Healthy teeth that work as nature intended are indispensable for a high quality of life and overall health. Folks who live with dentures know what I’m talking about.
There is no question that dentures are preferable to a completely toothless mouth, but they are not trouble free. Your mouth provides several basic functions, each of which can be impaired by the hassles of dentures.
Dentures can make it hard to chew and taste food. It’s embarrassing to talk when they are slipping around in your mouth and laughing can dislodge them entirely. They can even make it hard to breathe – and it doesn’t get more basic than that.
Even if you have had dentures for many years, you may be a candidate for dental implants. Dental implants are an unusually versatile custom-made substitute for dentures.
Dental implants can be used to replace several teeth and/or anchor over dentures. Mini dental implants (also called denture-stabilization implants) allow your dentist to securely attach an appliance so that it won’t slip or irritate gums. Small titanium posts are implanted into the jawbone and fuse with the surrounding bone, building a tough base for an over denture.
Here is the process:
1. Examination and Assessment
During your first visit, your dentist will take x-rays and assess your mouth and the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Your dentist will assess options with you and together you will create a treatment plan.
2. Implant Placement
A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the actual implant or root replacement, an abutment, and final restoration. The first step is to insert the titanium alloy implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how rapid and easy the procedure is.
3. Integration
Implant surgery would not be successful if your jawbone did not welcome an artificial and non-biological tooth root. Amazingly, in the vast majority of cases, the jawbone tightly fuses with the implant to establish an extremely durable foundation for the final restoration. It takes from three to six months for your jawbone to work its amazing magic.
4. Final Restoration
Whether your last step is a crown, bridge, or denture, your dentist will work with the lab to manufacture a beautiful and functional restoration. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root(s). The crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process. Dental implant restorations are practically indistinguishable from initial teeth.
Dental implant patients of all ages are extremely happy with the better quality of life implants provide.
Are breathing, speaking, eating, tasting, and laughing comfortably important to you? Call us to schedule a consultation.
Contact Arbor Lakes Dental: 763-494-4443
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369
