What Are Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures, also often referred to as implant-supported dentures, false teeth, or artificial teeth, is a dental treatment option for replacing decaying or missing teeth. Implant dentures offer a stable and comfortable alternative to traditional dentures.
Unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gums, implant-supported dentures are attached to titanium implants embedded in the jawbone, providing enhanced support and functionality. This not only improves chewing and speaking abilities but also helps maintain the structure of the jawbone, preventing bone loss that can occur with missing teeth.
Contact Cambridge City Dental Today to Find Out More About Our Perth Dental Implant Services!
Suitable Candidates For Implant Dentures
People may choose implant dentures to replace missing teeth lost due to accidents, gaps in the teeth, or due to ageing and decay. If you want to fill the gaps in your smile with implant dentures you generally need to have:
Good oral health: This is necessary to support the healing process after the implant surgery.
Sufficient jawbone density: If bone loss has occurred due to missing teeth, bone grafting may be required to build up the jawbone before implants can be placed to provide support.
Missing multiple teeth: People missing several teeth, either in a row (partial) or an entire arch (full), are ideal for implant dentures, as this solution provides stability and restores full functionality.
Non-smoker or willing to quit: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure.
Your dentist will advise you on whether implant-supported dentures are the ideal solution for you.
How Do Implant Dentures Differ From Dental Implants?
You may have heard of both dental implants and implant dentures and wondered, what is the difference? Similar to dental implants, implant dentures are securely attached to titanium implants placed into the gums. However, the difference is dental implants generally replace a single tooth and are permanently fixed into the jawbone, functioning just like a natural tooth. They are not removable and offer the highest level of stability and aesthetics, closely mimicking the look and feel of real teeth.
On the other hand, implant dentures involve a few implants placed in the jaw to support a full or partial set of dentures. While these dentures are securely attached to the implants, they can be removable, allowing for easier cleaning and maintenance. This makes them a more flexible and cost-effective option for replacing multiple teeth compared to placing individual dental implants for each missing tooth. They can also be fixed in place and cannot be removed allowing the teeth feel like your own.
At Cambridge City Dental, we’ll take you through all the different teeth replacement options suitable for you to ensure you can restore the look and function of your natural teeth.
Why Choose Implant Dentures For Teeth Replacement
With dental technology improving, there are now many ways to replace missing teeth. Here are some of the benefits of implant dentures:
Natural appearance: Implant dentures are designed to match the shape, contour, and colour of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless look.
Comfortable and removable: Implant dentures are comfortable to wear and can be easily removed and replaced in the mouth as needed.
Smile restoration: Implant dentures are an excellent choice for restoring your smile, eliminating tooth gaps, and bringing back full tooth functionality.
Can replace multiple teeth: Depending on your current needs you could either opt for full dentures or partial dentures.
Secure attachment: Implant dentures are securely inserted into attachments directly connected to the implant, providing stability.
What to Expect When Getting Implant Dentures
Getting implant-supported dentures may seem daunting, but fear not! Your dentist will take you through the entire process in detail to ensure you are fully comfortable. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:
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The process begins with a thorough dental examination, which may include X-rays, scans, and possibly 3D imaging to assess the overall health of your jawbone and gums. Based on the findings, your dentist will create a tailored treatment plan, discussing the type of implant dentures suitable for your needs, the number of implants required, and any preparatory procedures that are necessary, such as bone grafting.
This step is really important as it allows you to ask your dentist as many questions as you need, ensuring you fully understand the procedure, the expected outcomes, and any potential risks.
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If your jawbone isn’t sufficient to support dental implants, a bone graft may be necessary. This procedure involves adding bone material to allow complete coverage of the implant within bone. Once the bone has healed and strengthened, the implants can be successfully placed.
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The implants are surgically placed into your jawbone under local or general anaesthesia, a procedure that may take a few hours depending on the number of implants. While you might experience some discomfort during the process, it should not be painful. The implants then need time to fuse with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. This can take several months, during which temporary dentures may be provided.
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Once all healed, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth and record your bite to create a precise model for the final dentures, ensuring they align correctly with your natural bite and provide a comfortable fit. The final custom-made denture is then produced in a dental laboratory. Your dentist will then fit the final denture onto the implants, making sure it is secure and comfortable, with any fine-tuning done to perfect the fit.
It may take some time to get used to your new dentures. You might experience some initial discomfort or changes in speech, but these should subside as you adjust. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups will help ensure the longevity and functionality of your implant dentures.
Implants healed and ready for fitting of an implant bridge.
Fitted implant bridge to replace three teeth.
Your restored smile.
Want to Know More About Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth, enhancing not only the appearance of your smile and facial contours but also your ability to speak, bite, and chew. Custom-crafted to fit your mouth perfectly, they offer a natural look and improved functionality.
Our team of local Perth dentists are highly knowledgeable in all things implant dentistry, general dentistry, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. We’ll make sure that your new dentures look as natural as possible, so you can feel confident when showing off your smile. Plus, our doors are always open to new patients. Call us today or book an appointment online!
Implant Denture FAQs
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The final cost of implant dentures depends on the type of dentures and the materials used. For example, full dentures cost more than partial dentures and the cost can differ further depending on the type of materials used.
Private health insurance may cover part of the cost, depending on your policy and coverage level. The best way to get a reliable estimate of the cost of your implant denture procedure is to contact Cambridge City Dental. Your dentist will then be able to give you a personalised quote tailored to your needs.
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Implant-supported dentures are a long-term solution for tooth replacement, and they are considered to be permanent in the sense that the implants themselves are designed to last a lifetime. However, the denture part that attaches to the implants may need to be replaced or adjusted over time due to wear, changes in the mouth, or other factors. Maintaining good overall health and regular dental checkups will help you maintain longevity.
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The best type of implant-supported dentures for you will depend on your unique dental needs and circumstances. Your dentist will assess your oral health, bone density, and other factors to recommend the most suitable option for you. They will guide you through the process and help you choose the treatment that best meets your budget, aesthetic goals and lifestyle.
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Like you would with your natural teeth, it’s best to brush your implant dentures twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush, floss and use mouthwash. Avoid hard or sticky foods, and if you have removable dentures, take them out at night for cleaning. Be sure to also schedule regular dental checkups as these are important to monitor and care for your implant dentures.
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If you break your denture, it’s important to stop using it to prevent further damage or discomfort. Then, contact our friendly team for prompt denture repair or replacement. Avoid attempting any DIY repairs, as this can cause further issues. Your dentist will assess the damage and give you a solution.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.