Achieve A Fully Functioning Smile
Are your teeth holding you back from eating your favorite foods or participating in social events? If you have traditional dentures or are simply suffering from missing teeth, you know the limitations they have on your life. Implant-supported dentures will give you the freedom and stability you need.
What Are Implant-supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are a secure alternative to traditional dentures. They’re attached to your jaw with dental implants to ensure they’re stable and won’t become loose. Dental implant fixtures are made of titanium and serve as a strong base of support. Your natural-looking restorations will consist of acrylic gums and ceramic crowns or teeth.
Receiving implant-supported dentures will improve your chewing and speaking abilities. They’ll also eliminate any pain or discomfort that ill-fitting dentures might’ve caused you.
The Process of Receiving Your New Restorations
The first step to achieving your new smile is meeting with Dr. Chow for a no-obligation consultation. She’ll discuss all your options with you to make sure implant-supported dentures are right for you.
During this time, digital images will be taken of your jaw to ensure your restorations will fit properly. You can either choose to have your current dentures attached or receive new ones if necessary.
Your implant-supported dentures will be placed in two separate procedures. During the first appointment, Dr. Chow will place multiple implant fixtures into your jaw. It’s crucial that your jaw heals around the posts before your dentures are attached. The healing process can take up to six months.
Once your implants are completely healed, you’ll come back to our office = for your final restoration. Your dentures will be attached using one of the following methods:
- Bar retained — a thin, metal bar will be attached to your implants, and your dentures will be secured to this.
- Ball retained — separate attachments are attached to each implant, and each one fits into your dentures.
Are You a Candidate?
If you’re looking to gain a beautiful, strong smile, you may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures. They’ll allow you to eat whatever you want without fear of your dentures coming loose or falling out. Since they look and feel like regular teeth, your confidence will be boosted as well.
These restorations are perfect for people who are looking for a more affordable solution to dental implants. They’re secured to your jaw with sturdy fixtures, but can also be removed for easy cleaning.
Whether you already have dentures and want to improve them, or are looking for a solution to missing teeth, implant-supported dentures will give you a sense of pride in your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for my implant-supported dentures?
Along with following the aftercare instructions given to you by Dr. Chow, there are a few other steps you should take to ensure your dentures heal properly, including:
- Brush carefully around the implant sites
- Use a soft-bristled brush for cleaning
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste
- Stick to a soft diet until you’re fully recovered
- Don’t use straws or spit for up to two weeks after surgery
Once your implants have healed, caring for your dentures is easy. Just like caring for natural teeth, make sure to brush twice a day and floss. In addition to these simple steps, visit our Thunder Bay office once every six months for checkups and cleanings to ensure your implant-supported dentures last as long as possible.
Is the implant-supported dentures procedure painful?
Dr. Chow will apply a local anesthetic to the surgical site to make sure your procedure is as painless as possible. Patients occasionally feel discomfort for a few days after the procedure, but it’s manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. Call our Thunder Bay practice at 807-700-1383 right away if you’re experiencing significant pain after the procedure.
Are there any dietary restrictions after I have my implant-supported dentures placed?
After your operation, it’s best to avoid very hot or cold foods. Eventually, you’ll be able to eat as if you have all your natural teeth, but during the recovery period it’s important to choose softer foods such as yogurt and applesauce. Avoid sugary drinks as well as they can damage your dentures. Following these recommendations will benefit you long-term and have you showing off your stunning smile in no time!
Contact Our Office in Thunderbay, ON
At Oasis Family Dental, we believe that each patient deserves a beautiful smile and we want to help you achieve it. Contact us at (807) 700-1383 or fill out our contact form to learn more about implant-supported dentures and our other implant solutions.