Implants and Dentures Can Be BFFs

Dr. Egger fits, places, and maintains both full and partial dentures for our Mount Pleasant patients. While we firmly believe dental implants are the best option for replacing a missing tooth or two, we understand that most people can’t afford to replace a full arch of teeth with implants. For those patients, dentures are still probably the best option. Back in April we had a blog about full dentures.

But what if we could combine the two?

That way we can get the rock solid anchoring of implants with the large number tooth replacement of dentures. We call them implant-supported dentures, and we think they provide the stability, and corresponding security, that can often be missing with traditional dentures.

Dentures

When all the teeth in the patient’s mouth need replacing, dentures can return full functionality. They allow normal speaking and eating and, of course, present a perfect smile to the public.

Dentures are made from acrylic and porcelain and include upper and lower sets. And, while fitting dentures with the use of our modern panoramic camera is much more precise than it used to be, due to the nature of the gums dentures still can slip and move. What they need are anchor points.

Adding implants for stability

That’s where implants come in. Implants, by their very nature, provide the stability needed to keep dentures in place. Implants are basically titanium screws that are placed into the socket formerly occupied by the tooth root. The body then builds new bone and totally integrates the new implant. Once this process is complete, a post is attached to the implant and, in normal circumstances, an artificial tooth atop that post.

But with implant-supported dentures from Dr. Egger, we use the implants to anchor the dentures. No more slipping when talking or eating. The dentures simply click onto metal balls atop the implant posts. The number of implants we will use depends on how much jawbone mass has been lost while your teeth have been missing. When teeth are missing for longer periods of time, the jawbone beneath them begins to deteriorate because it doesn’t get the stimulation from the tooth above. Usually, we recommend four implants on top and bottom for ultimate stability.

If you’re missing most of your teeth, or have badly damaged teeth, it’s time to come see Dr. Egger. Call us at (989) 773-3560 to schedule your appointment.