Missing teeth can lead to self-esteem issues, and may affect your ability to chew or speak. Additionally, it can also compromise your oral health, which is why missing teeth are something that must be addressed and dentures are an option you can consider. Implant-supported dentures are secured directly to the jawbone and can help restore both the form and function of your smile.
There are a number of advantages to this option, including a better fit, greater long-term benefits and better stability. If implant-supported dentures are something you may be interested in, it is important to understand what they are so that you can determine whether or not this would be a suitable option for you. They consist of prosthetic teeth that attach to implants and these are small titanium posts that are surgically embedded in the jaw. Each of the implant posts will fuse directly with the bone tissue and this will provide the same stability as a natural tooth root. This type of denture can replace an entire dental arch or just a few teeth and some of them are removable, while others can only be removed by a dentist during a cleaning.
Your dentist will have to conduct a thorough examination to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for implant-supported dentures because this option may not be right for everyone. Missing teeth are not the only requirement and your dentist will have to ensure you are not suffering from any conditions that can make this surgery unsafe. Good candidates will also have healthy gums and good health overall.
The process has a few stages, including planning, surgery and restoration and your dentist will monitor the process every step of the way. Any existing dental issues will have to be dealt with first and this will depend on the patient’s needs. Some may require tooth extractions, while others may need gum grafts. Once these issues have been treated, your dentist will then surgically place your implants into your jaw bone so that they can fuse with your natural tissue over a six month period. After the healing is complete, the dentist will connect an abutment to the implant and this will serve as the connection point with your dentures. Impressions of your gums, implants and surrounding teeth will be taken to create dentures that fit perfectly.
Implant-supported dentures can provide patients with many benefits, including more comfort and you will be able to speak, smile and chew with ease. These dentures are custom made for a precise fit and are different from traditional dentures, which cannot provide as much stability.
Forest Hill Family Dental can provide you with more information and we will ensure you are happy with your smile. Whether you need cosmetic dentistry, dental implants or dentures, our dentists do it all, so if you are in the Kitchener or Waterloo areas, give us a call now!