dentures supported with dental implants

Do loose-fitting dentures keep you from enjoying life? Does the fear of them slipping or falling out keep you from going out to eat? Do you hate dealing with messy glues? Have you ever misplaced them? Permanent dentures with dental implants may be the perfect solution you have been looking for.

With implant-supported dentures, you can achieve perfectly fitting dentures that not only look beautiful and natural, but they mimic real teeth in many ways.

At Docklands Dental Studio, our doctors have the experience and care you can trust when it comes to getting rid of your traditional dentures and all the hassles that come with them.

The Downsides of Traditional Dentures

If you wear traditional dentures, you most likely know many of the hassles that come with them. However, there can be issues you may not be aware of.

Some of the most common complaints of traditional dentures include:

  • They do not look real
  • Messy, expensive adhesives
  • They must be thoroughly and frequently cleaned (more difficult because of the adhesives)
  • You cannot wear them at night
  • They become ill-fitting, causing pain, slippage, and clacking noises when you eat and talk
  • Certain foods must be avoided

There are, however, important considerations many patients are not aware of. For instance, food can easily get trapped by dentures, increasing the risk of gum disease. Also, dentures become loose over time, meaning they must be replaced every three to six years. However, they may not last this long, as they can break if dropped.

In addition, bone loss occurs. Did you know that jawbone tissue requires stimulation from tooth roots to keep it from deteriorating? Since traditional dentures do nothing to replace the tooth roots, there is no stimulation of the jawbone. This means that the longer you wear them, the more bone loss you have.

This deterioration is what causes the dentures to become loose over time. It is also why denture wearers have a sunken-in look that makes them appear older than they are.

Another potential problem is poor nutrition. This can happen when you change your eating habits due to ill-fitting dentures.

The Benefits of Dentures Supported with Dental Implants

When it comes to your oral health, the biggest advantage of implant-supported dentures is that the implants mimic your missing tooth roots and stimulate bone tissue. Therefore, bone loss does not occur.

Also, since they attach to the dental implants instead of resting on your gums, they are the most reliable, stable option.

Other advantages to consider include:

  • They look, feel, and act like natural teeth
  • You don’t have to deal with adhesives
  • Easy to care for—floss and brush just like natural teeth
  • You can eat whatever you like
  • No worries about them falling out or slipping
  • You won’t lose or break them
  • They don’t affect talking and eating
  • They are considered permanent and can last for decades

If you love all the advantages of implant-supported dentures but would prefer to be able to remove them, we can make that happen too.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant looks somewhat like a screw, and it is placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root.

Dental implants are made of titanium for several reasons. Firstly, titanium is not toxic or harmful to the human body. Of equal importance, the human environment, such as body fluids, will not corrode it.

A great benefit is that titanium encourages bone growth. The new bone surrounds the implant in a process called osseointegration, which fuses and bonds it to the bone.

Full fusion takes approximately three to six months to occur. At this point, the implant is a permanent part of the jawbone.

Once the implant is fused, an abutment is placed on the end to secure the dentures in place.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most patients who are missing a tooth or teeth are candidates for dental implants. However, because they are implanted into the jawbone, successful implant and fusion require sufficient bone density in the jaw.

If you have been wearing traditional dentures for a long time, you may have too much bone deterioration to support an implant.

However, most patients who do not have enough bone density can become a good candidate for an implant by having bone graft surgery. Bone grafts, which can be purchased from a tissue bank or harvested from you, can provide the necessary bone density.

The Process of Dental Implants

The road to implant-supported dentures begins with a thorough exam and medical history. The examination includes diagnostic imaging. At Docklands Dental Studio, we use state-of-the-art digital technology so we can get the most accurate picture while reducing your exposure to radiation.

Once we have all the information we need, we will work with you to prepare a customized treatment plan that is right for you and your unique needs and desires.

A full arch of dentures (top or bottom) usually requires four to six implants. The surgery is simple and comes with only a few minor risks. You will receive local anesthetics, so you should not feel any pain. Recovery is usually quite easy, and the pain is usually managed with over-the-counter medications.

After approximately three months, you will return for the placement of the abutments. These will provide a solid, stable base for your dentures.  Some patients opt for temporary dentures during this waiting period.

At this point, you will return again for the completion of your dentures. When you are satisfied with the look and fit of your dentures, we will securely affix them to the abutments.

From there, we will manage your regular dental care.

Caring for Your Dental Implant-Supported Dentures

No special care is required.

The important thing is to maintain good oral health. This means flossing each day and brushing at least twice a day. It also means following up with us for regular checkups and cleanings.

If you opt for dentures you can remove, we will provide you with instructions for the necessary care and cleaning.

Contact our office if you notice any changes in your oral health.

Say Goodbye to Denture Hassles

Isn’t it time to start living life to the fullest? To stop worrying about dentures that make noises, slip, and fall out when you eat or talk? To not have to worry about messy adhesives or a sunken-in appearance of your face?

If you are ready for the stability and permanence of teeth that feel and look natural, call us at (03) 9021 9487 or contact us online today. Our team is ready to answer all your questions and will help you schedule a convenient consultation.

Docklands Dental Studio is within a 30-minute commute from North Melbourne or West Melbourne by taking bus or tram into the city, then hop on Tram Number 11 or 48 from Collins St towards Docklands and get off at Collins Landing (Stop D17).


Also published on Medium.