Implant-supported dentures are a set of replacement teeth that are permanently fixed into place. They involve a complete or partial denture that is supported by dental implants, which are small titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone to serve as the anchor for the replacement teeth.
You may be familiar with the general idea of implant-supported dentures, but there are important things that you may not yet know about them that are important to understand when determining if treatment may be right for you. The following is a closer look at some important things to know about implant-supported dentures.
When many hear the term “dental implant” they think it is to replace a single tooth, or they may believe that there needs to be an implant for every missing tooth. However, with implant-supported dentures, this is not the case. In fact, the dentist can replace an entire row of missing teeth with as little as four dental implants.
The primary difference between implant-supported dentures and traditional dentures is that dentures supported by implants are permanently fixed and supported by the jaw. This is because the implants go through a process called osseointegration. This is when the titanium posts fuse together with the jawbone. Subsequently, they are very durable and can last for as many as twenty years.
Another unique benefit that implant-supported dentures can provide that traditional dentures (meaning dentures that rest upon and are supported by the gums) cannot is the ability to prevent bone loss. After tooth loss occurs, bone atrophy can occur inside the jaw, causing issues with the patient's appearance. Since the implants are fixed in the jaw, the jaw keeps its density, and the dentist can restore the density in the jaw if bone loss has occurred.
It is important to have realistic expectations about how long the implant-supported dentures process takes. Every patient may have a different timeline, but the process can take an average of six months (or more) to complete the entire process. This is longer than with traditional dentures and patients must be more patient when they choose implant-supported dentures.
Implant-supported dentures are easy to care for and very similar to caring for natural teeth. Patients are encouraged to brush two to three times per day, floss daily, and make smart dietary choices. Regular dental visits are also very important to maintain the cleanliness of the dentures and the patient’s periodontal health.
Implant-supported dentures are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth long-term. To learn more about treatment and to go over the pros and cons, consult with our dental team during a consultation visit at our practice. We are glad to answer your questions and help you determine if treatment is appropriate.
Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.
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