Dental Implants and Dentures – The Combination That Ensures a Definitive Restoration
What happens when a talented prosthodontist combines dental implants and dentures? Known as implant-supported dentures, this innovative treatment is an evolution over traditional dentures. It blends the stability of dental implants with the convenience of dentures.
Dental implants and dentures in an implant-supported system can replace an entire arch of teeth, giving you excellent performance, a natural aesthetic, and easy long-term maintenance.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Dentures and Implants?
Your general dentist may refer you for dentures and implants if you are missing all or most of the teeth in your mouth. This type of treatment is a common upgrade from traditional dentures, especially in patients who struggle with slipping, clicking, and uncomfortable dentures.
A suitable candidate for dentures and implants will have sufficient bone in the jaw to support dental implants. If you have lost some density, you might need bone grafting treatment to prepare for implants. Even with some bone loss, most patients qualify for dentures and implants.
Visiting an experienced prosthodontist for dental implants and dentures creates options for your case. A prosthodontist is a specialized professional that can develop definitive solutions for tooth loss. Whatever you are experiencing today, there are options to give you back your confidence and quality of life.
Fixed and Removable Dentures and Implants
There are two main categories of implant-supported dentures.
- Fixed dentures are permanently attached. You will visit your prosthodontist for adjustments and maintenance.
- Removable dentures use a snap-in system. Bar-retained and ball-retained dentures can be detached from your dental implants for nightly cleaning.
The best option for you depends on your oral health and your preferences. Your prosthodontist will cover the advantages and disadvantages as they relate to your unique case.
Stability and Preservation – The Two Crucial Upsides to Dental Implants and Dentures
A traditional denture without implants rests on the gums, requiring either suction or adhesives for stability. Even with a flawless design, there are risks of slippage, discomfort, and irritation to soft tissues.
The two major benefits of an implant-supported system are stability and preservation.
- Dental implants and dentures preserve the bone in your jaw. The implant is a replacement for a natural tooth root. It stimulates the jaw and prevents or minimizes bone loss. This helps to support overall jaw health and prevents changes in the structure of your face.
- Stability is created by the implant system. Rather than relying on suction or adhesives, implant-supported dentures engage with a ball or bar system for enhanced stability, better biting and chewing performance, and more overall comfort.
Speaking, eating, laughing, and smiling are far more natural with implant-supported dentures. You can get back the confidence that is often lost when wearing traditional dentures.
Traditional Dentures vs. Implants with Dentures – The Bottom Line
To be clear, plenty of patients thrive with traditional dentures. A careful approach to treatment can have excellent results. Implant-supported dentures are an option if you are dissatisfied with the traditional approach, or if you have experienced functional issues while wearing your dentures.
Traditional dentures vs. implants with dentures comes down to your unique needs. On one end of the scale with the traditional option, you have an approachable treatment solution with an extremely fast turnaround from consultation to final fitting of your prosthesis. With an implant-supported system, there is a recovery time (around three to six months), and it takes longer to have your definitive prosthesis fitted.
Like many aspects of tooth restoration, traditional dentures vs. implants with dentures isn’t a simple comparison. It is important to talk to an experienced prosthodontist who can explain the options as they relate to your unique case.
Explore Your Treatment Options with Dr. Parisa Shahi
Dr. Parisa Shahi is a board-certified prosthodontist dedicated to innovative treatments for tooth loss, decay, and damage. She has completed thousands of full-arch restorations over a career spanning more than a decade. With an experienced team of dedicated providers, she leads San Mateo Prosthodontics to offer definitive solutions.
You can schedule your consultation with Dr. Shahi to explore your options for implant-supported dentures. If you currently wear a denture or dentures that don’t work for you, we will propose treatment options that restore your comfort and quality of life. Most crucially, our prosthodontic solutions can enhance the function of your mouth, giving you wide-ranging benefits from an improved facial appearance to more compatibility with a healthy diet with expanded food choices.
Dental implants and dentures are a perfect match with an implant-supported denture system. Visit San Mateo Prosthodontics to see how life changing this definitive treatment could be for you.
