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Are Implant-Supported Dentures Right for You?

Implant-supported dentures are an excellent alternative to traditional dentures for restoring a full set of teeth.

Dental Implant Supported Dentures

In fact, many oral surgeons and oral health care experts prefer this approach. If you have adequate bone structure in the jaw, you may be a candidate for this procedure.

Let’s take a look at this revolutionary restoration process.

How Do Implant-Supported Dentures Work?

Regular dentures rest directly on the gums, held in place only by adhesive. Implant-supported versions have the same appearance, but as the name suggests, they are held tightly in place by dental implants.

Dental implants consist of titanium rods surgically implanted into the jawbone. The rods act as natural teeth would, but extend above the gum line. Once the mouth has fully healed from the implant procedure, attachments are added that allow the dentures to snap onto the implants.

This provides stability that simply isn’t possible with traditional dentures.

A full denture plate generally requires only a few strategically placed dental implants, and this approach can be used to secure both upper and lower jaw denture plates.

Are Implant-Supported Dentures Better Than Traditional Dentures?

Dental implants are anchored to the jaw, so the dentures they support will not shift in your mouth as you speak or chew.

This means no more worries about your false teeth coming loose while you’re out in public. And since implant-anchored dentures won’t move, you won’t have issues with them rubbing your gums and creating sores or tender spots.

Aside from comfort, implant supports have another important benefit.

Traditional dentures lead to rapid bone deterioration in the jaw, as the natural teeth are not there to stimulate bone cell growth. Dental implants act as replacement tooth roots, and they provide the pressure stimulation necessary to prevent bone degeneration.

How Do You Care for Implant-Supported Dentures?

Caring for dentures supported by dental implants is quite simple, and not all that different from caring for traditional dentures.

Each evening, you simply unsnap the denture plates from the implant attachments and remove them for proper cleaning.

Run water over the plates and then brush them carefully with a nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove food and plaque. You won’t have to scrub too much, though, as you won’t be using any adhesive to hold your teeth in place. After brushing, soak the denture plates in water overnight.

As for the dental implants, they will last a lifetime with proper care.

With your denture plates removed, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the attachments and along your cheeks and gums. Professional dental cleanings and periodic checkups with your oral surgeon are the only steps necessary to maintain your implants, and to ensure your continuing oral health.

At Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah, we specialize in a wide variety of restoration techniques. Contact our Salt Lake City office today to schedule a consultation to learn more about implant-supported dentures and other restoration options.

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