Tooth Replacements at Dental Schools?

I don’t like my dentures. I wondered if there is a way to get dental implants done at a dental school. I know they do fillings there cheaper because my sister-in-law goes there. If they don’t do implants, could they make me better dentures?

Willie

Dear Willie,

Dental schools do take patients, which you know from your sister-in-law. They could make you a new denture. Because your work is being done by a dental student, your appointment will take longer. The good news is that the work is done well because they are overseen by their instructors.

Though, be aware that even the best fitting dentures will reduce your chewing capacity by 50%. It’s possible they can improve some of the things you hate about your current set, but there is no guarantee. One thing they won’t be able to change is the inevitable facial collapse. When your teeth were removed, your body started resorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere because it recognizes you no longer have teeth to support. After about 10 to 20 years, depending on how fast your body resorbs things, you will no longer have enough jaw bone left to keep your dentures in place.  This is known in dental circles as facial collapse.

It would be harder to find a dental school that does dental implants. These are typically done by post-doctoral institutions because they are an advanced procedure. You could call around and see if there is one of those institutions in your area. If you’re willing to travel, I’m confident you’ll be able to find one.

Getting implant supported dentures, will not only restore your chewing capacity, but because the implants are prosthetic tooth roots, your body interprets that as you still having teeth. Because of that, it will leave your jawbone in place. No facial collapse.

This blog is brought to you by a skilled dentist in Nashville, Dr. David Wickness.