If you are missing several teeth, the dentist may suggest implant-supported dentures. Missing teeth affect the functionality and appearance of the smile. It is harder to smile confidently or speak with ease when some teeth are missing. Implant supported dentures are more stable than regular dentures and allow patients to regain confidence in their smile.
What are implant-supported dentures?
Implant-supported dentures serve as an effective dental restoration for patients missing most or all of the teeth on a dental arch. Conventional dentures are made up of an acrylic base with several prosthetic teeth. An adhesive is needed to hold the denture securely on the gums. However, implant-supported dentures do not require adhesives. Instead, the denture itself is supported by carefully placed dental implants. The connection is a lot stronger and secure than adhesives.
There are two common types of implant-supported dentures:
- Ball-retained: A ball-shaped attachment or abutment is connected to the head of each of the implants. The attachment lines to the holes created underneath the denture and allows it to snap into place over the implants.
- Bar-retained: A metal bar is connected to two to six implants. The denture and the bar have clips that snap into place to hold the denture securely.
Placing the implants
The duration of the implant procedure depends on the number of teeth missing, the choice of restoration, and state of the gums and jawbone. Typically, the treatment takes about five months for the lower jaw and seven months for the upper jaw. After the procedure, patients are assured of a new and pleasant smile.
Initial consultation
the first appointment is to determine the patient’s eligibility for implants. The dentist will examine the oral cavity and decide the best restoration to use. This may also include taking x-rays and dental impressions for creating the implant and dental restoration.
Temporary dentures
if the patient does not use dentures yet, a temporary one will be created while the restoration is being produced. This will restore oral functions momentarily and help the dentist decide where to place the implants.
First surgery
depending on the number of missing teeth, two to six implants will be strategically inserted into the jaw to make the denture secure. The patient will have about three to six months for the bone to heal around the implants.
Second surgery
the dentist will perform another procedure to reveal the head of the implant and place a healing collar. After two weeks, the collars will be removed from each implant and replaced with an abutment that will bind to the denture. The dentist will also take an impression to ensure that the final dentures fit snugly on the implants.
Placing the restoration
after the dental lab creates the new dentures, the patient will need to visit the dentist for the placement. Once it is in place, the patient will have a new, attractive, and fully functional dentition.
Final note
It is essential to replace lost teeth as soon as possible to prevent complications in the oral cavity. Implant-supported dentures are ideal dental restorations for patients who want to be able to laugh, eat, and talk confidently.
Request an appointment here: https://www.esdmke.com or call Eastside Dental at (414) 888-4000 for an appointment in our Milwaukee office.
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