Your oral health has a significant impact on your overall health and well-being and advancements in dental technology have led to innovative solutions to restore the appearance and functionality of smiles.
One of the most popular restorations for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth at Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry is implant-supported dentures. In this article, we’ll explain about what are implant supported dentures? its process, benefits, and care for this solution.
What are Implant Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are a modern approach to addressing the issue of tooth loss and avoiding the disadvantages of traditional removable dentures.
Traditional removable dentures are designed to sit on the gums. They often slip and slide around in the mouth and may fall out. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, are secured in place with strategically placed dental implants. this provides a more secure, natural-looking option for those who are missing most or all of their natural teeth.
Process of Getting Implant-Supported Dentures
The process of getting implant-supported dentures involves multiple steps that often take a few months to a year or more. These steps include:
Consultation
The first step in the process is the consultation visit. The dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss your oral and overall health history as well as your expectations for treatment. Evaluation includes imaging to assess your jawbone health and identify possible implant locations. The information gathered during this evaluation will determine your candidacy for implant-supported dentures and be used to create your personalized treatment plan.
Implant Placement
The next step in the process is implant placement. This requires oral surgery. An incision is made in the gum and a hole is drilled in the jawbone. This will usually be done under local anesthesia, but sedation is an option for patients who need it. The implants act as tooth roots, providing a stable base for the dentures.
Healing/Osseointegration
After the implants have been placed, the jawbone will begin to heal around and fuse with the implants through a process known as osseointegration. This phase usually takes several weeks to months, depending on your body’s healing ability. Patients are typically given temporary dentures to maintain appearance and function during this time.
Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, the abutments can be placed on the implants. The abutments are what secure the prosthesis to the implants.
Impressions/Denture Fabrication
When the abutments are in place, impressions will be made. These will be used by the dental lab for the fabrication of your custom prosthetics to ensure a natural appearance and secure fit.
Denture Attachment
When fabrication is complete, the dentist will attach the prosthesis to the implants, ensuring that the bite is comfortable and that the dentures function properly.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
There are many advantages of implant-supported dentures including:
- Enhanced stability
- Increased comfort
- Improved chewing and speech
- Jawbone health support
- Long-term oral health
Who Needs Implant-Supported Dentures?
Every patient is unique and has different needs and expectations. However, implant-supported dentures are an ideal option for patients who are missing most or all of their natural teeth or who are struggling with the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional dentures. Patients must have adequate jawbone density and have good oral and overall health. The best way to confirm eligibility for this procedure is with a consultation with a dental professional.
How to Care For and Maintain Implant-Supported Dentures
Proper care and maintenance are critical for the longevity and effectiveness of implant-supported dentures. Proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, are critical. In addition, routine checkups are necessary to allow the dentist to monitor the health of your implants and address any issues before they escalate.
When to Call the Doctor?
Implant-supported dentures are known for their durability. However, if you experience any signs of pain/discomfort or changes in the fit of your dentures, it’s important to contact the dentist immediately. This will help you avoid any potential complications and ensure continued oral health.
Are You Interested in Implant-Supported Dentures?
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, consider implant-supported dentures. This is a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable solution. The implants support the prosthesis, so there’s no fear of slipping around or falling out.
Schedule your consultation with the team at Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry today to learn more about implant-supported dentures and other tooth replacement solutions.
Implant-Supported Dentures FAQs
If you have any questions about implant-supported dentures or other tooth replacement solutions, the team at Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry can help. Below are a few of the most common questions that we’ve been asked:
The best way to maintain oral health and monitor the health of your implants is with proper brushing and flossing as well as regular dental check-ups.
An interdental brush can be used to clean under the dentures to remove any food debris and prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Traditional removable dentures often require patients to give up certain foods because they may damage the denture. However, research shows that you can eat just about anything you want due to the stability of implant-supported dentures.
As a general rule, the average lifespan of implant-supported dentures is much longer than that of traditional removable dentures. However, this depends on a variety of factors including the quality of the materials used, the patient’s oral hygiene practices, oral and overall health, and more.
The average cost of implant-supported dentures in the United States ranges from around $3,000 to $30,000 per arch based on a variety of factors including the number of implants, type of implants, materials used, additional procedures, experience/expertise of the dental professional, and the location of the dental practice.
