What to Know Before Getting Implant Supported Dentures
There are several things to know before getting implant supported dentures. If all or most teeth are missing or damaged beyond repair, replacing them is the only option left for a patient to maintain their oral structure.
What are implant supported dentures?
Traditionally, the only options for tooth replacement have been implants or dentures. But nowadays there is a third option that falls right in between the two: implant supported dentures. Implant supported dentures resemble traditional dentures, except that they are permanently affixed to the mouth via special implants screwed directly into the jaw.
These implants are typically titanium screws implanted directly into the jawbone. Usually, four to six implants are used depending on the size and shape of the patient’s mouth.
Advantages of implant supported dentures
Implant supported dentures have become wildly popular in recent years. They are functionally similar to traditional implants without nearly as high of a price tag. The procedure to get implant supported dentures is also less arduous than filling a mouth with individual implants.
Implant supported dentures do not come with the hassle of traditional dentures. While traditional dentures must be removed at night and soaked, implant supported dentures are more or less permanent. They will not shift or fall out of the mouth
The implants in implant supported dentures are also helpful in maintaining overall oral health. These implants simulate the function of natural teeth, which can aid the jaw in keeping its shape and strength. Implant supported dentures are both physically and aesthetically similar to natural teeth. Caring for implant supported dentures is no different than caring for natural teeth, and patients can almost immediately resume eating their favorite foods.
Disadvantages of implant supported dentures
Implant supported dentures take a longer time to obtain than regular dentures. The implants placed into the jaw must be given time to set before the dentures can be attached to them. This process typically takes three months but could take up to half a year. During this time, the patient will be without their implant supported dentures.
Implant supported dentures can also get expensive, depending on the situation. On average, implant supported dentures are cheaper than a mouth full of implants and more expensive than traditional dentures. However, some patients who do not have enough durable jaw bone and tissue may need additional grafting procedures before receiving implant supported dentures. This can increase the cost significantly.
Implant supported dentures cannot be removed without assistance from a dentist, so there is no way to adjust or repair them without returning to the clinic.
Are implant supported dentures right for you?
While implant supported dentures are becoming wildly popular, not everyone is qualified for them. Patients with jaws too weak to support the implants may not be able to receive implant supported dentures. Consulting with a professional is the only way to know for sure if implant supported dentures are an option for you.
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