Denture Implants

Removable dentures are notorious for causing problems due to the fact that they rarely stay firmly and comfortably in place, but denture implants offer patients a more stable alternative.  If you are one of the many men and women that like the look and feel of your dentures, but are frustrated with the many problems commonly associated with dentures, consider dental implants for a stable, long-lasting solution.

Dentures are a common solution utilized by men and women who are missing large groups of teeth or all of their teeth. Bridges and crowns are great alternatives for those missing a single tooth or a small group of teeth, but dentures are the best option for replacing a full arch of teeth. Removable dentures give patients a naturally looking smile, but often they fail to provide stable support for common daily practices such as speaking and eating.

Denture Implants are dental implants that hold removable dentures securely in place, providing long-lasting stable support for patients. There are several types of implants available to patients; the type used will depend on the oral health of the patient as well as the quality and quantity of bone present in the jaw. Other factors that can influence the implant are age, the rate of bone re-absorption (bone loss that can occur after losing a tooth or teeth) and the patient’s use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco products.

Once a patient is considered a candidate for dental implants, the procedure will begin. Your dentist will administer an anesthetic, after which incisions will be made in the gum line for access to the jawbone. Specialized tools will then be used to create space in the bone for insertion of the implant. The implant will then be securely placed in the jawbone where it will act as stable support for your dentures.

No matter the size, generally at least two to four implants are placed in each of the upper and lower regions of the mouth. Once properly placed, only the ball-shaped head or abutment portion of the implant will be visible above the gum line.  Metal housings (one for each implant) will then be attached to the dentures. These housings feature locking mechanisms that effectively snap onto the implant abutment, holding the dentures firmly in place.

Denture implants are a fantastic way for patients to achieve a naturally beautiful smile without the hassles associated with removable dentures.