Have you lost all of your teeth? Or are you on the brink of total tooth loss? If either are true, you need to find an effective replacement, stat. Traditional dentures offer an effective solution, but your oral surgeon can do you one better with dental implant retained dentures in Houston. Learn more about the difference between a traditional denture and one held in place with dental implants in this week’s blog post!
Dentures: A Brief Overview
A denture is a removable set of replacement teeth made from the most natural-looking materials. A replacement for the upper or lower jaw, dentures can be full or partial. A full denture replaces a complete set of missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while a partial fits in with healthy natural teeth like a missing puzzle piece. A partial denture is a removable alternative to a fixed dental bridge.
Traditional dentures rest on top of the gums, which may lead to slippage, discomfort, or oral sores. By anchoring the new teeth into the jaw, dental implants provide more stability for your denture. Patients who are eligible for dental implants should strongly consider an implant retained option.
What Are the Benefits of Implant-Retained Dentures?
Dental implants offer a comprehensive tooth replacement, which rebuilds your tooth structure from the root up. With a prosthetic root, the jawbone receives the blood flow and nutrients it needs to stay healthy and whole — a crucial feature following significant tooth loss. The benefits of this comprehensive tooth replacement include:
- A replacement that mimics the natural tooth structure
- No need for denture adhesives
- No slippage or discomfort
- Removable for thorough cleaning
- No risk of oral sores
- A beautiful, natural-looking set of teeth
What Is the Process for Dental Implants?
Before we can begin with dental implants, we must confirm that you are eligible for the procedure. Patients should be in solid oral and overall health, strong enough to recover from the initial surgery. After we have evaluated your health history and the state of your jawbone, we begin putting together your treatment plan by taking X-rays and impressions of your teeth. A CT scan may be used to get a more in-depth image of your smile.
An implant-retained denture can be supported on as few as four dental implants. Dr. Koo will strategically place each dental implant according to the treatment plan. After surgery, healing begins. The recovery, during which the jawbone fuses with the titanium dental implants, usually takes place over the course of three to six months. A temporary tooth replacement can be worn during this time.
Once the dental implants have healed together with your jaw, you return to our office to begin the final restoration, or when the denture is affixed to abutments and caps on top of the dental implants.
Request a Consultation Today!
If you need an effective replacement for significant tooth loss, please do not hesitate to find out whether or not dental implants are an option for you. The team at Piney Point Dental Implant Center can help you enjoy all the perks of an implant-retained denture! Request a personalized consultation today.