How Much of a Difference Can Attaching Dentures to Dental Implants Make?

If you currently wear traditional dentures, you’re probably already well aware of how they can change your life for the better after extensive tooth loss. However, they also come with a number of drawbacks, like slipping at inconvenient times. As such, you may be thinking of upgrading to implant dentures. Could having your prosthesis attached to dental implant posts really make that much of a difference? Here’s a quick look at this modern tooth replacement solution and the advantages it offers.

What Can You Expect When You Get Implant Dentures?

When you commit to getting implant dentures, multiple dental implant posts will be surgically inserted into precisely chosen spots in your jaw. (The exact number of posts used can vary from patient to patient.) The posts will eventually form a strong bond with the surrounding bone, at which point they will be able to support a denture. Some implant dentures are fixed in place while others are removable.

What are the Benefits of Implant Dentures?

It’s little wonder why implant dentures tend to be highly recommended by dentists; after all, they offer a wide variety of advantages over traditional dentures:

• The implant posts keep the dentures firmly anchored in place. As a result, implant dentures tend to have much better stability than traditional dentures, and they eliminate the risk of unwanted slipping.
• Dental implants are the only type of tooth replacement that can act as new tooth roots. This means that they can put a stop to bone loss in the jaw (which typically occurs when any number of teeth have been lost).
• Fixed implant dentures are easier to take care of than traditional dentures. All you need to do is brush and floss them as if they were your natural teeth.
• Dental implants can potentially last for 30 years or more with good maintenance; in contrast, traditional dentures typically need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years or so.

Are Implant Dentures Right for You?

It’s important to consult with your dentist to figure out which tooth replacement option is the best choice in your case. When it comes to implant dentures, you need to be a viable candidate for dental implant surgery. That means having plenty of bone density in your jaw while not having any serious oral health issues such as gum disease.

If you are able to get implant dentures, they are certainly worth considering. Now’s the perfect time to reach out to your dentist to ask about combining dentures with dental implants in order to rebuild your entire smile from the roots up.

About the Author

Dr. David S. Rosenfeld studied dentistry at the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery in New York City. At The Jamaica Hospital and Medical Center in Queens, New York, he helped found and develop an oral implantology program. His Edison practice, Rosenfeld Dental Associates, offers start-to-finish dental implant treatments, including implant dentures. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosenfeld, visit his website or call (908) 668-7838.