Replacing Full Arches of Missing Teeth
While a time-honored option for replacing full rows of missing teeth, traditional dentures are often prone to slipping out of place. Thanks to advances in dental technology, though, dental implants can safely anchor your restoration for a stronger, stabler fit.
Implant-supported dentures offer a dependability and lifelike appearance that cannot be matched. As a respected prosthodontist, Dr. James Stein can customize a denture to your specific health needs and aesthetic at his Boston, MA, practice.
Implant-Denture vs. Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures are held in place over the gums with natural suction and special adhesives. However, because this method of retention is not permanent, they are prone to moving when the wearer chews or speaks. Consequently, denture wearers may be less likely to smile, laugh, or talk out of concern that their artificial teeth will move or affect their speech. Furthermore, slippage can also contribute to oral health problems, such as an inconsistent bite patterns or TMJ disorder.
Implant-supported dentures eliminate these problems. After surgical insertion into the jawbone, the titanium posts that support the restoration fuse with the surrounding bone. Once the dentures are attached to these posts, they are held in place with the strength of your jaw. Essentially, the implant post serves as an artificial tooth root, providing your denture with a reliable and durable support system.
Essentially, the implant post serves as an artificial tooth root, providing your denture with a reliable and durable support system.
CANDIDACY FOR TREATMENT
Unfortunately, not every patient is eligible to receive implant-supported dentures. Because implant posts are inserted directly into the jaw, there must be sufficient bone tissue to support them. In many cases, patients who have lost teeth also suffer jawbone deterioration, undermining their eligibility for treatment. However, Dr. Stein can perform a bone grafting or sinus lift procedure to trigger growth and boost your candidacy once more.
As part of your initial consultation, the doctor will evaluate your jawbone health to determine whether you need any preparatory procedures. In some cases, though, he may recommend less invasive alternatives for replacing teeth, such as traditional bridges or dentures.
RECEIVING IMPLANT-SUPPORTED DENTURES
Placing and restoring implant-retained dentures is a multi-step process. During your initial consultation with Dr. Stein, he will review your oral health and medical history and take high-resolution images of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This information will help determine if implant-supported dentures is in your best interest or if another tooth-replacement modality is more appropriate.
If implant-supported dentures are suited to your needs, we can schedule out your next few appointments. Preparatory procedures such as bone grafting and sinus lifts usually come first, though in some cases the doctor can combine them with implant placement.
If you have lost multiple teeth, implant-supported dentures can improve your oral health and daily life.
On the day of your placement surgery, Dr. Stein will create small holes in the gums, through which the titanium posts are inserted. For some implant systems, such as Straumann or 3i, additional implants may be necessary.
Following surgery, patients will wear a temporary prosthetic over the implants for the next few months. During this period, the posts will fuse with the surrounding bone to form a stable base for your restoration. This process is usually complete within about six months. At this point, you can return to our offices to try out and receive your permanent dentures.
COMPLETELY REBUILD YOUR SMILE
If you have lost multiple teeth, implant-supported dentures can improve your oral health and daily life. To schedule a consultation, call our office at (617) 227-6076 or reach out online.
