Implant Supported Dentures are a Full Mouth Reconstruction Solution

Implant-supported dentures are a vast improvement over removable dentures. They offer their wearer a set of permanent teeth that look and function like the real thing. No longer does the person that loses their teeth have to make peace with slipping dentures or a diet of soft foods. This is just one of many benefits of full mouth reconstruction with implant-supported dentures.

The oral health benefits of implant-supported dentures

Dentures that are fixed in place are comfortable, fully functional and they provide a big confidence boost to their wearer. There is more. The presence of dental implants in the jaw is also good for overall health. Here is how:

• Dental implants stimulate the regeneration of bone tissue in the jaw, which maintains the mass and density of the jawbone
• A full jaw maintains the shape and by extension, the youthful look of the lower mouth
• Replacing a gapped smile with a full set of implant-supported dentures improves a patient’s bite
• Implant-supported dentures allow their owner to enjoy a full, varied and nutritious diet. This is good for the wellbeing of the entire body

To gain these benefits, a potential candidate for implant-supported dentures must be ready to undergo a course of treatment that requires the following steps:

Bone graft surgery or other preparatory procedure (not mandatory for all patients)

Some patients lack the solid bone structure that dental implants need to remain immovable. Such patients may need a bone graft to create a more solid base for dental implants. Sometimes bone graft surgery requires additional steps like:

1. A sinus lift

Sinus lift procedures are a type of bone graft surgery that targets the back of the upper jaw. There are sinus cavities at the back of the mouth, with the jawbone acting as the support for the sinus cavity floors. A bone graft in this section of the jawbone involves raising the floor of the sinus cavity by packing an extra layer of bone under it.

2. Nerve repositioning

Sometimes, an oral surgeon will find a nerve sitting right at the perfect location for a dental implant and bone graft. The surgeon will move the nerve out of the way, place the bone graft, and put the nerve back to its original position.

Dental implant surgery

Dental implant surgery happens under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s needs. The procedure involves:

• Making a small incision to open the gums and expose the jawbone
• Drilling a small hole into the jawbone
• Placing the implant (which is usually hollow) and sealing it with a cover
• Closing the gums

Sometimes the oral surgeon will attach an abutment instead of sealing the implant with a cover. In which case, they will close the gums around the upper end of the abutment.

Placing the abutments

If the oral surgeon decides to make this step a standalone procedure, they wait for the implants to fuse with the surrounding bone tissues. Then, they schedule an appointment with their patient. Under local or general anesthesia, the oral surgeon opens the gums to expose the tops of the implants. They unscrew their covers and replace them with abutments. Lastly, they suture the gums shut around the abutment and send their patient home to heal.

Attachment of dentures

This is the least invasive stage because it requires zero incisions or sutures. The dentist simply screws the patient’s custom-made dentures onto the abutments. They make adjustments or finishing touches where necessary.

With teeth in a day, dentists fit dental implants, abutments and dentures in a single procedure. Advances in dental implant surgery are driving this approach into the mainstream of full mouth reconstruction.

Dental implants can turn your smile and your life around

Call us to make an appointment with our dentist. They will be happy to talk to you and use their experience to craft a custom treatment plan that will give you a brand new smile. The dentist will tell you if implant-supported dentures are the best course of treatment for you.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.