How Implant-Supported Dentures Can Help With Bone Loss and Other Benefits

Tooth loss can be an emotional issue, but implant-supported dentures can help. Not only does tooth loss affect your self-image, it can also have serious effects on your health. Many people think that damage from tooth loss just affects oral health. But it can actually affect your whole body, including your brain and heart health.

Why choose implant-supported dentures?

Implant-supported dentures are a lot like traditional dentures. The key difference is that they rely on the gum and bone for stability instead of sitting on top of the gums. These appliances use dental implants that secure directly into the bone. These dentures can use either full or partial implants. Patients can still remove their dentures and replace them into the implant supports.

What is the bottom line?

Unlike traditional dentures, implanted appliances remain fixed in the mouth. There is no worry that they will come loose or shift during regular wear. The result is a more natural feeling and appearance. Implant-supported appliances are also more durable and do not need to be replaced.

Bone health and implants

Implant-supported dentures do not rely on the bone and gums. This means they prevent some of the problems with traditional dentures. Implanted appliances replace tooth roots, preventing future bone loss. When a root is absent, the bone loses volume. Bone stability is essential to health. In contrast, traditional dentures can harm the bones as they loosen with age and rub against them.

Maintaining healthy teeth

In partial dentures, implanted appliances help keep the teeth stable. This prevents the remaining teeth from becoming crooked, affecting biting, chewing and appearance. It can also make future tooth replacement more difficult. If dentures are significantly changing the way a patient bites, they can cause pain and discomfort. Implants allow patients to keep their natural bite and mouth feel.

Preventing gum disease

Missing teeth leave room for trapped food and bacteria. These gaps can become major contributors to gum disease. Implant-supported dentures fill these gaps just like healthy teeth. This cuts back on the risk of gum disease.

Preserving patient appearance

Implants also prevent the shrunken appearance associated with traditional dentures. The facial sagging resulting from traditional dentures can hurt the patient’s self-image. It can even contribute to premature aging. Traditional dentures do not prevent loss of the bone that supports the shape of the face. This can create wrinkles around the mouth, thin the lips, make the chin more pointed and age the face. The lower third of the face appears to “collapse” in the absence of the supporting bone.

So, what is the difference with implants?

Because implant-supported dentures preserve bone integrity, they keep this issue from ever arising.

Conclusion

Implant-supported dentures can have higher up-front costs. But they often save money in the long term because of their lifetime durability. They also help maintain the patient’s health in ways the traditional dentures do not. These benefits make implanted appliances a more appropriate choice for many people.

Are you considering implant-supported dentures in the Visalia area? Get more information at https://www.dentistofvisalia.com.

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