For denture wearers, their prosthetic is their lifeline for social interactions, nutrition, and more. So, when it’s unreliable, it can vastly reduce their quality of life. Slippage, extra maintenance, and more limited food selections are just a few of the reasons patients find even modern dentures lacking. If you’ve experienced any of these and are ready for a change, implant dentures from Galleria Dentistry in Naples promise better results.
The reason implant dentures are so stable is because they’re anchored to your jawbone via titanium fixtures. These screw-like rods are placed in strategic places in your mouth and act as prosthetic tooth roots. Once they’ve fused with your jawbone, your dentist will place a custom-made denture over them and secure it in place. This creates a permanent, lifelike, and comfortable prosthetic that can restore as much as 70 percent of your chewing power. There are two types of implant dentures regularly used:
These dentures are permanently attached to the implant fixtures and cannot be removed except by your dentist. These are typically placed over four to six implants to support a full dental arch. Many patients enjoy these types of dentures due to their low maintenance. However, they often require greater bone density than removable models.
Sometimes called “Snap-On” dentures, these prosthetics are retained by a bar or ball-and-socket that is attached to the implants. While they are just as effective as fixed implant dentures, they can be removed if the wearer desires. These are a great option for patients who lack jawbone density but still want to have more reliable dentures.
The placement of every new set of implant dentures starts with a consultation with your dentist. Dr. Gery, Dr. Chelsea, and Dr. Anthony all have the advanced training required to perform successful dental implants, so you won’t need to see an outside specialist.
Once your treatment plan is approved, any preparatory steps like extractions or periodontal treatments are performed first. Then, your implants are placed, and a temporary denture is attached to give you teeth and help your gums heal.
Over the next few months, the implant fixtures will fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once that process is complete, you’ll have another appointment with your dentist and your final customized prosthetic will be placed.
If you’re an adult with good oral and physical health, you may be a candidate for implant dentures. However, the only way to know for sure is to undergo an assessment at our office. During your initial consultation, your dentist will test for periodontal disease, and check the strength of your jawbone. If everything looks in order, you’re good to go! And don’t worry, even if you have a few problems like gingivitis or insufficient bone, your dentist will work with you to correct these issues to put you on track!
If you’re tired of your old traditional dentures, contact us in Naples today and ask to schedule your implant dentures consultation. Soon you could be savoring a sweeter life with new and stable prosthetics!