The Benefits of Implant-supported Dentures
If you currently wear or are considering removable dentures, you may benefit from implant-supported dentures. Custom dentures can be paired with dental implants to provide a secure, comfortable fit. Dental implants keep dentures firmly in place, preventing the slipping that is commonly experienced with removable dentures. Find out more about the benefits of implant-supported dentures in this overview from San Antonio dentist Joseph Perry.
The Benefits of Implant-supported Dentures
As the name suggests, implant-supported dentures are dentures held in place by dental implants. Dental implants are small titanium posts, which are surgically placed within the jawbone. As the jawbone heals around the dental implants, a permanent bond is formed. Special dentures are custom-made to fit both the patient and the dental implants. The dentures are anchored to the implants with a bar or stud attachment. Bar and stud attachments keep the dentures in place at all times, even when eating and talking. There are many benefits of implant-supported dentures, including:
- Natural feel: Implant-supported dentures feel more natural than removable dentures thanks to the firm hold the dental implants provide.
- Stay in place without messy denture adhesives: Implant-supported dentures eliminate the need for messy denture adhesives, providing a firm, secure fit within the mouth.
- Eat the foods you love: With implant-supported dentures, there's no need to shy away from the foods you love. Implant-supported dentures are anchored firmly in place, allowing you to eat the foods removable denture wearers have to avoid.
- Talk with ease: Removable dentures can slip and slide, causing slurred speech. Implant-supported dentures won't move around so you can talk with ease and confidence.
- Improved comfort: The slipping and sliding of removable dentures can irritate the gums. Implant-supported dentures stay firmly in place, providing you with more comfort and less irritation.
- Improved confidence and quality of life: Implant-supported dentures restore your confidence and improve your quality of life by allowing you to eat and speak without fear of your dentures shifting or falling out.
Implant-supported Denture Candidates
Though many patients make great candidates for implant-supported dentures, not everyone who has missing teeth can undergo this treatment. Because implant-supported denture treatment requires minor oral surgery, qualifying patients must be healthy enough to undergo surgery. Those with uncontrolled diabetes, severe gum disease, or heart conditions may not be acceptable candidates. Candidates for implant-supported dentures should be in good oral and overall health, missing all or most of their teeth, and have sufficient jawbone for surgery. For those with inadequate jawbone, a bone graft may be performed to provide sufficient bone for dental implant treatment. Candidates include:
- Those who are missing multiple teeth
- Those with sufficient jawbone
- Those who are healthy enough to undergo surgery
- Those who currently wear dentures or are in the process of obtaining dentures
Contact Dr. Perry
Don't let missing teeth hold you back from enjoying life. With implant-supported dentures, you'll be able to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Perry to find out if you're a candidate.