Did you know that more than 35 million Americans have no teeth? In addition to that, the American College of Prosthodontists claims that 12 million more Americans have no teeth in one arch. For a lot of these people, that means having dentures. However, many denture wearers are not happy with their dentures. What can be done to make having dentures easier and more enjoyable? The answer just may be dental implants.
Common Denture Complaints
There are a number of common complaints about dentures. When a patient has their teeth removed, they are replaced with acrylic denture teeth as well as acrylic support for those teeth. This extra bulk and new material in their mouth may feel like the prosthesis is too bulky and uncomfortable when they begin wearing them.
Another problem is that many patients claim that their dentures shift, rockor move in the mouth. This is very common, especially in the lower arch. This is because dentures are not extremely well supported in the mouth. They sit on the soft tissue inside of the mouth, and as a result are not held optimally.
Many patients report that an upper denture makes them gag.In order for an upper denture to stay in place, it utilizes suction against the hard palate. To obtain optimal suction, the denture must be extended far enough back in the palate. This can infringe upon a patient's sensory tissue and cause a gag reflex.
How Implants Can Solve These Problems
Dental implants are able to solve many of the common complaints that come with traditional dentures.
Implant-supported dentures can be fabricated and attached to several dental implants to keep them in place. This eliminates the need for the bulky acrylic support that suctions to the roof of the mouth and extends towards the back of the palate, which in turn leaves more room in the mouth and the gagging sensation that sometimes comes with traditional dentures.
Dentures that are supported by dental implants are screwed in and drastically improve fit and stabilization. No more shifting, rocking and moving of your dentures. Dental implants can help this problem significantly. This can also increase your bite force to help with stabilization while eating.
Getting Dental Implant Supported Dentures
As you can imagine, placing multiple implants can be challenging. Through the use of a technology called CT guided surgery, we are able to make this procedure simple, faster and with far less discomfort than only a few years ago. This technology utilizes the latest in x-ray technology called Cone beam CT (computerized tomography). This is similar to a CAT scan that you would receive in a hospital only far less radiation and only of your upper and lower jawbone. We have access to this technology at our offices and will utilize these special 3-D scans of your skull to plan your case prior to surgical treatment.
If you are missing teeth or are looking for a better solution to your traditional dentures, we encourage you to call Richardson Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Eustis 352-589-1973 or
click here to schedule a consultation.