How Much of a Difference Do Implants Really Make for Dentures?

Conventional dentures have been around in some form or another for centuries, and for many they still remain the preferred method for repairing and restoring teeth. But is there room for improvement? Dental implants have changed the way dentists think about tooth replacement, and it’s been found that there are numerous benefits to using implant posts to support dentures. In this post, your dentist will reveal how implant-retained dentures work and the dramatic difference they can make for the function of your smile.

How Do Implants Work with Dentures?

A dental implant is a screwlike post that is inserted into the jaw. It’s unlike other forms of tooth replacement because it replaces the roots of the teeth instead of the crowns. The post fuses with the bone tissue around it to essentially become a part of your body. This way, it can provide stable support for your dental restoration while also stimulating the jawbone to stop it from breaking down.

When implants are used to support dentures, you’ll have four to eight posts inserted into the jaw at certain points. After waiting about 3 to 4 months to complete the healing process, impressions of your mouth will be taken in order to design your dentures. Most implant-retained dentures are fixed in place, but some are designed to be removable.

What Advantages to Implant Dentures Have Over Traditional Dentures?

The most significant advantage is stability. Regular dentures might slip or come loose in the mouth, causing you to slur your words while talking or creating difficulty when you’re trying to chew your food. Implants keep dentures permanently in place so that you can avoid these issues.

Of course, there are other reasons to consider getting dental implants for dentures:

• Implants are largely permanent, as they can last for many more decades compared to other forms of tooth replacement.
• The stimulation of implants stops the body from resorbing the jawbone. This allows you to keep a strong jaw, improved oral functionality, and a youthful facial appearance.
• Getting dental implants for full dentures is more cost-effective than getting individual implants for each tooth.
• Since implants enhance chewing strength, you can enjoy the tougher foods that would give you trouble with regular dentures.
• Oral hygiene is easier with implant-retained dentures because the restoration can just be brushed normally. You don’t have to take it out of your mouth to scrub the undersides.

Whether you’re getting dentures for the first time or have lived with them for years, you shouldn’t overlook all the ways that attaching your prosthetic teeth to implants could improve your oral health and boost your satisfaction with your smile. Be sure to ask your dentist whether you’re a good candidate for dental implant surgery during your consultation.

About the Author

Dr. David Earnest enjoys helping patients create new and improved smiles at Seguin Dentures & Implants. He is part of the Academy of Osseointegration and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and he has been thoroughly trained in using dental implants to strengthen and stabilize dentures. If you want to learn more about using implants to replace your teeth, visit his website or call (830) 549-5112.