Approximately 23 million people are completely edentulous (without teeth), and about 12 million are edentulous in one arch. Many of these individuals choose traditional dentures to rebuild their smile. As wonderful as dentures are, however, they come with some downsides. That is why the experts at Northborough Dental Associates often recommend implant dentures instead. We can handle this advanced procedure from beginning to end and provide you with new teeth that are strong, long lasting, and aesthetically pleasing. Contact us today to learn more about this remarkable treatment.
Traditional dentures rest on top of the gums, relying on adhesive or natural suction to stay in place. Implant dentures in Northborough are different. They are anchored in the mouth by prosthetic tooth roots (dental implants), which provide the denture with remarkable stability, strength, and function.
There are a few different types of implant dentures. Depending on your circumstances, your dentist may recommend one of the following:
Sometimes called “hybrid prostheses,” fixed implant dentures are permanently attached to the dental implants in Northborough that support them. Only a dental professional can remove them. They usually require 4 – 6 prosthetic tooth roots for each arch. Many patients are drawn to fixed implant dentures because they are so comfortable, and they can be cared for similarly to natural teeth.
As their name implies, these dentures are easy for patients to remove on their own. They simply “snap” onto and off of small attachments. These typically require fewer dental implants than fixed dentures (perhaps 2 – 5 implants per arch). Many patients who have lost a bit of bone density in their jaw are candidates for this type of restoration.
The implant denture procedure may vary from patient to patient, but it usually involves the following steps:
Most adults who have suffered significant tooth loss qualify for dental implants, either right away or after some preparatory treatments. In general, candidates:
If you are not sure if implant dentures are right for you, we encourage you to come in for a consultation anyway. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you learn!
Implant dentures offer numerous benefits that make them a worthwhile investment of time and money: