What Patients Should Know About Implant-Supported Dentures
Tooth loss is a serious dental health problem, and it's more than just the aesthetic problems associated with tooth gaps. In addition to the obvious issues with spaces between teeth, it's not uncommon for people to have difficulty eating certain foods, experience bone loss and gum recession in the area of the tooth gap, and note gradual misalignment of their remaining teeth. This is one reason why it's important that people who are missing a tooth or many teeth to meet with a cosmetic dentist.
One restorative dental treatment that can help address many of these aesthetic and health issues is the use of dental implants. We'd like to take a look at dental implants right now and how they can be used to support dentures.
About Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the patient's jawbone and gum tissue. When in place, the dental implants are able to support various kinds of dental appliances. The tooth structure will prevent the loss of gum tissue and bone tissue in the area of the tooth gap as well.
Good Candidates for Dental Implants
The ideal candidates for dental implants are people who have sufficient gum tissue and bone tissue in place in order to support the implant posts. If you do not have sufficient bone or gum tissue in place, you may be able to undergo bone grafting or soft tissue augmentation treatment in order to build the proper amount of structure.
About Full and Partial Dentures
Dentures are sets of artificial teeth that are held in place by bracing around the jawbone and gum tissue in the area of a large tooth gap. These are ideal options to consider when you are missing several teeth, particularly when you are missing almost all of the teeth along the dental arch.
Good Candidates for Dentures
The best candidates for dentures are people who are not ideal candidates for dental bridges, which help span the gaps left behind by a few missing teeth.
While traditional dentures are removable, they can also be held in place with dental implants. Your implant dentist will determine if this is the ideal option for you and your needs.
How Dentures Can Be Supported By Dental Implants
There are a few different ways that dental implants can be used to hold dentures in place. One of the more common configurations involves four dental implants placed along the dental arch. Other kinds of configurations of dental implants may be used based on the unique needs of the patient.
Advantages Over Traditional Dentures
The main reason that people may want to get implant-supported dentures rather than removable dentures is that they tend to be more secure when in place. The dental implants provide a hold better than even the best denture creams, meaning that there is very little chance of slippage when speaking, biting, or chewing.
Learn More About Implant Dentistry
For more information about dental implants, dentures, and your many other restorative dentistry options for tooth loss, be sure to contact our Cordova dental care center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible dental health.
