Coming to the realization that you need to replace all of your teeth can be hard to accept. You might experience feelings of embarrassment, regret, and even anger. Whether you just never received proper dental care throughout your life, other health issues contributed to your decline in oral health, or you simply neglected your teeth for too long, you certainly aren’t alone and there is hope. For patients in Pasadena, replacing all of your teeth doesn’t have to be as daunting as it may sound.
The Downside to Dentures
In years past, replacement of entire upper and/or lower teeth sets meant one thing – dentures. While it’s true that dentures are a relatively quick and economical means of replacing all of the teeth, Pasadena patients should be aware that they come with a number of downsides:
- Dentures tend to appear unnatural, particularly while eating
- Due to decreased chewing power, dentures come with restrictions against eating certain foods, such as steak, apples, and corn on the cob
- Dentures tend to cause bad breath in the wearer
- Because dentures are a removable prosthesis, they tend to give the wearer a sense of not being whole and can cause decreased self-confidence
- As the underlying bone structure continues to deteriorate, dentures can become loose and fall out, particularly while laughing, coughing, or sneezing, without the use of denture adhesives
- Dentures don’t protect against bone resorption, thus causing the deterioration of facial bone structures and accelerate visible signs of aging
- Often, dentures become uncomfortable and even painful with constant wear
Thankfully, these issues can all be avoided through the use of implant supported replacement teeth, which not only look and function like normal teeth, but protect against the deterioration of your jawbone.
Implant-retained denture provides comfort and stability.
Implant bar-supported denture provides additional stability.
Fixed (non-removable) bridge supported by implants provides function and esthetics similar to natural teeth.
What To Expect With Dental Implants
Dr. Chan and the team at Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery have pooled together their collective knowledge and experience to provide a safe and efficient process for those seeking replacement of all their teeth. Pasadena patients can expect the following:
- Initial Consultation: A review of your medical history to ensure candidacy for implants, along with Cone Beam CTs or X-rays, digital impressions for models, and general examination of your mouth.
- Surgical Evaluation: Dr. Chan will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your mouth, determining the amount and quality of available bone and if additional procedures (such as bone grafts) will be needed to achieve a higher quality result. 3D imaging may also be employed to aid us in developing your ideal treatment plan.
- Implant Placement: A gentle surgical technique will be used to place the dental implants into your gums and bone. The dental implants will be allowed to form a strong bond with the surrounding bone for several weeks, however, you will also be given temporary replacement teeth for this period.
- Abutment Placement: After the dental implants have solidified their connection, small connectors called abutments will be attached to your implants – these are what your final implants will ultimately be connected to. Afterward, impressions will be taken to begin fabrication of your permanent replacement teeth. You will also have temporary replacement teeth while your permanents are being made.
- Final Replacement Teeth: Once your permanent replacement teeth are back from our lab, they will be tested in your mouth for ideal fit and function and then affixed to the abutments.
Advantages of Implant Supported Replacement Teeth
By contrast to dentures, implant supported replacements avoid the many detriments listed above and offer additional benefits to the wearer:
- Enhanced stability and comfort over dentures
- Restoration of natural biting and chewing strength and ability
- Improved appearance of smile and face
- Virtual halting of the bone resorption process associated with lost teeth
- Maintenance of the integrity of facial structures
- Nothing covers the roof of the mouth as with dentures, allowing food to be tasted
- Infrequent relines/repairs compared to traditional dentures
Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery also offers single dental implants and replacement for multiple missing teeth.
At Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, we’re committed to the highest standards of quality, so we use only genuine Straumann dental implants for your care. If you need to replace your entire upper and/or lower teeth sets, we can help. Call us to schedule your appointment today at (626) 792-3161 today in Pasadena!
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Real Patient Reviews
Hear From Our Satisfied Patients
“Dr. Chan and his staff are wonderful!! My dentist keeps raving about how good of a job Dr. Chan did when he did my implant and surgical tooth removal. His office staff is very organized and professional. I appreciate his office so much!”
Melanie S. –
“Fantastic dental office for oral surgery. I’ve been to many and this one is hands down the best. I had all of my wisdom teeth removed at the same time. The procedure was painless and healed very quickly. Dr. Chan is wonderful, informative and straight forward.”
Tony O. –
“Dr. Chan and team rock! I am a busy parent just like you. Got news that my 19 year old needed wisdom teeth extraction immediately. Leaving for college in less than a week, we were referred to Dr Chan and Foothill Center. They got us in quickly and recommended we do all four.
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C M. –
“Dr. Chan and staff are amazing. I had a broken tooth get infected and was causing severe pain. I was able to get a referral from my dentist to see Dr Chan for removal with sedation. Dr Chan was knowledgeable, took time to answer all my questions and had a great sense of humor (direly needed since I’d been in pain for about 4 days). ”
Petunia W. –
“Dr. Chan was a great asset to my care. He helped take out my wisdom teeth with a breeze. I was only swollen for a week and did not have any issues. I referred him to my whole family who needed wisdom teeth removal. ”
Sammy L. –