Denture Stabilization
Millions of people in the United States are missing most of their teeth and are forced to rely on wearing traditional dentures. While traditional dentures allow patients to replace their missing teeth at a low cost (oftentimes an entire set of traditional dentures costs less than even one or two implants), the sad fact is that there are numerous issues commonly attributed to wearing these prosthetics.
Among the many complaints wearers of traditional dentures have, some of the most commonly cited include constant moving around and slipping in their mouths, the odd taste of the denture, and the frustration of having to deal with the dental adhesives necessary to keep the dentures in place. Not only that, dentures can be very uncomfortable and cause sores to develop. Finally, traditional dentures do not provide the necessary stimulation to your jawbone, which results in the jawbone deteriorating over time. As this deterioration progresses, the shape of the individual’s mouth begins to change, causing them to appear to be older than they are. This change also requires a constant readjustment of the dentures, which means more time and money spent at the periodontal office.
Patients who have experienced these issues or others may be excellent candidates for denture stabilization, a cost-affordable procedure that will eliminate many of these issues. Denture stabilization eliminates these issues by placing implants into the jawbone to which the dentures can attach. This eliminates the constant slipping and moving about and keeps the dentures firmly in place. Not only that, placing these implants into the jawbone also halts the loss of bone tissue, which will continue to occur among patients with traditional dentures due to the fact that the dentures do not provide adequate stimulation.
In addition to improved stability, denture stabilization also provides a more permanent solution, meaning only your periodontist will be able to remove your implant. As such, you will no longer have to deal with the exhaustive cleaning routine required with traditional dentures, although it is important that you continue to remove and clean your denture each night and follow good oral hygiene habits such as scheduling regular periodontal exams and following a healthy diet.
To learn more about denture stabilization, please refer to the following.
What is Denture Stabilization and Am I a Good Candidate?
You will need to be evaluated by your periodontist to determine whether you are a candidate for denture stabilization. While most people are good candidates for this procedure, underlying health conditions like heart issues or diabetes may preclude you from having this procedure performed. Another important consideration is whether you have enough jawbone material to support a dental implant. To determine this, your periodontist will take a diagnostic exam that will provide them with detailed information of the health and density of your jawbone. If you do not have a sufficient amount of jawbone to support an implant, you may be able to have a dental bone graft placed, which will restore the density of your jawbone and allow for placement of an implant once the grafting process is complete.
If your periodontist determines that denture stabilization is a viable treatment option, a follow-up procedure will be scheduled, wherein your periodontist will make an incision into your gums in order to access your jawbone. Next, they will drill a hole into your jawbone and place the titanium post. This post will naturally fuse with your jawbone over a period of months, and once this process is complete, your denture can either be screwed or cemented onto this post, or you can snap your denture onto this post, which will provide much greater stability and improve your ability to chew.
As you consider whether to have the denture stabilization procedure performed, it is important to be aware that the process may take several months or up to a year depending on the severity of your case. In addition to the time commitment, there is also the additional matter of cost of treatment. If these or other issues are preventing you from pursuing denture stabilization, it may be helpful to keep in mind the benefits you will experience once the denture stabilization procedure is complete.
Benefits of Denture Stabilization
People who transition from traditional dentures to having denture stabilization performed have an incredibly high satisfaction rate due to the many benefits they enjoy, which include:
- Improves your ability to enunciate and speak
- Expands the types of foods you are able to eat and strengthens your ability to chew, which will improve your digestion and overall physical health
- Far less maintenance compared to traditional dentures
- Eliminates issues like slipping out or sore spots developing due to rubbing
- Looks and feels more natural
- Provides necessary stimulation to your jawbone, which prevents jawbone deterioration from occurring
- Denture stabilization reduces your risk of developing additional oral health issues that are more likely to develop with traditional dentures
- Many patients experience an improvement in their overall sense of self-worth because the embarrassment associated with having a toothy smile or wearing dentures is removed
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you have missing teeth or are currently dissatisfied with the lack of support, discomfort, and constant maintenance required to maintain your traditional dentures, contact your periodontist today to see if denture stabilization is right for you. During this appointment, make sure you address any concerns you may have regarding the procedure. For example, if you are concerned about whether you can afford denture stabilization, ask your periodontist if they offer financing options or have recommendations for how you might cover the cost. If you are concerned about the amount of pain or discomfort you may feel during or after the procedure or are worried that you will have difficulty remaining still in a chair for extended periods of time, ask what type of dental sedation options they provide to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Before you undergo any type of intensive oral procedure, it is important that your questions are addressed, and that you feel as calm and comfortable as possible in moving forward with your treatment plan.