I’m A long Term Denture Wearer Can I Still Have Dental Implants?
If you’ve been wearing dentures for some while and are tired of using adhesives to keep them in place, then you might be interested in securing them with dental implants in Richmond. Here at Sheen Dental denture stabilisation is a common procedure which many of our denture wearers are embracing. Dr. Harmit Kalsi is highly experienced in placing dental implants, especially complex cases where patients need a little extra help.
About bone loss
When teeth are lost the bone that once supported them begins to waste away as it is no longer stimulated and this is a common problem even if you wear dentures. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that wearing dentures actually accelerates bone loss. Your dentures were probably a perfect fit when you first got them, but over the course of time you no doubt found they became looser and had to return to your dentist to have them adjusted. Dental implants stop this from happening because they are surgically placed into the jawbone where they eventually fuse with the surrounding bone and soft tissue to give a strong platform that can anchor a prosthetic dental device such as a denture securely in place.
Implants require dense healthy bone if they are to be successful and often denture wearers don’t have sufficient bone in which to place dental implants. In case likes these then most times a bone graft can be used to build up the level of bone so that implants can be placed. However, some denture wearers may be suited to mini implants which are shorter and specially shaped to support dentures. Often as few as 2 implants will be used, so this treatment offers a less invasive and quicker surgery than with traditional implants.
How does the denture stay in place?
There are a couple of options for retaining dentures, namely a bar or ball fixture. Whichever is chosen, a row of custom made teeth is fixed to a gum coloured base. At least 3 implant posts will be required for bar retained dentures and a minimum of 2 posts for ball retained dentures.
For bar retained dentures a thin metal bar follows the curve of the jaw and is attached to the implant posts. The denture then fits over this and is secured with small clasps. For a ball retained denture, small studs or balls are attached to the implant posts and stick a little way out of the gums. The denture has special sockets in the underside which snap into place on top of the balls.
The advantage of retained dentures is that they can be removed for cleaning and allows the patient to be able to brush and floss meticulously around the implant posts and attachments too. They offer more stability than a traditional denture and are way more comfortable too. In addition the patient will be able to speak more clearly and eat their favourite foods.
If you’re interested in learning more about implant retained dentures and finding out if they’re an option for you, then why not book a free implant consultation where we can give you an oral examination and discuss your best options. Call us today on 020 8876 5277 or book online at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk.