Implant Dentures – New Bedford, MA
Restore Your Bite and Your Gorgeous Smile
Many people have lost all the teeth along one or both of their arches, and this can make it difficult to smile proudly, chew properly, and speak clearly. While many patients become frustrated with the limitations of traditional dentures, securing these restorations with dental implants can allow them to exert superior chewing power and last for decades if they receive proper care. Here’s a quick look at how implant dentures work and how the team at Sound Dentistry can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Why Choose Sound Dentistry for Implant Dentures?
- Experienced, Board-certified Prosthodontist
- Dental Implants Placed In-house
- Flexible Financing Options Available
What Are Implant Dentures?
Dental implants are advanced prosthetic devices designed to be surgically inserted into the jawbone through small incisions in the gum tissue, and they give lifelike restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures the leverage they need to work just like real teeth. Implant dentures can be excellent for patients who wish to replace one or two complete arches of missing teeth. Depending on our dentist’s findings during your consultation, we may recommend:
Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
Fixed/permanent dentures are designed to remain securely anchored in the mouth unless removed by a qualified implant dentist. These devices are usually mounted on four to six precisely positioned dental implants, and they only require a normal oral hygiene regimen that includes brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash. This prosthetic option behaves the most like real teeth, but it requires patients to have more jawbone density.
Removable Implant Dentures
Removable implants dentures, which are sometimes called “Snap-on dentures,” are firmly secured to two to five dental implants using clips or balls that allow the patient to remove them for daily cleaning. This can be an excellent option for those with low jawbone density who wish to receive implants.
The Implant Denture Process
The team at Sound Dentistry is proud to carry out the entire dental implant process at our New Bedford office. Placing your implant dentures will include the following four steps:
- Consultation: You meet with our dentist at our New Bedford office. After evaluating your oral health, medical history, and list of medications, we will be able to determine the best way to replace your missing teeth. You may need to receive preliminary treatments like gum disease therapy, restorative work, or bone grafts before you can be cleared for implants.
- Implantation: When you are cleared for implants, you’ll be scheduled for a minor surgical procedure at our office. This process will be rendered completely painless with an appropriate anesthetic, and we also offer sedation options for those who need a little extra help remaining calm and still. After your implants are placed, you’ll need several months for them to fuse with your jawbone before receiving abutment pieces.
- Abutment pieces: After you have recovered from dental implant surgery, you’ll come back to our office for a minimally invasive procedure that places abutment pieces on your implants. These devices will allow restorations to be attached to them.
- Restorations: After healing from receiving abutments, you’ll come back to our office to have your final restorations attached to your implants.
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
Almost all adults in good oral and overall health can receive dental implants, and implant dentures are an excellent option for those who are frustrated with traditional dentures. While gum disease, tooth decay, and jawbone atrophy can preclude a person from the treatment, we will be happy to treat these issues in our office or refer you to a specialist if necessary so you can receive implants later. Medications like steroids and blood thinners and health conditions like pregnancy, diabetes, and cancer can complicate the placement process, but they do not necessary disqualify a patient, so please be thorough when discussing your medical history during your consultation.
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
Implant dentures offer a range of impressive benefits that traditional dentures cannot match like:
- Superior chewing power.
- A stable hold that won’t allow your restoration to slide about on your gums.
- Simple oral hygiene requirements.
- Incredible longevity – Dental implants can last for decades or even a lifetime with excellent care.