Implant-Supported Dentures Can Restore Your Quality of Life
Implant-supported dentures offer a stable, natural-looking replacement for several missing teeth or an entire dental arch. Anchored into the jaw with titanium posts, implant-retained dentures provide unmatched durability and stability. Additionally, Dearborn Family Dentistry has an onsite laboratory which allows us to hold patients' custom dentures to the highest functional and aesthetic standards. Patients in and around Dearborn, MI, can trust Drs. Mark Luria and Dr. Rena Allswang to provide them with cutting-edge restorative solutions in a welcoming and relaxed setting.
Implant-Supported vs. Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures are held in place over the gums with natural suction and special adhesives. This makes the restorations prone to slipping when the patient eats or talks, causing discomfort and embarrassment. Denture movement can also contribute to oral health concerns like an inconsistent bite pattern, worn soft tissue, or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder.
Implant-supported dentures are sturdy and reliable, so you will never have to worry your restoration will slip out of place.
Dental implant-supported dentures rely on a more predictable method of retaining artificial teeth. Dental implants (titanium posts) are surgically inserted into the jaw and fuse with the bone. Dentures are then attached to the implants, which offer a strong and stable foundation. Additionally, implants act like dental roots to preserve a healthy, dense jawbone.
Enhanced Function, Health, and Aesthetics
Implant-supported dentures have become the preferred way of addressing widespread tooth loss. Consider the unique benefits:
- A denture retention system that lasts for decades, if not a lifetime
- Prevents the breakdown of soft tissue that can result from ill-fitting traditional dentures
- Dentures that appear and function just like natural teeth
- An easy at-home hygiene routine which is similar to caring for your natural teeth
- Stops the jawbone deterioration that results from missing dental roots
- Preserves your facial appearance, which can change as a result of tooth loss
Implant-Supported Dentures Replace an Entire Dental Arch
Dr. Rena Allswang of Dearborn Family Dentistry goes over the basics of implant-supported dentures. This is a great treatment option for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth. Many patients at our Dearborn, MI, dentistry practice can benefit from changing their traditional denture into an implant-supported overdenture.
The Treatment Process
Placing implants and designing custom dentures is a multi-stage process that begins with a consultation.
Initial Evaluation
At this appointment, one of our dentists will review your dental and medical history, and take high-resolution images of your mouth and jaw. Using this information, your dentist will determine if implant-supported dentures are the right treatment for you. Implant candidates should be healthy enough to safely undergo oral surgery and have realistic expectations of their outcome.
Implant Placement and Healing Period
On the day of your surgery, Dr. Mark Luria will make small incisions in the gum tissue and create holes in the jawbone to accommodate the posts. Most dentures require between four to eight dental implants. A temporary prosthetic may be provided at this time.
Over the course of the next four to six months, the posts will integrate with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This integration essentially allows the posts to act as artificial tooth roots. The implants then provide stimulation to the jawbone, allowing it to retain its strength and structure.
Receiving Your Denture
Once osseointegration is complete, you will return for a second minor surgery to have the abutments attached to the implants. The abutments serve as connector pieces to your dentures. A couple of weeks later, after the soft tissue has healed, you will have your permanent dentures placed.
Restore Your Confidence
Learn for yourself how implant-supported dentures can enhance your smile and quality of life. You can schedule a consultation using our online form, or speak to a staff member by phone at (313) 565-5507.
