Missing teeth can be distressing since they negatively impact mastication (chewing) and speech, in addition to poor aesthetics. Your dentists may offer several teeth replacement options, and implant-supported dentures are one of them.
The implant dentist in Knoxville, TN, offers state-of-the-art implant-supported dentures to replace missing teeth to restore your oral form and function.
What are implant-supported dentures?
Oral devices or restorative appliances that replace several missing teeth at once are known as implant-supported dentures. Unlike conventional dentures, they are directly attached to your jawbone using dental implants instead of resting on top of your gums.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial devices that are surgically inserted into your jawbone that mimic your missing tooth roots. These screw-like posts stimulate your jawbone, thereby preventing its resorption. Implants offer excellent support and anchorage for permanent restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures.
What are the types of implant-supported dentures?
There are two types of implant-supported dentures, such as:
- Removable implant-supported dentures
These snap onto the dental implant and can be removed whenever needed.
- Fixed implant-supported dentures
These dentures are permanently fixed to your jawbone and cannot be removed.
When do dentists recommend implant-supported dentures?
Your dentist may recommend implant-supported dentures if you are missing most or all of your teeth. People who are missing several teeth in different areas can greatly benefit from implant-supported dentures.
Your dentist will recommend implant-supported dentures only if you meet certain prerequisites. You must:
- Have sufficient bone density and volume
- Have healthy gums
- Be an adult with a fully developed jawbone
- Be patient enough to undergo a tedious process that may be time-consuming
If you do not have sufficient bone thickness, your dentist may recommend bone grafting initially before getting an implant-supported denture.
How are implant-supported dentures placed?
For an implant-supported denture, your dentist will:
- Extract any remaining tooth remnants near the edentulous space.
- Make an incision (cut) on the gums to raise a flap that helps expose your jawbone.
- Drill a tiny hole in the bone and insert the implant post. It usually takes 4 to 6 months for the implant to fuse with the bone. Meanwhile, you will be provided with healing dentures.
- Record oral impressions of your arches and send them to the lab for crafting your new dentures.
- Attach the customized dentures to your implants once the bone heals.
Tooth loss can negatively impact your self-esteem and quality of life due to compromised functionality and poor aesthetics. But thanks to implant-supported dentures, you can restore your oral form, function, and aesthetics for a long-lasting, beautiful smile.