Enjoy the Secure Fit of Dental Implant-supported Dentures
For many traditional denture wearers, daily activities like eating and talking can be a battle. Even with messy adhesives, traditional dentures may slip and fall out of place. Dental implant-supported dentures are here to transform the denture wearing experience. Using implant dentistry, dental implant-supported dentures firmly attach within the mouth to stay in place throughout the day. Learn more about dental implant-supported dentures in this overview from Bridgewater, VA dentists Joe McIntyre and Dan Whiting.
What Are Dental Implant-supported Dentures?
Dental implant-supported dentures use surgically placed dental implants that anchor within the mouth. Dental implants are small, screw-like, titanium posts that are placed within the jaw. Dental implants can be paired with different dental restorations to replace individual teeth or multiple teeth. For those who already wear dentures, dental implants can be used to provide a more secure fit than traditional, removable dentures.
Dental Implant-supported Dentures Treatment
Because dental implant treatment requires surgery, candidates will need to be healthy enough to undergo surgery. In addition, candidates need to have adequate jawbone tissue to support the implants. In order to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for dental implant-supported dentures, a full dental exam must be performed. During the exam, X-rays are typically taken to assess the jawbone and determine if there is sufficient bone tissue to support the dental implants. If there isn't enough bone tissue, a bone graft may be performed to rebuild the jawbone.
When the jawbone is dense enough for dental implant treatment, dental implant surgery may be performed. Dental implant surgery is performed by making a small incision in the gums at each implant sight. Next, a small hole is created in the jawbone. Each implant is placed in a screw-like fashion. After placement, the jawbone is allowed to heal before the dental implant-supported dentures are placed. After three to six months, the final, custom denture is attached to the implants, restoring dental function and appearance.
The Benefits of Dental Implant-supported Dentures
Dental implant-supported dentures give denture wearers confidence because they know their dentures will stay in place. Dental implant-supported dentures offer many benefits, including:
- Stay securely in place: Implant-supported dentures stay in place without the need for messy adhesives.
- Comfortable: Dental implant-supported dentures are more comfortable than traditional dentures because they fit better and won't slip and slide.
- Improved speech: Traditional dentures can cause wearers to slur their speech due to the prosthetic teeth slipping and sliding. Implant-supported dentures stay in place, reducing denture-related speech problems.
- Enjoy your favorite foods: Dental implant-supported dentures allow wearers to enjoy all of their favorite foods without the fear or discomfort of slipping dentures.
- Natural feel: Dental implant-supported dentures function more like natural teeth, making them more comfortable and natural feeling than traditional, removable dentures.
- Improved confidence: Dental implant-supported dentures provide wearers with the confidence of knowing their teeth will stay in place all day.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implant-supported Dentures?
Dental implant-supported dentures allow denture wearers to live like they still have their natural teeth. To find out if you're a candidate, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Drs. McIntyre and Whiting today.
