Traditional dentures are designed to fit snuggly over the gums, held in place with a dental adhesive and suction. Because there is nothing holding them securely to the gums, over time, they can loosen and shift and slide. Loose dentures can create uncomfortable mouth sores, cause a clicking sound when you talk, and even fall out when taking a bite of food. This can result in discomfort not only physically, but emotionally. Many individuals wearing dentures are insecure about eating out in public because of the fear of their dentures falling out.
While traditional dentures have served as an adequate solution for replacing missing teeth over the years, they are not considered the best alternative. As advancements have been made in the dental industry, dentures can now be supported by dental implants. These small, screw-like posts are inserted directly into your jawbone through a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Dental implants are designed to integrate with surrounding tissues, so as to become one with your jawbone and function as tooth roots. When you have fully recovered, your denture will be customized to fit securely on top of the implants.
If you have loose dentures, you may benefit from dental implants and an implant-retained denture. Dr. Denes in Fresno, CA, is an experienced dental implant dentist who can provide you with the care you deserve. Schedule your consultation today by calling 559-297-1294.
What Makes Implant-Retained Dentures So Great?
Most implant-retained dentures can be supported with just four to six dental implants in the upper or lower jawbone. Because the implants are secured permanently to your jawbone, the fear of your denture slipping or falling out is immediately eliminated. This makes dining out with friends carefree and fun.
Implant-retained dentures are also more aesthetically pleasing. They are designed to match your former teeth and become a part of your natural features. In addition, because they won’t shift around when you eat or talk, they are more comfortable and you can enjoy eating your favorite foods once again.
As an added bonus, implant-retained dentures promote better oral health. With traditional dentures, gum disease and bone loss are a common occurrence. This can result in facial structure changes, ongoing dental treatments, and costly denture replacement. Because dental implants mimic your natural tooth roots, they keep the nerves within your jawbone stimulated each time you chew or bite down. This results in healthy bone growth. Implant-retained dentures are much easier to keep clean so there’s a reduced risk of poor oral health as long as good oral hygiene is followed. Since they are considered a permanent tooth replacement solution, unless your dentures are damaged, they are long lasting.
How Dental Implants Work
The first step to receiving your dental implants is meeting with Dr. Denes for a personal consultation. She will perform a complete oral examination using cone beam scanning to determine that you have healthy gums and good bone density. Once your candidacy is determined, she will format a treatment plan to meet you unique needs.
Before dental implant surgery, the gums will be numbed with a local anesthetic. She can also provide oral sedation for optimal comfort. The overall procedure will generally take about two to three hours. You will then undergo a healing period of four to six months known as osseointegration. This allows the dental implants to fuse with your jawbone. You will be given post-op instructions to follow to ensure you achieve a successful outcome. Temporary dentures can be placed during this time. Once you have fully recovered, impressions will be taken so that your permanent dentures can blend beautifully with your natural aesthetics. When it is completed, it will be securely affixed atop your dental implants, providing superior support and unmatched durability.