Improving Dentures with Dental Implants

They may be among the oldest forms of prosthetic dentistry, and they may go a long way in improving a patient’s confidence and quality of life after suffering tooth loss. Still, dentures are not perfect in their ability to replace missing teeth. If you’ve worn one for a while, then you may already be familiar with many of the common drawbacks of conventional dentures, like becoming loose and uncomfortable after a while.

If you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, or if you already rely on conventional tooth replacement, then dental implants may be able to significantly improve the comfort and quality of your dentures.

How Traditional Dentures Are Made

Traditional dentures consist of an entire row of replacement teeth, and are designed to completely rebuild your upper/lower dental ridge by replacing all of the teeth on it. Each replacement tooth, or pontic, closely resembles its healthy, natural counterpart, and all of the pontics are situated on a comfortable, gum-colored base that hugs your dental ridge snugly.

For additional support, if needed, your dentist might also recommend a special adhesive to help keep your denture still as you speak, smile, bite, and chew.

How Implants Improve the Design of Your Dentures

Dental implants are biocompatible, surgically-inserted posts that are designed to replace your lost teeth roots within your jawbone. For patients who qualify, the implant posts can be strategically placed to absorb the full pressure of your bite, and can be utilized to support a partial or complete denture.

With the added support of dental implants, your denture will not only rest more securely and comfortably, but will also help improve your long-term oral health. The posts stimulate your jawbone when you bite and chew, which promotes a healthy flow of nutrients that keeps your jawbone strong and reduces the risks of tooth loss in the future.