Implant Supported Dentures
Implant supported dentures are a functional, cosmetic dental repair option for loose or painful teeth. Implant supported dentures do not require Dr. Titensor to remove your whole tooth or teeth; in fact, by removing only the portion of your tooth or teeth that is decayed – saving the healthy part, Dr. Titensor can anchor the implant supported dentures to dental implants or when healthy, your remaining natural tooth. Implant supported dentures are an excellent way to remedy loose or painful teeth and to restore good dental health to your mouth.
What are Implant Supported Dentures?
Implant supported dentures look and function like full dentures or partial dentures, but unlike full or partial dentures that cause the bone structure in your jaw to recede when removed, implant supported dentures help to sufficiently retain the structure of your jaw bone and provide for a more secure denture.
What is the Implant Supported Dentures Process?
First, Dr. Titensor removes the unhealthy portion of your tooth. Depending on the amount of infection or decay of the tooth, a root canal procedure may be required. It may be necessary to cover your teeth with small metal caps to protect them during the process. Then, Dr. Titensor or his assistants make an impression of your mouth to obtain precise modeling for the implanted supported dentures. We will help you decide the color and shape of teeth based on your complexion and facial structure.
When the implant supported dentures are ready for placement, Dr. Titensor uses precision dental attachments for a secure fit. He places the attachments on your installed dental implants or remaining tooth roots, specifically contoured for the denture attachment.
Implant supported dentures fasten to your jawbone much in the way your natural teeth fasten. Dr. Titensor may need to alter your adjacent teeth with locking devices or connecting bars to ensure a proper fit. These bar joints support the dentures more so than individual implants, though implants are still required to support the bars. Therefore, the more implants the stronger the bar, and bars on the upper arch require more implants than bars on the lower arch due to the lesser bone density in the upper jaw.
Another option for the implant supported dentures procedure may be required if you have compromised bone density due to age or oral disease. Here, Dr. Titensor may recommend a telescopic denture, a type of overdenture system. The procedure consists of a double crown system and involves fitting inner metal crowns and outer crowns on your remaining natural teeth to create a natural-looking, removable implant supported denture. A telescopic implant supported denture is a reliable denture system; yet, it is complicated. It requires a root canal for each of your remaining natural teeth and the insertion of a dental implant to ensure the root is strong enough to support the new denture.
What are the Benefits of Implant Supported Dentures?
Titensor Dental's foremost concern is for you to maintain good overall dental health. Implant supported dentures can preserve your dental health by providing the following benefits:
- Prevents bone loss
- Improves speech
- Improves chewing ability
- Ensures proper jaw alignment
- Makes you smile!
What is the Adjustment Period for Implant Supported Dentures?
As with most dental treatments, you will experience a temporary adjustment period. The following are a few tribulations to overcome while adjusting to your new implant supported dentures.
- You may experience a gagging reflex.
- You may feel like your tongue has no room to move.
- You may develop an increase in saliva.
Remember, adjustment time is temporary and normal for your new implant supported dentures; nevertheless, should you experience any undue discomfort, contact our office immediately. As your adjustment time dwindles and you are accustomed to the fit and use of your new implant supported dentures, you will smile effortlessly for all to see.
