Implant Dentures
What Are Implant Dentures?
Regular dentures sit on top of the gums and often have difficulty staying in place without the need for messy adhesive. Instead, implant dentures are secured onto a small number of dental implants that have been surgically placed into the jaw. By replacing lost teeth from the roots up through the crowns, the end result is a smile that looks and feels almost as natural as your original one.
Implant dentures are versatile enough to come in two types:
- Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
- Removable Implant Dentures
The Implant Denture Procedure
When receiving dental implants in Lyndhurst,NJ, the process is similar regardless of the implant type. For implant dentures, a dentist will administer local anesthesia and make multiple incisions along the gumline. They will then strategically position three to six implant posts into the jawbone before stitching the areas. Afterward, you will need several months to heal as the implants fuse to the bone through osseointegration. Once fully healed, you will return to have custom-made dentures placed on the implants, providing a fully restored smile.
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
Dental implants often require a patient to have enough bone density to support the implant, so, naturally, this is one of the qualifications. It’s also important that you have good oral health. Issues like gum disease and tooth decay must be addressed before receiving implants. Gum disease can weaken your jawbone and ultimately result in implant failure.
However, if your implant dentist in Lyndhurst,NJ discovers you don’t have enough bone support, there are a few options: a bone graft or All-On-4 dentures, which can restore your smile in one appointment. A bone graft will add bone minerals to the necessary area in your jaw, encouraging the bone to rebuild. All-On-4 dentures use four strategically placed implants to hold a full denture.
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
Here are just a handful of the numerous benefits you will enjoy with implant dentures:
- Increased stability – Dental implants essentially become part of your jawbone, offering greater strength and durability.
- Improved confidence and appearance – Missing teeth can cause your jawbone to deteriorate, leading to facial collapse that ages you. However, with dental implants, your face will maintain its youthful glow because the posts keep it strong. You’ll have the confidence you need to eat, speak, and chew without worry.
- Improved oral health – By keeping your jawbone stimulated, you’ll avoid the higher risk of oral health problems (such as further tooth loss and gum infections) that come with jawbone loss.