Are Implant-Supported Bridges Better?
Many individuals who have missing teeth in one or both jaws find removable dentures an inexpensive way to restore their smiles. But dentures are not always that easy to wear. Often they’re slipping when you try to eat or speak. A loose denture can bring down your self-confidence and prevent you from eating certain foods.
Removable dentures can also cause bone loss in your jaw over time by pulling down on the bone ridges that previously supported the teeth. Luckily, there’s a solution. Implant-supported dentures are a true game-changer. Below, our dentists in Easton, PA, share everything you need to know about implant-supported bridges.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
You might have heard of dental implants serving as life-like substitutes for individual missing teeth, and this is definitely of great benefit to those who still have many of their natural teeth. An excellent alternative is simply to put as few dental implants as two in the lower jaw to support your removable denture so that it does not become loose when worn. An implant-supported removable denture can—and should—still be removed for cleaning and maintenance.
How Do Implant-Supported Bridges Work?
Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that serve the same function as natural teeth roots. They anchor replacement teeth to your jawbone. Like natural tooth roots, they lie below the gum line and are thus not visible in the mouth.
Since titanium has a remarkable ability to fuse a living bone, your dental implants actually become part of your jawbone and help retain its volume and density—an significant factor for your health and appearance. When the denture is protected by implants, it does not crush the bone tissue in a damaging way, and it can stay in place when you chew, chat, and smile. This has a very positive influence on the quality of life.
Dr. Moghdam says that two implants are typically required to sustain a lower denture. However, every person’s smile is unique, so we will evaluate you and decide what works best. Our friend Dr. Jordan Smith, a restorative dentist in Georgetown, KY, agrees that the retention of the upper denture involves a higher number of implants, usually at least four, due to anatomical variations between the upper and lower jaws.
If you are still wearing a denture, we might be able to change it to become an implant-supported denture. Or we’re going to get a new one made for you.
What to Expect During & After Treatment
Dental implant surgery is a simple regular procedure performed in the dental office under local anesthesia in most cases. After the region is numbed, a sufficient number of implants will be positioned in your jaw at specifically designed angles and locations to optimize support and avoid anatomical structures such as nerves and sinuses.
Depending on how many implants you need, surgery will take anywhere from one to three hours. Most people recover with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
After surgery, Dr. Moghadam will need to complete the process of fusing your dental implant. It takes at least six weeks to heal, but it’s different for everybody. Don’t worry. You will not be without your teeth during this recovery time.
So, you may wear a denture that is adjusted so that it does not overstress the implants. When healing is complete, we’ll show you how to mount your denture to the supporting implants. That way you can enjoy the protection of teeth that don’t move—and all the benefits that go along with them.
Visit Your Restorative Dentist in Easton, PA
Are you interested in implant-supported bridges? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dave Moghadam today! We will evaluate your smile and your goals and set you up with a treatment plan. We also offer other restorative dentistry solutions. Just contact College Hill Dental Group today!
