Tooth loss is more common than you might think—around 178 million adults in the U.S. have lost at least one tooth, and about 40 million have lost all of them. This can create challenges with speaking and eating. And, it can absolutely wear away at your self-confidence.

Thankfully, tooth replacement options can help you regain your ability to speak and eat with ease. And even better, your self-confidence will start moving in the right direction. The solution? Implant-supported dentures. This tooth replacement option offers a stable, comfortable solution that looks and feels natural.

By securing your dentures with implants, you can enjoy a renewed sense of confidence and comfort without the worries that come with traditional dentures.

What are implant-supported dentures?

To understand what implant-supported dentures are, let’s first go over what dental implants are. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed into your jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots. As you heal from the surgical procedure, your body will undergo a process called osseointegration, where your implants will fuse with your jawbone. This process is what creates that strong foundation for replacement teeth. This process provides a secure base for various dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

So, then, with implant-supported dentures, the implants anchor your dentures in place, offering a more stable alternative to traditional removable dentures. Instead of relying on adhesives, these dentures snap onto the implants with a clasp to make sure they stay in place. This option can restore the function of your teeth and provide a natural-looking smile.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

Leaving those spaces left behind by your missing teeth can cause other issues for you. It can cause your remaining teeth to shift, and your jawbone can deteriorate. You may develop jaw pain, an increased risk of tooth decay, and you may notice that your face starts to take on a sunken appearance. To make matters worse, you may no longer be able to enjoy the foods you used to love, because you simply can’t chew them anymore.

Thankfully, implant-supported dentures can resolve all of these issues and more. Consider the following benefits that you can expect to achieve when you replace your missing teeth with dental implants near Great Falls, MT.

• Greater Stability and Comfort: Implant-supported dentures offer a more secure fit compared to traditional dentures, eliminating the worry of shifting or slipping out of place while speaking or eating.
• Improved Chewing and Speaking Abilities: With a stable foundation provided by dental implants, you can enjoy a wider variety of foods and speak more clearly without the discomfort or limitations of removable dentures.
• Jawbone Preservation: Implants help stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that often occurs when teeth are missing, helping to maintain your facial structure and avoid a sunken appearance.
• A Long-Lasting Solution: When you practice good oral hygiene and make regular trips to the dentist, implant-supported dentures can last your entire lifetime. This means there is no need for replacement every five to ten years.
• Natural Look and Feel: Implant-supported dentures are designed to look like natural teeth, providing you with a confident, beautiful smile.

What to Expect from the Implant-Supported Dentures Procedure

Though getting dental implants is more time consuming than getting dentures, the process is well worth it. Dentures can slip and lose their effectiveness over time, resulting in the need for replacement every five to ten years. Dental implants, more specifically implant-supported dentures, can stand the test of time and last your lifetime. They are likely the most effective restorative dentistry procedure that you can get for tooth replacement.

Here’s what to expect.

• Initial Consultation: Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss your goals. This is when they will determine if you need any preparatory procedures, like a bone graft, to strengthen the jawbone.
• Implant Placement: During the first surgical step, titanium implants are placed into your jawbone. This procedure usually requires a healing period of about three to six months to allow the implants to fuse with the bone. If a bone graft is necessary, the timeline may be extended by a couple of months.
• Healing Phase: During this time, you will wear a temporary denture. Your jawbone and implants will undergo the osseointegration process we discussed earlier. This is what will provide that strong base for your permanent dentures.
• Attaching the Dentures: Once you have healed from the process, your dentist will secure custom-made dentures to the implants, giving you a stable, comfortable fit.
• Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ups with your dentist near Great Falls, MT, will help monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed to maintain comfort and make sure that your new implants are functioning properly.

Implant-Supported Dentures Near Great Falls, MT

At Stephen J. Spencer, DDS, we want you to love your smile. If you have missing teeth and want the best tooth replacement option available, implant-supported dentures might be right for you.

To get started on the path to a new smile, request your consultation today.