If you (or someone close to you) have lost all of your upper and/or lower teeth, or feel you are headed in that direction, then the following will be particularly interesting.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC):
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/tooth-loss/index.html
For adults who are missing all upper and/or lower teeth, some opt for full dentures. While these appliances replace the basic function of teeth, there are some challenges that occur right off the bat, such as problems getting comfortable with them, pronouncing certain words, cleaning them, and finding that some foods are frustrating to bite or chew. Most people overcome these challenges as they get used to wearing a denture. However, eventual problems that will appear can pose even worse challenges. These occur due to bone loss.
When a denture is first made, the pink-colored gum base is shaped to the contours of your existing upper and lower arch. These gum-covered arches are your upper and lower jaw bone where tooth roots were once held. However, without the stimulation of natural tooth roots, coupled with the pressure of wearing a denture, the bones begin to decline in mass over time. This bone loss is known as resorption and, once it begins, continues at an ever-increasing rate each year.
As the arch flattens from resorption, the denture no longer wraps the foundation it was made for. This is why it begins to slip or rub sore spots on tender gum tissues. Not only are these slips embarrassing and uncomfortable, they can limit efficient eating – making biting and chewing more difficult. Speaking with confidence becomes overshadowed with fear as dentures move unexpectedly. This not only impacts one’s food choices, it can be detrimental to social involvement.
Relines can help reshape the gum-colored base and more-frequent applications of denture adhesive can help, too. However, over time, even these will only make short-term improvements.
A 2021 report in the Dental Research Journal shared findings of an in-depth study on edentulous patients and the effects of complete dentures. The goal was to evaluate whether the long-term use of complete dentures promotes significant changes in the oral health-related quality of life in edentulous (having no remaining teeth) patients.
The extensive study found that “the consequences of edentulism can impact oral health related quality of life and compromise social life. Also, there is a preference for soft foods, which compromises the overall health of these patients through inadequate ingestion of nutrients.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8428284/
In our Shelby Township dental office, we have patients who do fine with complete dentures. If dentures are their preference, our goal is to create an oral prosthetic that looks and feels natural and provides the best function possible. These are custom-designed to provide a flattering smile while providing a snug fit for eating, speaking and laughing. However, for those who find dentures frustrating, embarrassing, uncomfortable and unstable, we often discuss the option of an implant-supported full denture.
When you think of “dentures,” many people do not associate them with dental implants. However, dental implants can secure a denture and provide a stable foundation that holds them securely and comfortably in place. Another bonus is their ability to halt bone loss. By stimulating the jawbone, implants help to maintain jaw bone mass and facial structures. A denture attached to implants can provide a stable tooth replacement solution that allows you to eat, speak and smile with confidence.
For a denture/implant combination, there are two options.
(1) FIXED: A permanently-anchored dental implant bridge (complete row of replacement teeth).
(2) REMOVABLE: A denture (gum-colored base that holds replacement teeth) that is connected to two or more dental implants, called an overdenture.
In a FIXED option, the replacement teeth are secured directly to the implants. Several dental implants are strategically placed to provide a secure foundation. The abutments (protrusions from the bone through the gums, like tooth roots) are attached to dental implants and the bridge is fitted in place.
In a REMOVABLE option, two or more implants are placed and an overdenture is attached to a selected type of abutment (“locator” abutments, ball abutments or a small bar between the abutments). The denture is fitted to attach securely to the implant-held abutments.
Dental implants are a highly-successful tooth replacement option. Made of titanium, implants are biologically-compatible and have been used successfully in many medical devices. Once an implant is placed in the bone, the jaw bone accepts it and grows around it, securing it in place.
Another perk? The lifespan of an implant is your lifespan. With proper care, a lifetime can (and should) last your lifetime. Unlike other tooth replacement options, this means that the implant will not decay, need a root canal or break. There are few things that are so durable and dependable.
Although the upfront costs are often higher than other options, over time, they are typically a better investment. Too, many people learn about the cost of one dental implant and assume they will need an implant for each missing tooth. This is often a higher calculation of cost than is the case. Because implant treatment costs are largely based on the number of implants required, the reality may be that only one or two implants are needed, which can support several teeth.
An appealing option for people missing all teeth is the All-On-4 dental implant system. This is ideal for patients with a limited amount of bone and/or limited budget. All On 4 is a non-removable option that maximizes the use of available bone through unique placement angles and implant design.
And, for severe bone loss (from long-term tooth loss), we are also able to rebuild bone mass. By applying a material to the area of declined bone mass, new bone can be generated to provide sufficient mass for implant placement.
Dental implants work well for replacing any number of teeth and often, one implant can support a “bridge” of several teeth. In addition to offering dental implants, our Shelby Township dental office offers a complete dental care environment. Our patients benefit by an office that incorporates some of the industry’s latest imaging and scanning technology. These features often help to minimize treatment, speed healing, and enhance comfort. (Learn more at: DrBarbatTechnology)
Our Macomb County dental office also enjoys a reputation for making patient comfort a priority at every visit. In addition to numerous comfort features, we offer oral and I.V. sedation (“twilight sleep”).
Dental implants are the closest thing to the natural look, feel and function of natural teeth. If cost has been a deterrent, our Financial Coordinator has a reputation for helping many patients complete treatment and enjoy their new smile through easy monthly payment plans.
You may wish to begin by viewing a brief video on dental implant treatment in our Macomb Co. dental office: DrBarbatDentalImplants
Ready to learn what may be involved for your new life with a secure, beautiful smile? During your private, no-cost consultation, I’ll answer your questions thoroughly and make recommendations based on your needs and preferences. You’re also invited to “meet” me prior through a brief video: MeetDrBarbat
Tap here to schedule or call 586-739-2155. We would also like give you a tour of our beautiful dental office at: DrBarbatOfficeTour
