Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Implants can replace single missing teeth, rows of multiple teeth, or all teeth in the mouth. We offer dentures supported by dental implants in our Concord and Lexington, MA, offices. Dentures can restore rows or full arches of missing teeth.
We often use implant-supported dentures in the lower jaw. While removable dentures are less stable, they can also go in the upper jaw. At Concord Lexington Periodontics, we recommend implants for lasting tooth replacements. Dental implants are small metal posts that replace missing teeth at the root. The strength of implants ensures that dentures last for many years.
The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
Dental implants offer long-lasting support for missing teeth. Because implants support missing teeth at the roots, they provide many benefits for patients.
Implant-supported dentures for patients in Concord and Lexington, MA, offer:
- A natural look
- Less need for rebasing or replacement
- Jaw bone support
- Longer-lasting restorations
- Better mouth function
- Less dietary restrictions
- Improved speech
While implants can add time to your total treatment, this time is worth it for many patients. Once implants heal, they act like new teeth.
Regular dentures rest on top of your gums. This causes bone loss and leaves space, leading to a loose fit, slipping, or clicking sounds. Traditional dentures can also easily slip around your mouth. Slipping dentures make it difficult to eat hard or crunchy foods. As a result, you can’t eat all the foods you want.
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
Implants may need more preparation than removable dentures. However, this preparation ensures your dentures feel comfortable and last for years.
The best candidates for implant-supported dentures have enough jaw bone to support the implant posts. If you have lost your jawbone, we can provide bone grafting. Grafting takes bone from another part of the mouth or an outside source to build healthy jaw bone.
We will only recommend dental implants for patients with good oral health. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, we will provide treatment to ensure your health. Tooth and gum health are essential to implant preparation. Our dentists have experience studying and treating soft and hard tissue, so we can provide gum therapy and implants to restore oral health.
We will also recommend that you quit smoking or using tobacco products during implant treatment. The nicotine in tobacco can restrict the blood vessels, making it hard for tissue to heal. Implant failure is possible if you develop an infection or don’t properly care for your implant posts.
Due to surgery, materials, and preparation, implant dentures may cost more than removable dentures. However, the time and cost of implant dentures ensure that your new teeth look and function naturally.
Additionally, if you are a candidate for mini dental implants, you may not need as many treatments. Mini dental implants cost less than traditional implants and do not require bone grafting.
Our team can also ensure you have affordable dentures with payment plans and financing through CareCredit. CareCredit breaks down payments over time.
Implant-Supported Dentures in Concord and Lexington, MA
Dental implants provide great support to dentures. Implant-retained dentures snap into place on top of dental implants. This provides a secure fit and hold.
As a result, you don’t need to worry about loose or slipping dentures. You can remove implant-secured dentures for regular cleaning. However, if you want a more natural feel, fixed implant-supported dentures function as permanent teeth. You can clean these dentures similarly to your natural teeth.
Bar-Retained Dentures
Three or more dental implants are placed into the jaw bone when fitting bar-retained dentures. Metal bars then run along the gum line between each of the implants. The denture rests on the bars, attached with metal clips.
This structure secures the denture’s placement without needing the steel studs used in ball-retained dentures. Many patients have opted for this alternative as it eliminates the rubbing, loosening, and discomfort associated with removable dentures.
Ball-Retained Dentures
Stud-attached dentures, or ball-retained dentures, use a ball and socket mechanism. The denture base has several sockets that line up with balls placed on implants in the jaw bone.
The balls and sockets fit together for a highly secure fit, allowing for an open palate denture. The denture will not cover the palate. The ball and socket attachment is even less likely to slip or move. These dentures restore your ability to eat and speak.
Mini Dental Implants
It can be difficult to enjoy certain foods or speak confidently with dentures. Most denture wearers report problems with fit and function.
Because of these problems, patients often fear loose dentures. Loose dentures can make it hard to eat, especially around others. Slipping dentures can be embarrassing.
To avoid this, denture wearers can use implant-supported dentures. However, not all patients are good candidates. Mini dental implants are a great option for those who do not have enough bone structure to support traditional implants.
We can recommend mini dental implants for patients who lose natural jaw bone after they lose their teeth. Jaw bone loss is common among patients with missing teeth. The longer you wait to replace your missing teeth, the more likely you will continue to lose jaw bone.
Mini implants are smaller, one-piece implants that combine the root implant and the abutment (the ball). Like standard implant-supported dentures, we fit the denture with a component that attaches the dentures securely to the mini implant.
The Benefits of Mini Dental Implants
There are many benefits to treatment with mini dental implants. Mini dental implants:
- Offer a simple and cost-effective option to stabilize loose dentures or replace missing teeth
- Provide less invasive treatment
- Offer less discomfort after treatment
- Provide a secure, comfortable denture fit without the need for denture adhesive
- Help patients who lack enough bone to support larger implants
- Benefit patients with physical conditions
Ask about mini dental implants if you have bone loss. We will provide an examination and X-rays to determine if mini implants will work for you. Mini implants are a great option for maximizing your jaw bone and providing a lasting restoration.
Restore Your Missing Teeth
Do you need to replace your lost teeth? Dental implants in Concord or Lexington, MA, offices can restore the look and health of your teeth. Schedule an appointment to learn more about the different types of dental implants. You may also contact us at our Concord and Lexington offices today.
Please let us know if you have questions. We will help you find the best implants for your missing teeth.