Implants and Implant-Supported Dentures

Implants and implant-supported dentures are a great advancement in the dental world. What is different about them than just getting regular old dentures? They offer strong, supported replacements for broken or missing teeth and can help restore confidence in your smile. But what’s the difference? 

Dental implants 

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces the roots of your tooth witha metal, post and replaces the damaged or missing tooth with an artificial toothth. Implants look and feel just like your reel teeth. Implants are a great alternative to getting dentures or bridges that don’t always fit right or feel as comfortable. Dental implants do take longer, and cost more, but also offer a more permanent and comfortable solution to teeth replacement. 

Implant Process 

How dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of implant you need and the condition of your jawbone itself, because the post needs to be securely screwed into the jawbone itself. Dental implant surgery may involve several steps, spaced out for time to heal, and procedures with your oral surgeon and dentist. The biggest benefit of implants is the amount of support your new teeth will have because this process requires the bone to heal tightly around the implant just like your natural teeth. It will take time for your bone to heal so this process requires many months between appointments and healing.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures reduce or eliminate most if not all of the limitations that traditional dentures have. Implant-supported dentures don’t simply rest on your gums, they’re anchored by implants (tiny titanium screws) that are inserted into the jawbone just like a tooth implant post.

Implant-Supported Denture Process 

Your first appointment will generally be a consultation to discuss in greater detail what the process will be and create an individualized plan for healing and recovery after the procedure. Your dentist, and potentially oral surgeon, will discuss the full procedure and other pertinent details to consider when deciding if implant-supported dentures are right for you. 

Your dentist will be able to show you models and answer any outstanding questions you may have about implant-supported dentures. If you think you may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures, reach out to a dental practice near you to schedule a consultation. 

Whether you go the route of dental implants or implant-supported dentures, there are some similarities in the process. A major deciding factor to discuss with your dentist and oral surgeon is the number of teeth that are affected. Implant-supported dentures may be the best route if you have many teeth that are broken or missing, while dental implants are ideal for a few missing or broken teeth. Talk to your dentist today and get your smile back on track!