Looking for tooth replacement solutions?
Millions of people have lost all their natural teeth, leaving most looking for tooth replacement solutions. When it comes to a full mouth restoration, one of the most common options are traditional dentures. However, these require adhesives to hold them in place, lack a feeling of security when eating or speaking, and need to be periodically relined or replaced altogether.
Luckily, modern dental technology has evolved to address these concerns with the introduction of implant-supported dentures. This specialized denture looks the same as a traditional denture, however it is held in place with four or more dental implants. Implant-supported dentures do not require adhesives, function without slipping, and do not to be relined or replaced as often.
Did You Know?
According to the American College of Prosthodontics, about 36 million Americans are edentulous, meaning that they have no teeth. Out of this number, it is estimated that around 5.4 million Americans will have dentures made each year.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for implant-supported dentures?
You may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures if you are missing an entire arch or mouthful of teeth, or if you have teeth that are in need of extraction. Ideal candidates for implant-supported dentures must have adequate bone mass in their jaws for the implants to fuse to. In some cases, a bone graft may also need to be performed to ensure there is enough bone mass in the affected area. Ultimately, the only way to determine if you are a candidate for implant-supported dentures is to schedule a consultation with your Long Beach implant dentist.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made from titanium. It is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it eventually fuses with the surrounding bone. Once it has healed, a dental prosthetic can be securely attached. Dental implants consist of three pieces: the implant screw, the abutment (connector), and the dental prosthesis.
What should I expect when having implant-supported dentures placed at my Long Beach dental office?
To place implant-supported dentures, you can expect to undergo a minor surgical procedure. This procedure will be performed with both dental anesthetics and sedation in your Long Beach dental office. Before the day of your procedure, your dentist will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for your implant placement procedure.
To begin the procedure, your dentist will first make a tiny incision in your gums to access the jawbone. They will then use a dental drill to shape the empty socket appropriately so that an implant screw can be screwed into place. In some cases, bone material may also be placed around the treatment site to encourage faster healing and new bone growth. At this point, the abutment will be connected and the gum tissue will be sutured around it.
Depending on your individual case, you can expect to have at least four dental implants placed per each arch. In some cases, additional implants may need to be placed for more support. Once the implants are in place, the denture will be attached. Since you will have a completely new smile by the end of the procedure, implant-supported dentures are sometimes called “Smile in a Day” or “Teeth in a Day”.
What can I expect after having my implant-supported denture placed?
After your procedure, you will have a completely new smile. However, you will be expected to follow post-operative guidelines to ensure that your implants will heal properly. Unfortunately, dental implants can fail if they are exposed to too much force too soon, therefore you will also need to maintain a temporary soft foods diet. Although dental implants have a 98% success rate, this is mostly dependent upon patient compliance during the recovery period.
