It’s been some time sense you lost your teeth, but you’ve never gotten over the stain that it left on you mentally. You’ve lost more than just a great deal of the function of your mouth but have also suffered a great deficit in the confidence department. You need a remedy that is proven to be effective at leading you back to the state that you previously knew. Your dentist understands how you feel and recommends dental implants of Brandon as the route you should take for restoring your smile and self-esteem. Continue reading to learn how this procedure, along with implant-supported dentures, will change your life for the better.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into your jawbone to replace missing roots. Titanium is the preferred material for this method because it is extremely durable and also biocompatible with your bones. It will fuse with your body’s cellular makeup to provide a solid foundation that will offer support to your jawbone for years to come.
The Next Step After the Implant
After the posts are inserted, healed and fused with your jawbone, there are several options available for attachments, but your dentist recommends implant dentures as a viable method of completing the process. These are appliances that rest on your implants instead of just on your gums. There are two types:
- Bar-Retained – A thin metal bar following the curve of your jaw is attached to two to five denture implants. They will attach to small clips that are installed along the dentures.
- Ball-Retained – A ball-shaped attachment is placed on top of each of the denture implants, which snaps into socket-like connectors fitted at the base of your dentures.
The Advantages of Implant Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are quite different from the traditional versions. Here are some of the advantages of taking this route:
- Improved Comfort – Implant dentures offer more comfort and less gum irritation.
- More Efficient Eating – Full dentures only offer about 20% chewing efficiency for patients, while the implant-supported version increases efficiency to over 50%.
- Better Tasting Food – Because the implant denture doesn’t cover the palate, you will experience a greater stimulation of your taste buds.
- Less Bone Loss – Because the titanium posts act as the roots of your teeth, you can have more jawbone support and will experience less bone loss as a result.
How to Care for Your Implant Dentures
Your implant dentures will still need to be removed every night and soaked in a denture cleanser or room temperature water. You should also brush them to remove any leftover food debris and bacteria. In addition, be sure to gently brush your gums, tongue and palate. These practices will ensure that you have longer lasting, effective appliances and oral health for years to come.
You don’t have to suffer any longer. Reach out to your local dentist today so that you can start down the road to a brand-new smile and gain a new lease on life!
About the Author
Dr. Scott Wehrkamp received his Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University and then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Science degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry. Specializing in implants (both replacements and restorative) and full-mouth reconstruction, Dr. Wehrkamp practices at Wehrkamp Dentistry and can be reached for more information through his website.