If you are dealing with the partial or full loss of a tooth, implant supported dentures can be one of the most useful dental treatments. Implant supported dentures work to optimise your oral health by improving the appearance of your teeth, restoring your ability to bite and chew normally and even boosting the overall function of your mouth. Dental implants and implant supported dentures work together to upgrade the aesthetic value and the practical usefulness of your teeth.
Dental Implants have changed the way we look at dentistry. Dental implants are not just for single tooth or multiple teeth replacement. They can also be used in support and stabilisation of removable dentures. Long time denture wearers will tell you that over time the bone remodels and resorbs resulting in loose and ill fitting dentures. Now with the development of dental implant supported dentures those days can be a relic left in the past for many patients.
As few as four implants can be placed into the jaw in strategic positions to anchor the dentures firmly into the mouth. A short period of surgery is required for the implant posts to be placed into the jawbone and once this is done they’re left to heal and bond with the surrounding bone and gum tissue to form a permanent fixture in the mouth. Special fittings are then used to attached the dentures to the implants and the wearer can simply remove them to clean, and then snap them back into position.
Benefits of implant-supported dentures:
01. Enhanced Stability:
Traditional dentures sit on the gums, where they are generally held in place using a denture adhesive. For many patients, this leaves the dentures feeling loose, and may result in the dentures slipping or falling out of place. Implant-supported dentures are attached to metal abutments, which are connected to dental implants that have actually fused with the jawbone. Essentially, this makes the implant-supported dentures just as secure as the natural teeth, giving patients the most comfortable fit possible, and eliminating the fear that dentures will fall out of place.
02. Speech Enhancement:
Any denture or bridge supported by implants will have a positive impact on speech ability, especially involving the upper jaw. But patients who’ve previously worn removable dentures may not see a dramatic difference but will still be able to benefit from the greater stability of the denture, particularly if the dentures were previously unstable.
03. Less Bone Loss:
When the natural teeth are lost, the surrounding bone loses its role of supporting them and the body starts to resorb it as useless. The lack of stimulation provided by the teeth roots can lead to massive bone loss in the jaws, seriously affecting facial integrity and appearance. Dentures start to not fit well and have to be replaced or repaired every few years. Implants act as the teeth roots continuing to stimulate the bone cells and help the jawbone around them to stop deteriorating. If enough denture implants are used they can help the jawbone structures to remain healthy and intact.
04. Aesthetics:
For personal satisfaction, this is often the ultimate test – how will I look? As a product of the evolving art of facial aesthetics, removable dentures supported by implants can replace lost tissues and restore balance to the face, and often produce a remarkable smile “makeover.”
If you would like more information on tooth restoration options, please contact us at East Ayrshire Dental or schedule your initial consultation.