If you’ve had dental work in the past—such as bridges, partial dentures, or crowns—you may be wondering whether dental implants could provide a better, longer-lasting solution. Dental implants have become the gold standard for tooth replacement because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. But is it possible to replace your existing restorations with implants? The answer is often yes, depending on your individual situation. Let’s explore what you should know.
Why Consider Replacing Restorations with Dental Implants?
Traditional restorations like bridges and dentures can be effective, but they also have limitations. Bridges require altering healthy teeth for support, and dentures may slip, cause sore spots, or affect speech and chewing. Over time, these restorations may need frequent adjustments or replacements.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are surgically placed into the jawbone and act as permanent tooth roots. Once healed, they provide a stable base for crowns, bridges, or dentures without affecting neighboring teeth. Patients often choose to switch to implants for greater comfort, durability, and confidence.
Common Situations Where Implants Replace Restorations
Replacing Dental Bridges
If you currently have a bridge that relies on surrounding teeth for support, you may be a candidate for one or more implants instead. With implants, the healthy teeth next to the gap no longer need to be filed down, and the bone underneath is preserved.
Replacing Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can be inconvenient and sometimes unstable. Implants can replace the missing teeth individually or support a more secure implant-retained denture, eliminating the discomfort of a removable device.
Replacing Full Dentures
For patients with full dentures, implant-supported dentures (such as All-on-4) offer a secure, permanent solution. Instead of adhesives or suction, the denture snaps onto 4–6 implants per arch, providing excellent stability and restoring natural chewing power.
Replacing Failing Crowns or Old Restorations
If you’ve had repeated issues with crowns, root canals, or other restorations that no longer hold up, it may be time to consider removing the tooth and replacing it with an implant.
Factors to Consider Before Making the Switch
- Bone Health: Adequate jawbone density is essential to support implants. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting may be needed.
- Gum Health: Healthy gums are critical for implant success. Gum disease must be treated before implants can be placed.
- Overall Health: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or smoking can affect healing and implant success.
- Treatment Goals and Budget: Implants are an investment, but they can save time and money in the long run by lasting decades or even a lifetime.
Yes, in many cases you can replace your existing restorations with dental implants, and doing so can significantly improve your comfort, appearance, and oral health. Whether you’re frustrated with a loose denture, tired of maintaining a bridge, or dealing with failing restorations, implants offer a durable, natural-looking alternative. The best way to know if you’re a candidate is to schedule a consultation with your dentist or implant specialist, who can design a personalized plan to restore your smile.
About the Practice
Are you in the market for replacing one or more missing teeth? You can’t do any better than dental implants, and here at Heart of Texas Smiles General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re more than happy to guide you in your journey to a new smile. We have three dentists with advanced training and experience in this treatment. We can handle placement and restoration all under one roof – no referrals needed! We also use the latest technology like a CBCT cone beam scanner for enhanced treatment planning. Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment online or call our Waco office at (254) 203-9662.