Month: July 2020

If you are missing all or nearly all of your upper and/or lower teeth, dentures are generally the best option for tooth replacement. Conventional dentures are removable and form a seal through suction with your gums. A skilled dentist can create comfortable and natural-looking conventional dentures and this is a great option for many patients. However, implant dentures may be a better fit depending on your situation. These are rows of artificial teeth that are secured in place using dental implants, which are titanium posts that are surgically placed in your jaw and act as an artificial tooth root.

Here are some of the benefits of implant-supported dentures:

Support a Healthy Jaw

Losing your teeth means that the roots are no longer stimulating your jaw. This can lead to bone resorption, a process where the body absorbs bone tissue in the jaw that is no longer being used. Bone loss can change the shape of your gums and face. Conventional dentures are not as effective at preventing this because the pressure that chewing with dentures exerts on your jaw is significantly less than it would be with natural teeth. Dental implants can help prevent bone loss and support jaw health.

Eat Comfortably

Conventional dentures may slip around in your mouth while you eat. This is especially common for lower dentures since there is less surface area for them to adhere to your gums. The movement of your dentures may make eating certain foods difficult and can make you self-conscious eating around others. Implant dentures have solid support and won’t move around, so you can enjoy all of your favorite foods.

Speak More Easily

In addition to making it harder to eat some foods, dentures that slip around in your mouth can result in trouble speaking. This can impact your confidence and is often frustrating for patients. Implant-supported dentures may make it easier to talk and pronounce sounds that are difficult with conventional dentures.

Longer Lasting

Conventional dentures typically need to be replaced every 5-8 years, whereas implant dentures can last for 20 years or more with proper care. This makes them a great investment in the long run.

Smile with Confidence

We can create beautiful implant dentures that look natural. In addition to the functional benefits of tooth replacement, one of the biggest positive outcomes is the renewed confidence that many patients feel.

The Process of Getting Implant Dentures

If you are interested in getting implant-supported dentures, your dentist can go over the process in detail. We will work with a trusted oral surgeon for your dental implant surgery and will support you throughout the process. Although you will need to wait for your implants to fully integrate with your jaw bone before we place your permanent implant dentures, we can create a temporary denture so you can enjoy your new smile sooner.

Restorative Dentistry at Smith Dentalworks

At Smith Dentalworks, we can help you get your smile back. There are many options available, including conventional and implant-supported dentures.

Call today to schedule an appointment to discuss implant dentures.

What is the procedure for dental implants?

Losing a tooth can have a serious negative impact on your oral health and self-esteem. Luckily, modern dentistry makes it possible to restore your smile. There are two main options for the replacement of a single tooth: a bridge or a dental implant with a crown. A bridge attaches to the two natural teeth on either side of the gap, whereas an implant is placed in your jaw with the crown on top of it. Although dental bridges can be a good choice, dental implants have the added benefit of preserving the health of your jaw.

More information on tooth implants and what is the procedure for dental implants:

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that an oral surgeon places in your jaw bone. It acts as an artificial tooth root. The root, as shown in the diagram above, is the portion of the tooth below the gum that extends into your jaw. The implant itself does not look or function like a tooth, so it is often paired with a crown, which is a synthetic tooth made of porcelain.

The Procedure of Getting an Implant and Crown

The first step in the tooth replacement process is a comprehensive oral exam, including X-rays. Your dentist will then create a customized treatment plan and will go over the process with you. The implantation process is performed by an oral surgeon, who will place the titanium post in your jawbone. If you have been missing this tooth for a long period of time, a bone graft may be necessary first to create strong enough support for the implant. Your surgeon and dentist will discuss this with you if the procedure is necessary.

Before your dentist can create and place a crown, the implant will need to fully heal and fuse with your jawbone. This is called osseointegration and generally takes several months. It may be possible to be fitted for a temporary tooth replacement during this time.

After you are done healing, your dentist will take an impression of the abutment, which is the portion of the implant above your gums, and the surrounding teeth. They will then create a custom porcelain crown. This tooth replacement is incredibly durable and looks natural. It can be cemented or screwed onto the abutment, giving you a beautiful new smile.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

A dental implant has many benefits, including:

Helps Prevent Bone Loss

When you lose a tooth, your jaw is no longer being stimulated by the root. Over time, your body may resorb the bone, causing nearby teeth to shift and possibly changing the shape of your face. An implant stimulates your jaw and helps prevent this.

Looks and Feels Natural

The combination of an implant and crown looks like a real tooth. It also makes it easier for you to eat and speak and doesn’t slip around like other types of restoration.

Long-Lasting

With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime. The crown will usually need to be replaced after 10-15 years, although this depends on where it is placed. Crowns in the front of mouth typically last longer than those in the back.

Smile Restoration by Smith Dentalworks

Pairing a dental implant with a crown is an excellent choice for single tooth replacement. At Smith Dentalworks, we can help you replace your missing tooth or teeth so you can eat, speak, and smile confidently.

To discuss getting a dental implant and/or crown, contact us today.