What Are Implant Supported Dentures?

August 27, 2019

Many of our patients who come in with missing permanent teeth feel like there is no difference in how they choose to replace them. Dentures and implants are all the same thing, right? Contrary to many of our patient's initial belief, there are many significant differences in the different options that you can choose.

One of our most popular, and highly recommend tooth replacement options are implant-supported dentures. These dentures are far superior to conventional dentures and can help to improve your quality of life. If you are considering dentures or implants, contact Relaxation Dental Specialties today for a consultation.

Understanding Implants and Implant-Supported Dentures

Dental implants are a common procedure that we use to help replace a single or all of a patient's missing permanent teeth. However, the use of dental implants can now be applied to dentures too! Dental implants are dental devices that are surgically implanted directly into the bone underneath your gums.

These implants are composed of two parts, a small titanium post that looks very similar to a small screw, and a crown that is attached to the top of that screw. The crown is designed to look and function just like your natural teeth. Implant-supported dentures utilize the same technology, but strategically place four or more of the titanium posts along an arch of your mouth.

A personalized denture is created for you that attaches directly to these posts. However, this denture does not have to be removed every night, and you will not have to worry about it slipping or falling out while you eat and talk.

Comparing with Traditional Dentures

While traditional dentures are very common, there are some significant drawbacks of using this approach instead of implant-supported dentures. Traditional dentures are made a single piece of dental work that rests over the top of your existing gums. Because these dentures rest directly on the gum tissue and are not held in place, they regularly shift and move throughout the day.

This movement can be unnerving because they can fall out unexpectedly. Additionally, this frequent movement on the gums can cause irritation and even create wounds on the gums, adding to your discomfort and creating further issues for you to manage. Finally, if the bone under your gums is no longer needed to support the roots of your teeth, the body begins a process called resorption.

Resorption occurs as the body starts to remove this material because it is not being used. As resorption continues, the quality, volume, and density of the bone deteriorate. This can affect your ability to support dentures and increase the possibility of damaging or breaking the bone. In extreme cases, dental bone resorption can result in an altered facial appearance.

In contrast, implant-supported dentures are fit tightly to the implants, so they do not move back and forth across your gums. This eliminates the potential of them falling out or causing wounds or infection on your gums. Even the care of implant supported dentures is more simple than traditional dentures. The routine to care for your dentures is just like brushing your natural teeth. The only caution is not to use an abrasive toothpaste that can scratch the surface of your implants.

The titanium posts also act just like the roots of your teeth. Your body does not resorb this bone, but the implants actually help to create the production of new, strong, and healthy bone to support an implant.

Overview

If you are considering dentures or dental implants to replace your permanent teeth, contact Relaxation Dental Specialties today and let us show you the difference we can make in your life.