Implant Supported Dentures
Dacula, GA
 If you are missing a row of teeth on either the upper jaw or lower jaw, you may wish to get a set of replacement teeth. Dentures were once the gold standard of the dental industry and it is what most people think of when they look to get a set of standard replacement teeth. However, the dental industry has come a long way since the inception of dentures. Traditional dentures have shown to have too many adverse effects which include falling out or loosening enough to move while chewing. This can cause extensive bone loss. Implant supported dentures can prevent most of the issues traditional dentures cause and may be a viable option for you. At Lanier Valley Dentistry, we can help you choose the best implant supported denture for your specific needs.
What Are Implant Supported Dentures?
Implant supported dentures use the same type of design and teeth like dentures, but they differ in their application. Traditional dentures use glue to stick to your gums and can be easily removed. Implant supported dentures use four to six implants that are attached in the gum, fusing with the bone underneath. The set of dentures are then placed on top and screwed in. These are recommended over traditional dentures since they improve chewing power, have better stability and durability, and are known for being stronger than regular dentures. They also prevent your dentures from falling out while going about your normal daily activities.
Types of Implant Supported Dentures
There are three different options for implant supported dentures. Each one uses titanium supports to prevent the dentures from resting on the gums. This prevents bone loss and decreases the mobility of your dentures. We will work with you to help you decide which implant supported denture is ideal for your case.
Permanently Fixed Porcelain Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is placed inside your mouth using the adjacent teeth as support. However, a permanently fixed porcelain bridge works differently in that your natural teeth do not act as a support. Instead, implants placed throughout your gum line will hold the bridge in place. The number of implants required for this varies due to the structure of your mouth and any associated damage to the gum or bone underneath. When a permanently fixed porcelain bridge is placed in your mouth, it is fully secured to the implants so that it cannot move. It is also not meant to be taken out daily. Only our professionals can remove these dentures when you come in for your scheduled check up, so we can clean the gumline for you.
Acrylic Bridge Support
Acrylic bridge support typically uses four implants spaced evenly in your gums. This provides a solid foundation for biting and chewing food, providing you with a fully functioning set of teeth. Unlike a permanently fixed porcelain bridge, these dentures can be removed by the patient for daily cleaning of both the dentures and gum line. This provides the security of an implant bridge but also provides the convenience of a traditional denture.
Implant Supported Overdentures
Also called removable clip-retained dentures, an implant support overdenture is supported by implants, but does allow for some movement while chewing and biting. This means they are slightly less secure than the alternatives, so they are not recommended as often unless there is an underlying medical condition. The implants are placed with a clip-in infrastructure placed on top to make it easy for a patient to clip them in and take them out.
If you are missing an entire row of teeth, it may be time to invest in some implant supported dentures. These will provide you with better security than traditional dentures, while still providing you with a less invasive surgery than dental implants. Call our Lanier Valley Dentistry office today at (678) 802-8654 to set an appointment for a thorough examination to see if this procedure is right for you. |
