Dental Implants Existing Partial
Living with partial dentures or full dentures helps you clearly understand the short comings of dentures. Struggling with denture adhesive, the clicking noise when you talk and chew, the sliding around while talking and the gum sores are all a part of the day-to-day denture experience. Traditional dentures are designed to fit over the ridge of soft tissue that sits on top of your jaw bone. Without stimulation from the teeth roots, the bone deteriorates resulting in a looser fitting denture
Combining the technology of dental implants with the functionality of replacing multiple teeth with one prosthetic allows you to have the best of both worlds. The dental implants use the strength of your jawbone to secure the dentures in place without the risk of movement.
Being able to snap dentures onto dental implants not only improves your speech and eating experiences but it offers improvements to your overall health. Your traditional full or partial dentures will need to be regularly adjusted and refit due to the inevitable bone loss on your jaw. The dental implants will continue to stimulate the jaw bone preventing bone loss and eliminating the need for continual refitting.
When you can rely on the dental implants to hold your dentures in place then you do not need to worry about using denture adhesives any more. You will not need to worry about scraping those off when you take your dentures out for cleaning. Those pastes usually contain zinc which can lead to metal poisoning over long periods of use. No matter what you choose for your next meal, your dentures will stay in place while you chew and enjoy your food.
Depending on the dentures that you currently use or plan on using, the dentist can customize where and how many dental implants you will need to support your prosthetic. The dentist may even be able to modify your current denture with an attachment for the dental implant. In the event that you will need a new denture, the dentist can create a smaller apparatus to offer you increased comfort when you wear your denture.
Before the dentist can determine your exact treatment plan and how many dental implants you will need, you will first have a consultation. The dentist can review your existing denture, your medical history, and the health of your jaw bone to determine if you are a good candidate for oral surgery.
How Dentures and Implants Work Together
Dentures are most often used when all of the teeth on a jaw or several teeth are missing so dentures can be either full or partial accordingly. When you are fit for full dentures there is one piece that sits over the roof of your mouth and the lower jaw piece has an area cut out to accommodate your tongue. When you are fit for a partial denture, there is a framework that attaches to your remaining natural teeth and can be treated like a removable dental bridge.
Dental implants are titanium screw shaped posts that are inserted in the jawbone where they fuse with the bone to heal in place. The process, called osseointegration, is a way for the implant to remain in place permanently. The dentist will place a crown on top of the implanted post to replace a single tooth. In the case of implant support dentures, the single implant will support multiple teeth.
Implant supported or implant retained dentures are common for the lower jaw where it is difficult to maintain a snug and comfortable fit. The dentist will place as few as two or as many as four or more implants on one jaw to support the dentures. The number and placement of implants will vary based on your jaw bone health and support needs.
Stability and Simplicity
Many people prefer dental implants over dentures due to the fact that dental implants are strong like natural teeth. The fact that they are as stable as natural teeth allow for an easy transition from missing or damaged teeth to a full set. When dental implants are combined with dentures, the dentures will remain in place where you place them, unlike traditional dentures. It is as simple as working with the dentist on one prosthetic that stays in place while you eat, talk, and smile.
Problems with Regular Dentures
We already discussed the problems with trying to keep traditional dentures in place even after you apply denture adhesive. The FDA encourages people to use denture adhesive sparingly due to its zinc content; too much zinc in your body can lead to nerve damage in your hands and feet. Using dental implants eliminates the needs for denture adhesive but allows you to remove the dentures of proper cleaning.
The implant retained dentures will be able to offer you the confidence that comes with natural teeth without the concerns of slipping of traditional dentures.
Bone Loss Issues with Standard Dentures
Over time, regular dentures do not stimulate your jaw bone the way that natural tooth roots do. The jaw bone will deteriorate and shrink the same way that it would if you did not replace any of your missing teeth. The dentures will need to be refit or replaced regularly to accommodate the shifting shape of your jaw bones. Dental implants encourage bone growth and prevent bone deterioration. Even with just a few implants in the jaw, the bone will remain stimulated and offer similar bite pressure to your natural teeth. The dentures will not need to be refit or replaced because the bone has not changed in shape or strength.
Enhanced Self-Confidence and Functionality with Overdentures
When the dentist uses dental implants to retain dentures, the way the dentures work improved and the way they look in your mouth also improves. With the dentures in place, your face will not sag or pucker the way it would with missing teeth. You will have improved health due to the ability to chew your food better. Improved chewing leads to improved digestion. Your food choices increase with your increased jaw strength.