchors a set of dentures to the implants. This is much more financially reachable than the cost you’d calculated.

The Reason for Dental Implants

There is a very good reason why your dentist is suggesting you get dental implants instead of completely removable dentures. Once your teeth are removed, your body will begin the resorption of the minerals in your jawbone.

It does this because your body recognizes you no longer have teeth. Because of that it thinks those minerals will be more useful elsewhere in your body. This has the unfortunate result of shrinking your jawbone. In dental circles it’s known as facial collapse.

Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone left to even support your dentures, leaving you with no way to eat.

Having dental implants placed, signals to your brain there are still roots there and your jawbone is needed, completely preventing facial collapse.

Getting a Beautiful Smile with Implant Overdentures

While you are getting a new smile, you may as well get a stunning one. In that case, you’ll want to make sure the dentist you choose is not just an experienced implant dentist, but also a skilled and artistic cosmetic dentist.

Not only will you have a healthy smile, but one you’re thrilled to share with the world, giving you a renewed confidence. Look for an implant dentist who is also accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

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