The Advantages of Implant-Supported Dentures

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implant-supported dentures

The use of implant-supported dentures has been successful for hundreds of thousands of people. The number of patients treated continues to grow as word spreads about the effectiveness and long-term durability. In fact, dental implants are reported to have the highest success rate of any implantable surgical device.  Many people who wear conventional dentures don’t wear them as often as they should/could because they don’t stay in place the way they want them to. Dental implants offer a way to keep dentures in place and allow you to go about your daily life with confidence.

 

 

Why Choose Implant-Supported Dentures?

If you are among the millions of Americans who are suffering from missing teeth, implant-supported dentures should be something you are looking into.  Where dentures were your only recourse in the past, to restore your smile and functionality, new technology has brought you a more secure, dependable option.  Dental implants are reported to have the highest success rate of any implantable surgical device.  That ability for implant-supported dentures to stay in place restores your prior functionality. Dental implants offer a way to keep dentures in place so you can go about your daily life with confidence.  The stability of implant-supported dentures can offer you the following amazing benefits:

  • Improves speech and confidence
  • Decreases irritation of gum tissue
  • Restores proper chewing improving digestion and nutritional absorption
  • Eliminates the need for denture adhesives and their accompanying cost
  • Inserted in a minimally-invasive procedure
  • Creates 3x the biting force than traditional dentures broadening your diet selections

 

Improve Your Overall Health

Your teeth greatly impact your ability to chew and process food and serve a great role in how your jawbone and surrounding teeth retain their strength.  Traditional dentures are supported by the gums, and over time, the prosthetic teeth will wear down the soft tissues of the mouth. Implant-supported dentures are retained by implants, which do not apply any added pressure to the gums.  They provide continual stimulation to the jawbone protecting it against future bone loss.  Patients missing teeth suffer from underlying bone loss because the jawbone stops receiving stimulation from the tooth’s root. Implant-supported dentures not only protect against this condition, but can even cause the jawbone to regenerate after being placed.

 

How Are Implant-Supported Dentures Placed?

Placing an implant-supported denture is a multi-step process, but yields results that last for years.  The first phase of the procedure is minimally invasive and takes about an hour and can be done under local anesthesia.  Drs. Murri and Willey will discuss the whole procedure with you in detail during your consultation.  Titanium implants are placed in the jaw and your existing denture is adjusted to sit comfortably over the implants during the healing phase.  Patients may experience minor discomfort from the procedure.  Pain medication can be prescribed to reduce any pain you experience and we can suggest a modified diet during the initial healing phase.  The second phase of implant treatment occurs after the implants have healed.  Once the implants have successfully healed, posts (or abutments) are connected to the implants and your denture is modified to snap onto the abutments. This allows the denture to be both secure and removed easily for cleaning.  Implant-supported dentures are much more stable than regular dentures and provide you with the peace of mind that they won’t become loose or fall out of your mouth.  Speech capabilities will improve as will your menu selections, however, you will still need to avoid chewing hard or sticky foods because they can damage your denture.

 

Call for a Dental Implant Consultation

Making the decision to receive implant-supported dentures is best done in conjunction with your medical provider. Drs. Willey and Murri can help you decide if this procedure is right for you. They can also talk through issues that may concern you. Some health conditions can preclude you from treatment or delay treatment. Advanced periodontal disease and diabetes are two conditions that can forfeit your candidacy for dental implants.  Whatever your concerns may be, we’re here to help–just call our Fort Collins office today at (970) 267-0993, and our patient liaison will be happy to answer your questions or place an appointment at your request. You can also send a contact request or place an appointment online at your convenience.