I’m losing all my teeth. I was going to get dentures, but my dentist said I need to get dental implants or I’ll have serious problems. They’re pretty pricey. If you figure 32 teeth that is way more money than I have. If I get a dental insurance plan will they help with that cost?
Camille
Dear Camille,
Implant Supported Dentures
Some dental insurance plans with help with dental implants, but not very much. Even then, there is usually a waiting period so you wouldn’t be able to get them right away. However, I have some great news for you. Based on your question, it seems like you are thinking you have to get a dental implant for each missing tooth. That would be impossible for all but the wealthiest of the wealthy.
Instead, what you want is called implant overdentures. This uses four to six implants per arch. Then, after a period of healing, your dentist will anchor a denture to it. These are called implant overdentures and are very different from the completely removable dentures your dentist warned you about.
The Danger with Removable Dentures
The concern your dentist had was bone resorption. When your teeth are removed your body begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone in order to utilize them where it perceives the minerals will be more useful. Unfortunately, this has the result of slowly shrinking your jawbone. After about ten years, you will no longer have enough bone structure left in your jaw to retain your dentures.
In dental circles, this is known as facial collapse. Getting implant-supported dentures signals to your body you still have teeth. Because of that it leaves your jawbone completely intact. There are other benefits too. You’ll find having the implants there to secure your denture means no slipping or sliding. You’ll never have to worry about them falling out and you’ll have a much greater chewing capacity than you would otherwise.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.
