02 Jun What Are the Benefits of Implant-Retained Dentures?
After you have lost your natural teeth, it’s difficult to imagine that things could ever be quite the same again. For many patients, they can because of the development of dental implants.
Are you bothered by loose dentures?
Although dentures make a fine treatment solution for many patients, they are not without their drawbacks, and one of them is their tendency to become loose in the mouth. If this is a concern for you, you should consider implant-retained dentures.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are a structure designed as a replacement for a missing tooth. Anchored within the jawbone itself, implants provide a sturdy foundation to allow for normal chewing and absorbing full biting force.
The implant itself is made up of three parts: a titanium metal screw, an abutment and a dental crown. After the metal screw is placed within the jawbone, the jawbone will naturally fuse around it. After this process is complete, the abutment will be placed, followed by a dental crown to top the entire structure and provide both the appearance and chewing function of a natural tooth.
Bone Grafting
In some cases, a patient may require an additional bronc grafting procedure to receive a dental implant. This is normally because they have gone a long time with one or more missing teeth, leading to a process known as bone resorption where the jawbone begins melting away without the presence of a tooth.
A bone graft procedure will help shore up the area through the use of donor bone material so that the patient’s jawbone will be able to support an implant.
What are some dental implant benefits?
- No adjustment period required
- Brush and floss just like real teeth
- Can last for a lifetime
- Function like normal teeth
- No problems caused by chewing tough foods
- Look and feel very natural
- Prevent bone loss while supporting healthy gums
Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures provide a combination of dentures with dental implants. They work through the use of small implants that will be attaching or retaining dentures. Implant-retained dentures are more effective and stronger than direct dentures; however, they are not permanent and will require daily removal and cleaning.
What are the benefits of implant-retained dentures?
Implant-retained dentures offer a few of the benefits of dental implants, as well as lowering the cost of the procedure closer to dentures. For most patients, dentures are the least expensive way of replacing their missing teeth, particularly when they have many teeth missing. But traditional dentures do have certain disadvantages, including:
- Tendency to shift often
- Can cause mouth sores
- Involve the use of dental adhesives
- Create problems when attempting to eat tough and sticky foods
- Can interfere with normal speech
- May fall out
- Effort involved with daily cleaning and maintenance
Schedule Your Consultation
Although not everyone qualifies for implant-retained dentures, we offer a comprehensive examination and provide you with the very best treatment options available.
Please reach out to the office of Blue Wave Dental Care today to schedule your consultation.