Implant Dentures – Philadelphia, PA
Total Tooth Replacement for Total Tooth Loss
If you’ve suffered from complete tooth loss, you’ve likely experienced the negative impact it can have on your confidence and daily functions. Although normal dentures replace the visible parts of your missing teeth, they don’t address the missing root structure underneath. Implant dentures do! As a result, implant dentures take your replacement to the next level, coming as close to giving you real teeth back as possible. Are you interested in learning more about implant dentures? Contact us to schedule your consultation today!
What are Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures are full dentures that are attached to four to six implants. Instead of relying on suction for stability, this kind of denture uses the implants, which act like tooth roots embedded in the jawbone. Using just a handful of implants, you can replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Typically, you have two options for implant dentures: fixed or removable.
Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
When implant dentures are permanent, they can only be removed by a dentist. The dentures are bonded to the implants, which means they will stay in place just like regular teeth.
Removable Implant Dentures
If you’ve become accustomed to or like the ability to take out your replacement teeth, you may choose to do so with your implant dentures. Basically, the dentures can snap in and out of place with the implants, giving you the same strength and security and also the convenience of traditional dentures.
The Implant Denture Procedure
Before we start treatment, we need to perform a thorough examination of your mouth and make sure you’re ready for this procedure. After that, we then surgically position the implants throughout the arches in the jawbone and close the gum tissue. For several months afterward, we wait until the jawbone has grown and surrounded the implants. At that point, we can put in the abutments or connection pieces, which stick out above the gumline. With impressions, the dental lab crafts your custom dentures that are then either affixed or snapped onto the implants.
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
In order to qualify for implant dentures, you need to meet certain criteria. First, you must be missing all your natural teeth. You also need to have healthy gums, meaning no gum disease or other problems. Finally, your jawbone must have sufficient density; otherwise it will not be able to support the implant dentures. If you do not initially make a good candidate for implant dentures, we can address the impediment and get you ready for them.
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
If you already have dentures, you may wondering whether combining them with implants is really worth the time, effort, and investment. The truth is that implant dentures definitely are! They are much more stable and reliable than traditional dentures and enable you to bite and chew with up to 70 percent of your original biting strength. (Normal dentures only give you at most 25 percent of your original biting power.) You also enjoy these other important benefits:
- Longer lifespan for your replacement teeth.
- Healthier jawbone.
- Younger-looking facial structure that doesn’t sag.
- More confidence in front of others.