Questions About Implant-Supported Dentures
If you are planning to get dentures, you may be concerned about the appliance moving around your mouth as you eat or speak. Shifting dentures can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Thus, your dentist may suggest implant-supported dentures.
An implant-supported denture has a mechanism on the underside of the appliance that allows the denture to connect to dental implants. Since the dental implants are secured in the mouth, when the dentures are connected, they do not move about. Here are a few questions and answers about implant-supported dentures:
Are implant-supported dentures removable?
Like traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures can be removed by the patient. Still, because dentures supported by dental implants are not only held in place by the suction of the patient's mouth as they are with traditional dentures, the patient must know how to disconnect the dentures from the dental implants. If you have a implant-supported dentures, your dentist will ensure that you can comfortably release and install your dentures.
Can the dentures be connected to dental implants immediately after the dental implants are placed?
The dental implants must heal before they can act as supports for an implant-supported denture. The implants are installed inside the jawbone surgically.
Once in place, the titanium implant starts to fuse with your jawbone. This fusion requires a few months to complete, but once it is done, the dental implant is securely in place. Nevertheless , the implant-supported dentures should only be connected to the implant after the fusing process is complete.
Can dental implants that were initially used to replace individual teeth be used as denture supports?
If you previously had dental implants installed to replace individual teeth, these implants can serve as denture supports. However, the dental crown that was applied for the single-tooth replacement will likely be removed. An abutment or connector will be used to connect the implants to the dentures.
Is the care of an implant-supported denture different from that of a traditional denture?
Implant-supported dentures should be removed and cleaned daily just as conventional dentures are. In addition, the gums should be brushed regularly to remove plaque and lessen the chance of gum disease. Dental implant failure is associated with severe cases of periodontitis in which the jawbone density declines.
To learn more about implant-supported dentures, schedule a consultation with a local dentist, like one at Oral Surgery Associates Inc. He or she can assess your jawbone density and oral health to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for these appliances.