Implant supported dentures are one of the best dental restoration options when most or all of the teeth are missing on a dental arch. Losing multiple teeth can make life more difficult: You cannot smile confidently, you cannot eat whatever you want and you may even have difficulty with speech. Implant supported dentures practically solve most of the problems faced by people who wear regular dentures.
Implant supported dentures
They are often recommended for patients who have lost all the teeth on the jaw but still have adequate and healthy jawbone to hold dental implants safely. Special attachments are used to connect the dentures to the implants for a secure fitting. They are often used for the lower jaw, but implant dentures can also be fabricated for the upper jaw.
There are two major types of attachments used for implant supported dentures: bar-retained and ball-retained dentures. Both consist of a gum-colored acrylic base with a row of natural-looking dental crowns. Implant supported dentures typically require between two to six dentures for adequate support.
Bar-retained dentures use a thin metal bar connected to the implants sitting inside the jawbone. The fastening devices may be fitted on the bar or denture. The denture will be held securely by clips or fasteners when sitting on the metal bar.
Ball-retained dentures are held in place with ball-shaped metal parts that connect directly to implants. The dentures will stay secure when the balls align with their corresponding sockets on the denture. These two mechanisms are natural-looking and highly comfortable.
What happens during the procedure?
The dentist will discuss the treatment procedure with the patient during the initial consultation. The surgery is minimally invasive and requires about an hour to perform. The implant specialist will perform the procedure under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the dentist will insert titanium implants into the jawbone, on which the implant restoration will sit. Patients can also check to see if their existing dentures can be modified to work with the new implants.
After the surgery, the patient may experience slight discomfort. The dentist will prescribe pain medications and diets to follow in the initial healing period. After the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, abutments will be connected to the implants and a denture will be fabricated to snap onto the abutment. If the denture is removable, the patient will be able to remove it easily for cleaning.
Why choose implant supported dentures
Implant dentures are more stable than traditional dentures, eliminating concerns about slippage. Other benefits include:
- Improvement in speech and confidence
- Less chance of gum tissue becoming irritable
- Ability to eat regular foods
- Less invasive procedure
- Preserves the structure of the jawbone
- Better appearance and function
Final note
If you opt for implant supported dentures, knowing how they work may help you prepare adequately for the procedure. The implant specialist will evaluate you and make proper recommendations before proceeding with treatment. If you already wear regular dentures, you can finally say goodbye to messy adhesives and embarrassing moments by choosing these implant restorations. If you have additional questions about the treatment, the dentist will be happy to provide answers.
Request an appointment here: https://pier210dental.com or call Pier 210 Dental Group at (530) 885-5696 for an appointment in our Auburn office.
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