What are Implant Supported Dentures?
Implant supported dentures are a popular treatment for patients who are missing teeth. If you have been considering implant supported dentures, schedule a consultation with your dentist or periodontist to first determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure. Although there have been many advances in dental technology that have made implant supported dentures a viable option for more and more people, there are instances when the jawbone has deteriorated so significantly, or the cost of having the procedure would be prohibitive to the point where implant supported dentures are not a viable option.
The process of getting implant supported dentures begins with an initial consultation, during which your dentist or periodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and review your oral and medical history. Diagnostic exams like X-Rays and CT scans will also be taken to evaluate the density of your jawbone and determine optimal location for placement of your implants.
If it is determined that your jawbone has deteriorated, a dental bone graft procedure will be necessary. During the dental bone graft procedure, an incision is made in your gumline and the graft is placed. Prior to making the incision, a local anesthetic will be administered along with sedation if necessary. Following placement of your graft, you may experience some soreness for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice therapy. Following this, it will take several months for your graft to become replaced with bone. Once the decline in bone quantity has been corrected, you will be ready for placement of the implant.
Once the implants have been placed in your jawbone, you will likely experience some pain and discomfort for several days. This can generally be managed with pain medication and ice packs. If this pain and discomfort persists or intensifies, contact your dental office for a follow up visit. Following the recovery period, it will take several months for the post(s) to fully fuse with your jawbone. Everyone has a different natural healing process, which means the time necessary for osseointegration can vary widely between patients. Once the posts have fused, your final dentures will be made, and the implant supported denture process will be complete.
Taking Care of Your Implant Supported Dentures
One of the most important things you can do to preserve the health and extend the longevity of your implant supported dentures is to practice good oral hygiene habits on a daily basis.
Fortunately, you can treat your implant supported dentures the same as your natural teeth and maintain the integrity of the implants by brushing and flossing them twice daily and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist or periodontist. Though not necessary for everyone, nightguards may also be helpful to preserve the integrity of your implant supported dentures for patients who have issues with bruxism/grinding their teeth. While the implant can last a lifetime if you follow these steps, the crown typically lasts between 10-15 years until a replacement is necessary, although practicing excellent dental hygiene can extend the longevity of your crown.