Implant Dentures – Idaho Falls, ID
A Superior Solution for Addressing Tooth Loss
Total tooth loss presents patients with all kinds of problems. Obviously, eating and speaking are heavily affected, not to mention that most people aren’t exactly enthusiastic about showing off their smiles if they don’t have any teeth left. But what’s worse is that tooth loss often leads to jawbone resorption. This means that ideally, a tooth replacement solution shouldn’t just replace the missing teeth but should also address potential bone loss. Implant dentures can do this; they combine the practicality of dentures with the unmatched ingenuity of dental implants!
If you’re curious about this method of addressing tooth loss, contact our Idaho Falls office today to set up your consultation.
Why Choose Discover Family Dental for Implant Dentures?
- Full Dental Implant Process Completed Under One Roof
- Personalized Treatment Plans for Every Patient
- Dental Insurance Accepted & Financing Available
What Are Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures are very similar in form to traditional dentures; however, the key difference is that they are stabilized by dental implants. Oftentimes, denture-wearers complain that dentures become loose and “float” around the mouth, limiting their ability to eat and speak comfortably. Implant dentures resolve this, since they’re fully supported by surface-embedded dental implants beneath the gumline.
Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
Fixed implant dentures are permanently attached to the implants supporting them. The only time they’ll ever be removed is during a dental visit if your dentist needs to work on them. Many patients choose fixed dentures because they can be cared for exactly like their natural teeth.
Removable Implant Dentures
With removable dentures, the implant posts are permanently fixed in the mouth since they’re placed in the jawbone; however, the prosthetic teeth on top are very easy to remove! Better yet, this option tends to require fewer implant posts than fixed dentures, meaning it’s ideal for patients who’ve lost some bone density in their jaw.
The Implant Denture Process
The first step in anchoring your denture with dental implants is the placement of the implants. The dental implants, which are similar in appearance to screws, are surgically inserted into the jawbone to securely anchor your denture. While the specific number of implants required will depend on your individual needs, most cases require 4-6 dental implants per denture. Once the implants have been placed and have been given sufficient healing time, your denture is attached to the top. This provides your denture with exceptional stability; in fact, many patients report that their implant dentures instantly feel and function more like their natural teeth!
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
If you’re missing an entire arch of your teeth (or both), there’s a good chance that you’re an excellent candidate for implant dentures. However, during your consultation, our team will need to confirm a few things beforehand. Patients must be free of gum disease and in decent oral health before they can receive implant dentures, since gum disease poses a serious threat to the longevity of the implant posts. Likewise, a patient must have sufficient jawbone density for the posts to successfully fuse with their bone tissue.
Of course, it goes without saying that an ideal implant denture candidate is also dedicated to their oral hygiene! Although you’ll be replacing your teeth, you’ll still be vulnerable to oral health issues that could impact your restorations or cause future harm to your smile.
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
Patients who receive implant dentures are also granted a long list of quality-of-life benefits, including:
- Strength & Stability – Dental implants are capable of restoring almost all of a patient’s original bite force, in addition to providing a solution that doesn’t slide or move around.
- Jawbone Preservation – Since they provide stimulation to your jaw, the implant posts can prevent further bone resorption, which is a common side-effect following tooth loss.
- Natural Appearance – Your dental restorations will be made to look and feel just like your original teeth; no one should be able to tell the difference!
- Easy Maintenance – Dental implants don’t require specialized maintenance or extra cleaning supplies; you just need to brush and floss daily, as well as attend your routine checkups.