Considering Overdentures? What You Need to Know

At Purity Dental we offer a range of reliable treatments that help patients restore their missing teeth with the best results. From dental implants to dentures, bridges and more, one popular emerging option is overdentures. Also called, implant-retained dentures, here’s everything you need to know about this treatment:

1. What are overdentures?

Overdentures are a combination of two popular tooth replacement methods, dentures and dental implants. With this treatment, a set of removable, prosthetic teeth are secured to your jawbone using dental implants. The use of dental implants helps keep this appliance in place and make it feel far more secure, as opposed to your conventional dentures.

2. Are you eligible?

Ideally, you would have all, if not most, of your teeth missing to have overdentures fitted in. In order to meet the general criteria for dental implants, you need to have treated any existing cases of infection or gum disease and also have a healthy amount of bone density available to insert the titanium screw. If you fail to meet this criterion, a bone graft might be the next viable step.

3. The process

First, you will have to schedule a thorough consultation and evaluation, which includes 3D imaging, of your oral health and teeth to determine if you meet the above criteria. Any existing infections will be treated before you move on to the next stage. Dental x-rays and impressions will help with determining the exact size and shape of your dental implants and dentures. At your next appointment, your dental implants will be placed, which can take up to 3 months to fully heal. Once healed, you’ll have your next appointment to fit in your dentures.

4. After-care

It’s best to stay away from spicy or hot foods and beverages, and sticking to a soft food diet for the first seven days following your surgery. When your dentures are fitted in, keep in mind that these teeth tend to be up to ten times softer than natural teeth so using low-abrasive special denture cleaners will prove highly beneficial when it comes to long-term maintenance.

Considering overdentures and want more details? Simply call Purity Dental today to schedule your consultation and our expert dental staff will tell you everything you need to know.