For centuries, people have relied on durable, natural looking dentures to replace missing teeth. But although they offer unprecedented perks like allowing you to eat a wider range of nutritious foods, smile confidently, and speak clearly, these prosthetics aren’t without their drawbacks. If you wear dentures but are tired of dealing with the hassle of soaking them, removing them overnight, uncomfortable sores, and embarrassing slippage, you may be an excellent candidate for implant dentures. Here’s a closer look at this treatment, and how it can give you all the things you love about your current prosthetics without any of the drawbacks!
What Are Implant Dentures?
Much like the name implies, implant dentures are restorations that permanently attach to the jawbone via a series of surgically attached dental implants. Using the process of osseointegration, these posts essentially become one with the bone, simulating the roots of a tooth so they’re not only as secure as real teeth, but they also provide important jawbone stimulation that prevents deterioration and additional tooth loss.
After a brief healing period (typically between three and six months) abutments are placed on the posts, and then a few short weeks later, a full denture is connected to them, where it will remain in place unless removed by your periodontist. This allows you to have a beautiful, permanent smile without needing to replace each tooth individually or deal with the hassle of removable dentures ever again!
What Are the Benefits of Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures offer many important benefits that you can’t get with traditional dentures, including:
- No need to remove them for cleaning or soaking.
- You won’t have to invest in denture adhesives, soaks, or special cleansers.
- They won’t slip, shift, or click when you’re eating or speaking.
- No more denture sores!
- They are easy to care for and can be brushed and flossed in your mouth just like real teeth.
- They provide important jawbone stimulation to keep your mouth healthy and strong.
- They look and feel just like real teeth.
- They are less likely to break because they cannot be dropped during cleaning, nor will they become warped or cracked from drying out.
- No need to replace them every five to seven years like you would with traditional dentures.
With proper oral hygiene, you can expect your dental implant posts to last a lifetime. In fact, most boast a 95 percent success rate, even ten years after placement. As for the denture itself, these can last for decades with proper care!
Do I Qualify for Implant Dentures?
In order to receive implant dentures, you’ll need to be in sufficient oral health. If you have a preexisting condition like gum disease, you’ll need to have it treated before you qualify for surgery. You’ll also need a strong enough jaw to support your implants and may require preliminary procedures like a bone graft or sinus lift to stabilize the bone. In some cases, you may be better suited to a subperiosteal or zygomatic dental implant, which are designed for patients who have poor jawbone density in the upper or lower jaws.
The best way to determine which type of dental implant is best for your individual smile is to visit your periodontist for a consultation. There, they will examine your jaw and arches, take images, and decide if this treatment is right for you. Then, you’ll be ready to begin your tooth restoration journey, and before you know it, you could have a healthier, happier, more secure smile with the help of implant dentures!
About Dr. Barnett
Dr. Andrew Barnett earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan and his dental doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh. He then returned to the University of Michigan to achieve his master’s degree and certificate in periodontics. He is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy of Periodontology. To schedule a consultation for life changing implant dentures at Park Lane Periodontal & Implant Group, visit our website today or call 214-691-2614.