Implant-Supported Dentures: The Best Tooth Replacement
What are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures, which are also called overdentures or snap-on dentures, can be a great alternative to other tooth replacement options. Made by combining regular dentures and dental implants, implant-supported dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that are securely positioned onto your jawbone using dental implants to create a more stable solution.
Why do I need Implant-Supported Dentures?
If you have lost most or all of your upper or lower teeth, it is important to replace them in order to avoid problems with your oral health and overall well-being. If left untreated, missing teeth can weaken your jawbone over time. This is because your jawbone doesn’t get the usual stimulation your teeth provide when biting or chewing food. And this can then lead to a sunken appearance while also leaving you vulnerable to complications when considering future dental work.
Implant-Supported Dentures vs Conventional Dentures
Now, you might be wondering if conventional dentures can be a good solution for missing teeth. While conventional dentures are a commonly used treatment option, there is a downside because they simply rest on your gums without actually stimulating the jawbone underneath. This can also cause discomfort, especially when the dentures move around in your mouth. That’s why implant-supported dentures are a better choice, as they are more stable and comfortable.
Am I an Eligible Candidate?
To be eligible for this procedure, you need to meet some requirements. These include having:
-lost most or all your teeth
-sufficient bone density
-good dental and overall health
When you come to see one of our dental specialists at Purity Dental, we will use 3D imaging and dental X-rays to check your bone density and make sure you are an eligible candidate. However, if your bone density isn’t sufficient, we may recommend a bone graft procedure to strengthen your jawbone. What the bone graft does is it improves the strength and stability your jawbone needs to be able to support the implant.
We will also check for any existing oral conditions or infections during the initial consultation. If there are any, we will address these conditions before considering any tooth replacement options.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures offer a wide range of benefits, giving you plenty of reasons to choose this option. Here are some of the key benefits
-They are easy to remove, which makes cleaning easy.
-You won’t have to deal with the discomfort caused by dentures moving around in your mouth.
-They don’t require denture adhesives (which can be messy).
-Implant-supported dentures improve the functionality of your teeth. As a result, you will be able to chew, speak, and maintain your oral health more easily.
-You can wear them confidently as they look and feel more like your natural teeth.
The Process
The process of implant-supported dentures can be different for everyone, depending on individual case needs. Having said that here’s what the process typically looks like:
- First, you’ll have to schedule a consultation with us to make sure you are an eligible candidate. And during this consultation, we’ll do a thorough examination using 3D imaging to check your teeth and oral health.
- If you don’t meet the criteria, we’ll develop a treatment plan to treat any dental conditions or infections to make sure you’re ready for implants.
- We will then take dental X-rays to determine the tooth implant size and placement. This will help achieve a perfect fit.
- Then we’ll place the implant into your jawbone and give them about 3 months to fuse with the bone. During this period, your implant will be covered with a healing cap.
- Once healed, we’ll fit the overdentures in place so you can enjoy greater comfort and smile confidently.
How to Care for Your Implant-Supported Dentures
It’s important to take good care of your implant-supported dentures. But don’t worry; it’s not a daunting task. All you need to do is maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine that involves a few simple steps.
-Brush your teeth along the gums after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
-Floss your teeth daily.
-Soak your removable dentures overnight in a denture solution to disinfect them.
We also recommend scheduling regular checkups with our dental professionals every 6 months to make sure your dentures are in excellent condition. These checkups will help us identify and address any problems early on to make sure everything is on the right track. Don’t forget that consistency is key when it comes to keeping your overdentures in good condition!
If you have any questions, our friendly team of dental professionals are here to help! We are dedicated to providing you with the best dental care possible to restore that beautiful smile of yours!
