Full and Partial Dentures Supported by Dental Implants
When a person is missing a tooth or multiple teeth, there are plenty of options to consider in order to enhance the appearance and health of their smiles. A cosmetic dentist can help you if you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, and in a way that improves the appearance of your smile as well as your overall dental health and wellness. One option that is ideal for that is getting a dental appliance supported by dental implants.
Right now, our team would like to consider the use of dental implants to support a full or partial denture. As you're about to learn, this option is an ideal one for people missing multiple teeth.
About Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are able to support different kinds of restorations. These artificial roots are surgically implanted into your jawbone and gum tissue, which provides a level of strength and stability that is just like natural tooth roots. In terms of results, this is something that cannot be matched by even the strongest denture creams.
How Implant-Supported Dentures Differ from Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures are held in place by bracing around the remaining jawbone and gum tissue that a patient has along the dental arch. This grip can be supplemented by denture creams and is generally good. Even still, slippage of the denture can occur.
With implant-supported dentures, a few dental implants are placed along the dental arch in order to hold the denture in place. The number of implants and the type used will depend on the extent of the patient's tooth loss and the condition of his or her jawbone and gum tissue.
Ideal Candidates for Implant-Supported Dentures
The best candidates for implant-supported dentures are people who are missing many teeth in a row and have sufficient bone density and gum density in place. They should be in good overall health to tolerate oral surgery and have realistic expectations about the entire treatment process.
Options for Non-Candidates for Dental Implants
If a patient lacks sufficient bone density or gum density to get dental implants, special grafting procedures may be performed in order to build up the density of these tissues. These grafting procedures can use donor tissue (e.g., soft tissue from the palate, bone from the hip) in order to build up additional structure, or artificial soft and hard tissue can be used.
During your consultation at our practice, we will be sure to go over all of these matters in greater detail.
Alternatives to Implant Supported Dentures
If patients are missing just a few teeth rather than many teeth, a dental bridge rather than a denture may be better for their needs. The bridge can be held in place by dental implants as well, or it may simply latch around a a patient's remaining tooth structure. In addition, removable dentures are still a viable option to consider for care, and our team will carefully craft the denture so that it is less likely to slip or shift position. All of these options can be discussed during your visit to our practice.
Learn More About Your Options for Restorative Dental Care
If you would like to learn more about dentures and your many other options available for advanced dental care treatment, be sure to contact our Brooklyn Heights cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve optimal dental wellness in the process.