Losing all your teeth can be a disheartening realization. Before you succumb to the thought that only traditional dentures can restore your smile, consider the alternative. Yes, regular prosthetics can recreate an entire arch of teeth and provide some level of functionality; however, their stability and longevity cannot remotely compare to implant dentures in Jacksonville. Designed to last 30 years or longer with proper care, you’ll never need to worry about your teeth falling out. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment and learn more about implant dentures.
Implant dentures are a type of dental implant that is designed to replace an entire arch of teeth. Whether it is the upper or lower row that needs to be replaced, implant dentures use between four and six implant posts to stabilize and create a firm foundation for your new restoration. The process is vastly different from regular dentures, as it does require minor oral surgery. However, the incredible benefits that come with a permanent prosthetic make implant dentures an increasingly popular option among adults suffering from tooth loss.
There are two types of dentures you can have secured to the top of your dental implants in Rock Hill. These include:
Requiring 4-6 implant posts, a fixed denture cannot be removed by anyone other than your dentist. Designed to be a permanent fixture inside your mouth, these teeth will look, feel, and act just like your natural smile, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Known as a “Snap-On denture,” those that are removable can be taken out at night for cleaning purposes. Less jawbone density is required, so only 2-5 dental implant posts are needed. The denture is held into place with a bar- or ball-retained device, making it easy for you to remove when necessary.
The dental implant process is actually quite straightforward. You will meet your implant dentist in Rock Hill and receive local anesthesia to numb your mouth. Once you are comfortable and feeling no pain, our team will begin to make multiple incisions in your gum tissue before exposing the underlying jawbone. Carefully placing each dental implant, we will position and angle it to ensure maximum support. When finished, we will close the tissue and place a protective healing cap over the area.
You will then be required to return home and spend 3-6 months recovery. During this time, osseointegration will occur, causing the bone and implant to fuse. This creates the firm foundation needed for a longer-lasting smile. The final stage is to receive your customized denture that will be secured into place by our qualified team of professionals.
Although it may be hard to believe, most adults who suffer from complete tooth loss are eligible to receive implant dentures. While an initial consultation is necessary, it often only determines if you need preliminary treatments or if you can move forward with implant surgery right away. Good oral and overall health is necessary, so if you show signs of serious tooth decay or gum disease, we may need to extract your teeth or perform periodontal therapy.
You can count on Dr. Nawrocki and Dr. Aguila to provide the thorough explanation you need to feel confident and comfortable with the direction of your new smile.
By combining dentures and dental implants, you will find there to be many great benefits, such as:
You may wonder if your current denture can become an implant denture. That really depends. If your current denture fits your mouth well and is of good quality, there is a chance that we can retrofit it for use as a removable implant denture. We will carefully examine it to see if it qualifies for conversation. If it does not, you will need to invest in an entirely new denture to work with your dental implants.
Implant dentures allow you to enjoy a wide variety of foods. They are designed to be strong enough to stand up to a diet that contains lots of different items, including foods that are normally off-limits with traditional dentures.
However, keep in mind that, similar to natural teeth, some foods are better for implant dentures than others. We recommend that you choose nutritious foods and maintain a balanced diet to support your overall health. Calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, and other vitamins and minerals can be especially beneficial for supporting your jawbone health and oral wellness. Sugary, hard, and sticky items should be consumed only in moderation.
We craft implant dentures to closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function. They are meant to complement your facial features, providing an attractive and lifelike smile. Also, since they are so secure in the mouth, you can expect them to feel almost exactly like natural teeth.
If your dentures ever start to feel uncomfortable or cause other concerns, contact our Jacksonville team right away. We will help to identify the cause of the problem and do all we can to help you get back to enjoying optimum function from your prosthetic.
We recommend that you clean your implant dentures daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleaner. This helps remove bacteria and food particles, which can keep your mouth healthy and prevent unwanted odors.
Remove your dentures, if they are removable, and carefully clean all surfaces, including the attachments and your gums. Rinse thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth. If you have a fixed denture, you may need to use a floss threader or water flosser to clean beneath it.
You should also visit us regularly for professional checkups and maintenance. We will inspect the fit of your implant dentures and the health of your gums and implants. Our aim is to identify potential problems early in their development so we can stop them before they become serious. We can also provide personalized guidance on steps you can take to keep your dentures in good shape for the long haul.