The importance of a good grin to your overall well-being cannot be overstated. Finding a solution that allows you to conduct your daily tasks like eating and speaking naturally can be tough if you are missing all of your teeth. Implant-supported dentures are a long-term solution for replacing multiple missing teeth at our office. Implant dentures will restore your smile as well as the confidence that comes along with it!
What Are Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures are the ideal method for lost tooth replacement. Traditional dentures consist of an acrylic base that mimics gum tissue, as well as natural-looking porcelain or acrylic teeth linked to the acrylic base; they are removable and sit above the gum line. Implant-supporteddentures, on the other hand, are typical dentures that are linked to titanium implants and fastened to the jawbone directly. They are an excellent option for people who have lost all of their teeth but still have enough jawbone to accommodate titanium implants. They are especially beneficial on the lower jaw, where traditional dentures are less sturdy and might grow uncomfortable or painful with time.
Removable implant dentures are available, as well as fixed dentures for a more permanent option. Implant-supported dentures are divided into two categories:
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- Bar-retained: Two to five implants are connected by a thin metal bar that runs along the jawline. Clasps are attached to the bar and dentures, allowing the dentures to be securely attached to the bar and held in place.
- Ball-retained: Each implant is attached to the denture by a ball-shaped metal attachment that snaps into position.
The Implant Procedure
The time it takes to complete the implant process depends on the teeth you are replacing and the state of your remaining gums and jawbones. On average, the lower jaw takes five months to complete and the upper jaw takes seven months; however, it can take up to a year or more.
The procedure for receiving your implant dentures is as follows:
- Initial consultation: Your dentists have advanced training in implant placement and will meet with you to examine your medical and dental history, take x-rays, and take impressions of your teeth and gums, which will be used to make the models.
- Temporary dentures: If you don’t already have a denture, you will be given one to wear until your permanent implant dentures are ready. This temporary denture will aid in determining the final position of your teeth in preparation for your permanent denture implant.
- First surgery: The implants will be inserted in the jawbone beneath the gums during the initial procedure. The next surgery will be arranged after three to four months for the lower jaw and five to six months for the upper jaw. This ensures that the implants have bonded properly to the jawbone.
- Second surgery: The implants are exposed during the second procedure, and a healing cap is placed on the head of each one. The healing caps are replaced with standard abutments two weeks later, and an impression of the gums and abutments are obtained to create the final implant denture.
- Denture insertion: The dentist sets the metal bar or balls on the abutments and then places the dentures for you to try on. After that, adjustments are made in order to place your final denture implant.
Implant Denture Aftercare
Every night, you must remove and clean your denture and its attachments. The stability and comfort of your implant-supported denture will be better than that of a traditional denture. You’ll be able to eat items that you couldn’t with ordinary dentures, and you’ll speak and socialize with confidence.