How Do Implant Supported Dentures Work?

Traditional dentures have long been one of the most popular methods of replacing missing teeth; however, many patients find the increased stability and other benefits of implant supported dentures attractive. These function similarly to traditional prosthetic teeth, with a few key differences. 

Implant supported dentures

Traditional dentures are fitted to a patient's gums and held in place by adhesive. Implant supported dentures are held in place by special attachments that snap onto dental implants.  

Procedure

Placing the implants is a minimally invasive procedure. The initial step usually takes one to three hours to complete, during which the dentist inserts two or more titanium rods or screws in the jaw. During the period of healing after this initial procedure, the jawbone fuses to the implants.

If the patient already wears dentures, the dentist may modify the existing denture for wear during the healing period. Otherwise, a new denture is made and fitted to accommodate the implants. There may be some discomfort during the healing process. This can usually be relieved by over-the-counter medications, but the dentist may prescribe pain medication. The healing process usually takes at least six weeks but may be longer for some people. 

Once the healing and fusion is complete, posts or bars are attached and the denture is adjusted to snap onto the implants. The appliance should be secure at this point, but patients are advised to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the dental work. 

Benefits

The primary benefit of implant supported models is increased stability.  Other dentures often move around in the mouth because it is difficult to precisely fit them and bond them tightly enough with adhesive to prevent excessive motion. Implant supported dentures still can shift a bit, but because they are fixed to implants rather than held in by adhesive, they tend to have much less movement and are less likely to fall out. Patients report a variety of other benefits thanks to this:

• Improved ability to speak
• Ability to eat more foods
• Improved chewing and digestion
• Less irritation of gum tissue

Additionally, because the implants continually stimulate the jawbone, there is usually less deterioration of the bone and in some cases, bone loss that has already occurred may be reversed. Because the appliance is not resting directly on the gums, there is less pressure on the gums and less chance of sores and other damage to the soft tissue. 

Maintenance

Fixed types, which only are removed for cleaning by the dentist, and removable types, which need to be removed at night and cleaned by the patient, are available. The attachments on the appliance wear over time and need to be replaced every six to 12 months. 

Conclusion

Missing teeth can make chewing and speaking difficult and reduce a person's confidence in their smile. The stability of implant supported dentures can boost confidence with functional replacement teeth that help patients avoid bone loss that often follows tooth loss. 

Are you considering implant supported dentures in the Marietta area? Get more information at https://www.mytotaldentistry.com.

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