If you are currently using dentures, or thinking about getting them, you are probably familiar with the discomfort and difficulty in keeping dentures in place. Normally dentures use a dental putty for securing onto the gums. There is, however, a much better way.
Denture stabilization with dental implants locks your dentures in place using small attachment points. A dental implant is a titanium screw embedded into the jaw bone and gum tissue to form a permanent anchor point for dentures or other forms of replacement teeth. Your body heals around the screw and fuses with it in a process called osseointegration.
Here, our expert dental team will guide you through the process of receiving implants, as well as the benefits for combining them with dentures. Once you learn how great the combination is, you may not want to try any other method!
What to expect when getting dental implants
First, you should be in good physical and oral health. Gum disease, for example, will reduce your chances for successful implants. Smokers also have higher risk of implant failure, so we recommend cutting back or quitting if you decide to pursue implants and are currently a smoker.
Dental implants come in a variety of styles. Depending on your gum and bone tissue integrity, your dentist may only need a few implants. For others, more may be needed for proper stabilization. In either case, your dentist may recommend IV sedation, so be sure to have someone who can drive you home after the procedure.
New dentures will be made for you, which can easily snap onto the newly embedded implants. This keeps them in the right place, but easily removable so you can clean them. Your dentist will show you how to remove and insert your new dentures. Please note that you will have tender, sore gums for a while following the procedure, but the soreness subsides.
How long do dental implants last?
Good news: dental implants can last for decades! With good oral hygiene, your implants can easily last for a lifetime. Use a soft bristle brush on your dentures (bacteria and plaque can still form on dentures) and use an antibacterial mouthwash to ensure a healthy oral environment.
How will implant-stabilized dentures feel?
Unlike traditional dentures, those reinforced with dental implants feel much more like real teeth. They don’t shift around like other dentures, and when you bite down, you can trust your bite.
While still not as strong as natural teeth, snap-in dentures are still a much hardier option to replace full sets of teeth. The lack of slipping also means you can speak normally! No more frustrating lisps from a moving denture.
Can dental implants be placed on both rows of teeth?
Yes! Both the top and bottom arches can receive dental implants. If you need a full set of replacement teeth, dental implants are hands down the best, most permanent solution. They can be expensive, however, and a full set of implants also means more invasive surgery.
By combining a few implants with dentures, you get the best of both worlds: a natural looking appliance and the strength and security of dental implants.
Reach out to our practice today!
If you would like to learn more about denture stabilization with dental implants, feel free to reach out. Call us at 831-457-0343 or send us a message to set up an appointment today!
