How Common Are Implant Supported Dentures?

Tooth loss can hurt one’s smile as well as the ability to eat or speak. With implant-supported dentures, the entire look of the smile can be transformed, and individuals can enjoy more freedom with food choices. These dentures are long-lasting and have a positive impact on oral and emotional health.

The positive impact of dentures

Dentures are a dental tool for altering the look and function of the mouth, as it provides replacement teeth when a loss has taken place. With an implant-supported option, there are several benefits to the patient.

Appearance

For those who experience significant tooth loss, there is a noticeable impact on their appearance. Many people are embarrassed by the way their smile looks and will retreat from the spotlight out of insecurity. This self-isolation or negative self-talk can do damage to a person’s emotional wellness. Tooth loss also affects dietary habits and speech function, which can only add to the distress already felt over one’s smile. Dentures are a way to change the look of the smile, creating uniformity and a beautiful aesthetic.

Dining options

Dental implants, when used with dentures, also bring freedom back into an individual’s diet. Traditional dentures are typically held in place through adhesives and the suction action against the gums. Though somewhat stable, patients must avoid eating particular foods out of concern that the dentures will move or shift. Food particles and other substances can also get trapped underneath the dentures, creating the potential for bacteria build-up. The construction of dentures supported by implants removes these concerns.

Oral health

Even though the teeth in the dentures are not real, dentures can have a positive impact on one’s oral health. Dental implants go deep below the gumline and fuse to the jawbone. Though it will be the support to which the denture is attached, the implant itself acts like natural tooth roots and provides stimulation to the jawbone whenever a person is chewing. Without this stimulation, the jawbone could experience bone loss, often changing the shape of the face. This could lead to additional concerns with appearance.

Understanding implant-supported dentures

Having implants placed requires surgery and some significant recovery time. However, with so many advantages to enjoy, many people find that the results are worth the time and effort.

The procedure

First, a dentist must evaluate the jaw bone to determine if there is enough healthy hard tissue to support the necessary implants. Those with a weakened or deteriorated jaw bone may be able to have a bone graft first, which will help strengthen and reinforce the area, preparing it for the implant procedure. Once this step is complete, small incisions are made strategically along the gum line and the implants are inserted below the surface. Usually, four to six implants are placed for each upper and lower denture.

The incisions will heal and the implants will fuse to the jawbone over the course of a few weeks or months. After enough healing, an abutment will be attached to each implant, proving a surface for the dentures to attach to. Once everything has healed sufficiently, the dentures can be snapped into place.

Recovery and care

It can take many weeks or months from start to finish when getting implant-supported dentures. It will take some patience but following the dentist's recommendations carefully may help speed up the process. Removable dentures should be cleaned in the same way as traditional ones. If your dentures are permanently attached to the implants, using a water flosser can make it easier to clean the gum tissues beneath the appliances.

The benefits over traditional dentures

Implant-supported dentures can support either a full or partial denture, and the construction makes them a preferred choice among many when looking at tooth replacement options. Denture wearers often feel embarrassed or anxious about the way traditional dentures tend to move around the mouth, and some ill-fitted appliances are known to fall out on occasion. Even though dentures can make life better, it is implant-supported ones that can deliver a life-changing experience.

Implants can be put in both the upper and lower jaws, creating a stable base for the artificial teeth. The composition materials are durable and long-lasting, guaranteeing a beautiful smile for years to come. These dentures are easier to clean and much more hygienic than traditional options.

Conclusion

For help transforming a smile into a beautiful, uniform appearance, speak to a dentist about implant-supported dentures. A few simple steps could create a whole new aesthetic and restore self-confidence.

Request an appointment here: https://www.thegalleryofsmiles.com or call Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles at (713) 979-4127 for an appointment in our Houston office.

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