What Are Implant Supported Dentures?

Implant supported dentures in port huron mi are a popular treatment option for patients who are missing multiple teeth. Unlike conventional dentures, which are supported by the gums and underlying bone structure, implant supported denture are held in place with a titanium post implant to which an abutment is attached. Because the implant is embedded in your jawbone, it does not rest on your gums like conventional denture, creating a more secure and natural feeling replacement for your missing tooth/teeth. There are several different types of implant supported dentures, including fixed and removable and bar and snap-retained.

Implant Supported Denture Process

The implant supported dentures process is extensive and will require multiple visits over several months and various procedures with different recovery times. This process can be extended even further if additional preparatory procedures need to be performed prior to placement of the implant, such as tooth extractions and/or a dental bone graft. Following a tooth extraction, it may take 3 months for the area to heal, whereas a dental bone graft or sinus lift can take up to 6 months to fully heal.

Once these preparatory steps are complete, the implant supported denture process will be preceded by an initial evaluation and diagnostic exams to determine the optimal location for placing your implant and to determine the number of implants required. Once this is determined, a local anesthetic will be administered to eliminate pain or discomfort. Dental sedation may also be given to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible while the procedure is taking place.

Once this is complete, an incision is made in your gums to access the bone and a hole is drilled into your jawbone in which the metal post is placed. Once the post(s) is properly positioned, a temporary denture is placed. Following this, it will take several months for the post to fuse with your jawbone. Every patient has a slightly different healing process, so the time needed for these posts to fully fuse with your jawbone may be as short as two or three months or as long as six months. Although there is nothing you can do to speed up this process, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits, eat a healthy diet, and lead a healthy lifestyle.  As soon as osseointegration is complete, the dentures can be attached to the implants. It may take a little time to adjust to the feel of your new teeth, but you will not have to undergo a recovery period once the dentures are attached.

Pros and Cons of Implant Supported Dentures

Because of how extensive, time consuming, and costly the process of getting implant supported dentures is, it is important to consider the benefits you will enjoy once the procedure is complete and whether those benefits outweigh the commitment necessary to undergo this process.

In addition to restoring your natural looking smile, other benefits of implant supported dentures include:

• Improved oral health
• Reduces risk of jawbone loss
• Comfortable
• Stable
• Do not require modified care
• Restores your ability to enjoy all types of foods
• Ensures you avoid the look of premature aging associated with missing teeth
• Increased self-confidence

If you are still uncertain as to whether implant supported dentures are right for you, schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist to discuss your treatment goals and address any remaining questions you may have concerning the procedure.

More on Implant Supported Dentures : Implant Supported vs Conventional Dentures