Am I a Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?

Are implant-supported dentures right for you? Implant-supported dentures are a type of dental implant that can help to restore the smile of someone who is missing all or some of their teeth. They provide a secure and reliable way to replace both upper and lower teeth. Whether implant-supported dentures are right depends on your oral health, how much bone loss has occurred, and your budget. 

In this blog, we will explore the factors that make implant-supported dentures ideal for those with missing teeth and answer questions about candidacy and cost.

Who Is A Candidate For Implant-Supported Dentures?

Before deciding if implant-supported dentures are the right dental implant solution for you, it’s important to determine your candidacy. Implant-supported dentures may not be appropriate if you have particular medical conditions, an insufficient jawbone, or significant gum disease. You must have healthy natural teeth or adequate bone structure to support implant-supported dentures.

Oral Health

Your oral health is one of the most important factors when considering implant-supported dentures. Implant treatment may not be recommended if you suffer from periodontal (gum) disease or other oral issues. It is essential that your gums and remaining teeth are healthy before undergoing implant placement surgery.

Adequate Bone Structure

The implant-supported denture procedure requires enough bone structure to support the implant. A bone graft may be recommended before implant placement if you have experienced significant jawbone loss due to missing teeth. A bone graft is a surgical procedure designed to add more bone material and stimulate new growth of the jawbone for implant success. However, implant-supported dentures are not suitable for those who need extensive reconstruction work done on their jawbones before implant placement surgery can occur.

Budget

Implant-supported dentures are known for being costlier than other implant solutions, such as partial or full arch bridges. The price can vary depending on the complexity of your implant treatment plan. Still, it is important that you can afford implant-supported dentures if it is recommended for your situation.

What Are The Benefits Of Implant Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures offer a variety of benefits when compared to traditional dentures, making them an excellent solution for those who suffer from missing teeth. Some advantages include improved stability, better chewing, and an increased natural feeling. Along with these benefits, implant-supported dentures provide aesthetic improvements and improved oral health.

Improved Stability

Implant-supported dentures are securely held in plac e by implant posts or bars directly attached to the jawbone, providing stability and reducing movement while eating or speaking. Traditional dentures can slip and slide during these activities, so implant-supported dentures offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing your teeth are firmly held in place.

Improved Chewing

Because implant-supported dentures offer greater stability than traditional dentures, they can improve chewing power and efficiency when eating. Traditional dentures often require that food be cut into smaller pieces to make it easier to chew properly. You can easily bite and chew various foods with implant-supported dentures without worrying about them slipping out of place or causing discomfort.

Natural Feeling & Aesthetics

In addition to improved chewing and increased stability, implant-supported dentures create an aesthetically pleasing smile. They look and feel like natural teeth because implant posts are placed directly into the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures provide a more natural feeling when biting or speaking.

How Long Do Implant-Supported Dentures Last?

If well-maintained, implant-supported dentures can last for many years. With proper maintenance of your implant posts and regular checkups with your dentist or implant specialist, implant-supported dentures can last for decades with no need for replacement. The success of implant-supported dentures depends on the health of both your oral tissues and remaining teeth.

Cleaning & Care

It is essential to clean your implant-supported denture regularly in order to keep it in good condition. Brush and floss around the implant posts to remove plaque and food particles that can cause inflammation or infection. Rinse your implant-supported denture after eating, and visit your dentist for regular checkups to ensure proper implant care.

Avoid Injury & Wear

To ensure implant longevity, avoiding accidental injury or excessive wear on implant-supported dentures is essential. Never use your teeth as a tool, such as trying to open a bottle cap with them, as this could damage the implants or dentures themselves. Also, refrain from grinding your teeth or clenching them together too tightly under stress, as this can also lead to implant failure.

Replacement Implants

If implant posts become damaged or decay, they can be replaced with new ones. This will help extend your implant-supported denture’s lifetime and ensure that it remains stable and secure in your mouth.

Implant-supported dentures provide a variety of benefits when compared to traditional dentures, including improved stability, better chewing, and an increased natural feeling. In addition, implant-supported dentures offer aesthetic improvements and are more secure than traditional dentures. With proper maintenance, such as cleaning implant posts regularly and avoiding excessive wear on the implant-supported denture, these prosthetic teeth can last for many years without needing replacement. If implant posts become damaged or decayed, they can be replaced to extend the life of your implant-supported denture.

FAQs

Q: Are implant-supported dentures more comfortable than traditional dentures?

A: Yes, implant-supported dentures offer increased stability and a more natural feeling while eating and speaking than traditional dentures.

Q: Do implant-supported dentures require special care?

A: Regular brushing and flossing around implant posts and regularly visiting your dentist for checkups are essential to ensure proper implant-supported denture care. Additionally, avoid using your teeth as a tool and refrain from grinding or clenching your teeth together when under stress.

Q: How long do implant-supported dentures last?

A: With proper care and maintenance, implant-supported dentures can last many years without needing replacement. The longevity of implant-supported dentures depends on the health of both your oral tissues and remaining teeth.