By Dr. Abhi Singh People with missing teeth often turn to dentures as a solution. However, traditional dentures can be uncomfortable and challenging to use. That’s why implant-supported dentures are a popular choice for people looking for an option that will provide them with a more permanent solution than conventional dentures.
But before you go ahead and book your appointment, it’s essential to know what to expect. This blog post will discuss the benefits of implant-supported dentures treatment and answer some common questions about them. If you are interested in learning more, keep reading.
Bone loss is a common side effect of missing teeth. The jawbone shrinks when you lose your natural set, and bone density decreases. They provide stability for dentures that prevent or stop further deterioration of the patient’s jawbone. The most common cause of bone loss is tooth loss left unreplaced, especially multiple teeth. Jawbones are preserved through the pressure and stimulus of chewing. The bone “resorbs” (reabsorbs) into the body. You don’t want to risk jawbone loss around your mouth from missing teeth.
Bone loss is irreversible on its own. Without treatment, the bone in your jaw and surrounding your teeth will continue to resorb.
It can cause the following problems:
- Problems with your permanent teeth, such as discomfort, tooth movement, and tooth loss
- Inability to chew properly or problems with chewing
- Problems with speech
- Collapse or distortion of your facial features
- Weakness in facial muscles
- Headaches and facial pain caused by the TMJ (temporomandibular joint)
- Other complications may require further treatment.
The jawbone shrinks when you lose your natural teeth, and bone density decreases. By replacing some tooth roots, implant-supported dentures can minimise bone loss. The bone surrounding the teeth’s roots can degenerate or resorb when conventional dentures are used. As with natural teeth, the dental implant serves as a source of stimulation for the bone surrounding it to prevent bone resorption.
So if you’re looking for a way to keep your jawbone healthy and strong, implant-supported dentures are the best restoration option. Depending on your individual needs, an implant-supported bridge or implant-supported dental prosthesis can treat bone loss resulting from tooth loss.
Implant-retained dentures are an excellent alternative to dentures. It can help you achieve a new, healthy smile and provide several benefits.
The following are dental problems that implant-retained dentures can help with:
- Patients with broken bridgework cannot be repaired or lack support for an implant bridge due to a lack of existing teeth.
- Prevents bone loss
- Ill-fitting full dentures
- Tooth replacement due to severe tooth decay or gum disease.
- Biting and chewing problems when using other types of tooth restoration
Individuals who have suffered tooth loss due to trauma, dental decay, or gum disease may benefit significantly from implant-supported dentures. Before the implant can be installed, the patient’s jawbone tissue must be examined. Bone health and adequate bone mass are essential for patients. If the patient does not have enough jawbone structure, bone grafting may be required.
On the other hand, the periodontal disease must be treated before a surgical procedure. If you have active gum disease, you cannot have this surgery since it may result in treatment failure.
Also, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or an autoimmune illness, your chances of a successful dental implant procedure are significantly reduced. Certain medications may potentially contribute to dental implant failure. Thus, before planning your surgery, it is necessary to consult with your oral surgeon.
Dental implants are an option for those who have lost a significant amount of bone mass. However, the entire procedure may be lengthy, depending on how much bone loss has occurred. There are many factors that an oral surgeon considers before recommending dental implants.
Implant-retained dentures need sufficient strong bones to provide a stable foundation for the implants. However, if your bone is insufficient or too soft, your dentist may recommend bone grafting before proceeding with the implant treatment. A bone graft can help the implant to have a more solid base to support the titanium post.
The absence of stimulation in the jawbone caused by traditional removable dentures results in jawbone loss over time. Therefore, it is not the best option for tooth restoration.
The advantages of implant-supported dentures over standard removable dentures are as follows:
Stronger jaw bone: Dental implants are used to secure a snap-in denture. To keep the bone tissue in the jaw strong, it needs to be constantly stimulated. These restorations permanently attach to the jawbone by fusing and developing a strong link with the implant.
Firmly attached: Using implants to secure dentures reduces the risk of gum discomfort caused by removable dentures that slip or move. Implant-supported dentures stay in place so you can enjoy eating and talking with other people without worries.
Natural-looking: Compared to a traditional denture, an implant-supported denture is custom-made to fit perfectly and blend in with your smile. This way, you can be confident that your smile will look great.
Improved chewing ability: Traditional dentures make eating a wide range of foods difficult or even uncomfortable. Hard foods, such as nuts, seeds, and crunchy fruits and vegetables, can be difficult to chew with conventional dentures because they can break the denture. Implant-supported dentures allow you to eat like you did before you lost your teeth. Additionally, you won’t have to remove your dentures when you eat.
Convenient: There isn’t any particular cleaning procedure that needs to be done. Brush your teeth as if they were natural ones.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to this dental procedure. A denture implant procedure begins with the following steps:
Initial appointment: To evaluate whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants, a thorough examination is performed at your first dental visit. We will propose a treatment plan and an estimated cost based on thorough planning confirmed following further diagnostic consultation.
First implant surgery: The gum is cut open to reveal the bone during surgery. Drilling will begin where the dentist will implant the titanium post. The metal post is inserted relatively deeply into the bone because it will serve as a tooth root. Osseointegration occurs throughout the healing period, which lasts between two and six months and lays the foundation for the new teeth.
Surgery to place the abutment: A second surgery will be required to attach the abutment if the osseointegration process is successful. Local anaesthesia is usually used for this minor surgery.
Dental crown placement: After your gums have healed, you’ll have impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth taken. These moulds are used to construct the dental crown, your replacement tooth. The crown can’t be attached until your jawbone is sturdy enough to support the new tooth.
It is impossible to overstate how important bone health is. As people age, they are more likely to lose their teeth and have difficulty chewing food due to the lack of support in their mouths. But now, there is a viable solution to prevent this problem with implant-supported overdentures that help maintain healthy bones by stimulating the bone tissue to increase bone growth.
At Prospect Road Dental, we have a team of skilled dental professionals who can help ensure your oral health is taken care of, as well as provide the best possible treatment for your teeth to keep them healthy and strong. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give us a call at 08 9399 2037. Our friendly staff is waiting to help answer any questions or concerns about the dental treatment plan or financing options.
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