implant supported dentures

What should I look for in an implant dentist?

If you are considering dental implants, one of the most important decisions you can make is which dental implant dentist to use. There are several things to keep in mind as you look for just the right person to help you regain your missing teeth. The right dentist can help ensure a successful procedure and long-term satisfaction with your implants.

Implant Dentistry Consultation

Your quest for dental implants should begin with a consultation with a dental implant dentist. You might even consult with more than one to be sure you’re comfortable with the recommended procedure as well as the dentist himself. As you speak to your dentist, there are several things to keep in mind.

• Am I comfortable with this dentist?
• Does the dentist answer all my questions?
• Have I been referred to this dentist by satisfied patients?
• Does the dentist have a before and after book or online gallery so I can see his previous work?

If you feel comfortable with the dentist, know people who have been happy with his past work, and feel you have gotten satisfactory answers to all of your questions, chances are that you will work well with this dentist.

Deciding on Dental Implants

If you are considering tooth replacement, dental implants are one of your best choices. They will last for many years and do not have to be refitted periodically like dentures. They also remain in your mouth permanently and do not shift or fall out at inconvenient times. The root of the implant is embedded directly in the jawbone, and so stimulates bone growth whenever you chew. This will keep your jaw healthy and prevent your face from changing shape over time, as can happen with long-term denture wearers.

During your consultation, you’ll also determine if you have any concerns or any health conditions that might interfere with your ability to successfully recover from an implant procedure. Be sure to ask any questions you might have, and in the end you are likely to be very pleased with your new teeth.

Contact us at Florida Smile Studio to schedule a dental implant consultation today.

Improve your quality of life with implant supported dentures

Dentures used to be the only solution for lost teeth for many decades before dental implants became popular. As the population in many western countries are aging the need for dentures and implants are increasing every year. Conventional dentures require considerable practice to be able to chew and speak with ease. The breaking-in period for new dentures can vary from patient to patient and some people end up hating their dentures even though the dentures have been made properly. Partial dentures also have problems with stability and can move when chewing sticky or hard food. Studies have shown that a vast majority of people prefer removing their dentures while chewing in a non-social setting.

To remedy this problem, dental implants have been used to stabilize the dentures and prevent them from becoming loose. A loose lower denture can move as much as half an inch both sideways and up/down during eating and speaking. Implants anchor the dentures and provide the stability needed and these dentures are called Implant supported Overdentures. This translates to improved comfort while chewing and greater confidence when speaking. You need not fear your denture falling of while sneezing or while laughing.

Along with stability, implants also help preserve the natural bone surrounding the implants. In conventional dentures the forces are directed onto the alveolar ridge and this can lead to loss of bone. Implant Supported Overdentures can be placed in both the upper and lower jaw. Alternatively you can place a fixed dental bridge over the implants. Your Houston implant dentist will help you choose the right tooth replacement option for you. Most patients feel little or no pain or discomfort when the implants are being placed.

There are two types of Implant Supported overdentures: bar-retained and ball-retained.

Bar-retained dentures: Two to five implants are placed in your jawbone. A narrow metal bar runs along the top of the implants following the curve of your jaw. Special attachments help secure the denture on top of the bar. These implants are usually placed when the patient has narrow ridges.

Ball-retained dentures (Ball and socket implant): At least two implants are needed. This is simplest method of stabilizing dentures and is better suited for the lower jaw than upper. Each implant has a metal attachment (ball-type) that fits accurately into another attachment on the underside of the dentures (O-ring) or vice versa.

To discuss your own personal treatment plan, call our caring team to set up a consultation today!