Denture Implants: An Introduction To Teeth Replacements
The teeth and mouth are some of the most important parts of the body. Chewing, eating, talking, and smiling would be difficult to do without a clean and complete set of teeth. As years go by, you may find yourself needing more oral care—and eventually—teeth replacements to maintain confidence and good oral health.
Fortunately, advancements in medical care have included several options for oral care and teeth replacements. Denture implants are just one of those. So, if you’re looking for teeth replacement options and would want to know more about denture implants, or if you’re unsure which option is best for you, read on.
How Denture Implants Work
A denture implant is a medical device that blends with a patient’s tissue to support a denture, which is simply a false tooth made from metal, acrylic, or nylon. Denture implants are usually made of titanium. The titanium implant is placed to increase the stability of the denture. The implant serves as the base of the tooth, a fixture that is permanently anchored into the jawbone and fused together by a process called osseointegration. The bone around an implant continues to remodel (rebuild) through normal chewing activity. As a result, both become one complete functional unit and thus improve oral health conditions.
Denture implants have artificial tooth roots that can be used to hold full or partial dentures in place when there is no longer any natural root left in the mouth, or if they have been removed due to periodontal disease—an infection that damages the gums or teeth.
Implants are made in various shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be customized according to the individual’s needs, considering the mouth shape, gum condition, and many other factors.
Types Of Denture Implants
There are two common types of denture implants, as outlined below:
● Endosteal Denture Implants
Endosteal denture implants use titanium screws in the jawbone which are submerged below the gums. An implant of this kind is usually performed on patients with a healthy jawbone that can support a successful integration. The patient is given a temporary tooth during the time of recovery so they are able to maintain confidence and oral activity. Once the implants are in place and in complete recovery, the final attachment
of their denture is fitted.
● Subperiosteal Denture Implants
Subperiosteal Denture Implants are implant-supported dentures that are suitable for people who don’t have a healthy jawbone or who simply don’t want their jawbone to be tempered with. As their name suggests, subperiosteal dental implants are placed just under the gum line in the jawbone so they are not visible to other people.
A subperiosteal implant-supported denture is an improvement over “traditional” implants that are only used for single tooth replacement. Their ability to seat several non-connecting implants provides a solid foundation for complete or partial removable bridge teeth replacements.
Dentures vs. Dental Implants
When it comes down to teeth implants or dentures most patients find it difficult to choose between the two. We recommend a patient considers the following factors: the comfortability, reliability, and durability of partial dentures versus implants. From a cost perspective a patient may be tempted to go with dentures as they are less expensive, however it is worth exploring long-term benefits of each.
Why A Denture Implant?
A denture implant can be used in place of traditional dentures. With these implants, a patient doesn’t have to worry about glues, adhesives, or ensuring the dentures stay in place; they can remain confident and worry-free. Denture implants offer greater stability and appear more like natural teeth in comparison to other teeth replacement options. Dentures supported by implants make it easier for the patient to speak as they would with real teeth since the muscles of the face and mouth move more naturally. The result is that patients look better, speak better, eat better, and of course, live better.
Conclusion
As with any dental treatment required it is recommended to carry out your own research with various dentist professionals before committing to anything. Always consult with a well-experienced periodontist (gum specialist) to ensure you know the type of denture implant that’s suitable for your teeth. If your jawbone is strong and relatively healthy, you may be advised to get endosteal denture implants. If not, the alternative option is the subperiosteal denture implants. Regardless of the gum status, you can always speak to your dentist about your concerns and preferences.
