A guide to stabilising dentures with dental implants
Although modern dentures are more functional and natural in appearance than their predecessors, many people still experience problems with their new teeth becoming loose. At Sheen Dental in Richmond we have found that the perfect solution is often to stabilise a loose-fitting denture with dental implants.
Why dentures get loose
Dentures of one sort or another have been used for many centuries as a way to replace missing natural teeth, with varying degrees of comfort and success. The modern versions your dentist may prescribe you will be made from acrylic, metal, or nylon. Whatever material is used, a dental technician or prosthodontist will ensure that your false teeth are comfortable, well-fitting, and able to provide a natural function as well as a natural look.
However, the chances are your new teeth will still become loose, particularly in the few months following tooth loss. This happens because the jaw bone will resorb (shrink) without the tooth roots in place. You will have to go back to your dentist to have your dentures relined or otherwise adjusted – often more than once.
The dental implants solution
At Sheen Dental in Richmond, we believe the best way to avoid this is to use dental implants to stabilise your dentures. Implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium that are placed in direct contact with your jaw bone, and will stop bone resorbtion in its tracks (or prevent it entirely if you have implant treatment soon after tooth loss).
The implants form a bond with your bone that is akin to that of natural tooth roots. They will hold you dentures securely in your mouth, so you can once again eat all your favourite foods, speak, smile, and socialise with confidence.
At our Richmond clinic your implant surgeon will usually place between two and six implants per jaw, which is enough to support a full arch of dentures.
After a healing period of a few months (during which, in most cases, you can continue to wear your old denture) you will be called back to our Richmond clinic for your clinician to fit your dentures to your implants.