Like all living tissue, bone in mouth has a life cycle: after a period of growth, the older bone dissolves and is absorbed by the body, a process known as “resorption.” When natural teeth are present in the mouth; it provides the necessary stimulation to the bone, preventing this resorption. Likewise, when natural teeth are lost this stimulation also is lost causing an increase in rate of resorption.
Removable dentures can never provide this necessary stimulation to the jaw bone, as they rest superficially on gums. This is how the aging process speeds up once you lose your teeth. Also since this resorption is a continuous process, previously well fitting dentures eventually may become loose and unstable in the mouth making it difficult to wear.
Since simple dentures are only held in place through suction or adhesive paste, they have a tendency to result in a number of problems, including:
- Limited food chewing capacity
- Poor taste perception
- Clicking sounds
- Poorer fit in a poor bone
- Food entrapment below dentures
- Slight difference in speech while dentures are in the mouth
- And most importantly, an unsecure or poor grip in the mouth.
Is there a better choice?
You’ve probably heard of dental implants for replacing missing teeth, but they can also be used to anchor a set of dentures to the gums to prevent them from moving. Implants consist of titanium posts which are surgically embedded into the jaw and which, after time, bond with the surrounding bone to form a permanent feature which can then support dental crowns or prosthetics such as a bridge or denture. Since the implants act as substitute tooth roots, they stimulate and regenerate healthy bone, to preserve the shape of the jaw and preventing resorption.
As few as 4 dental implants are placed into the jaw and left to heal. Once they have bonded with the surrounding bone then special fittings are attached to the implant posts and the underside of the dentures, so that they can be easily snapped on and off for cleaning.
Benefits of Implant-supported Dentures
Since dental implants fuse with the jaw much like the roots of natural teeth, they are generally a superior form of tooth replacement. With implant-supported dentures, you can expect to gain the following benefits:
A superior grip: Dentures cannot shift out of place or become loose when fastened to implants. Although dentures are still easily removable when desired, they will otherwise remain attached throughout use.
Great comfort: Discomfort can result from dentures that rub against the gums or do not fit precisely, whereas implants ensure a proper fit every time.
Improved diet: Foods that are especially tough, chewy, or hard may be difficult or impossible to eat with regular dentures. Implant-supported dentures can improve one’s eating habits and dietary choices.
Improved speech: With better fitting and more secure dentures, words or sounds that were previously impaired can be more easily pronounced.
Prevention of bone loss: Once teeth are lost, bone tissue begins to degrade over time, affecting jaw strength and even one’s facial appearance. By replacing the roots of teeth with dental implants, this tissue is once again reinforced; as a result, patients’ jaws are better preserved over time.
If conventional dentures are not the most convenient and comfortable to you, there is no need to accept the poor quality of life. Choose the better option with implant supported dentures – GO AHEAD! GET THAT COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE THAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED FROM YOUR DENTURES!
If you live or work in Gurukul area in Ahmedabad and would like to discuss various treatment options for tooth replacement or any queries or concerns regarding dental implants, do give us a call or schedule an appointment.