Using dental implants to secure dentures for a happy smile
Placing dental implants to secure dentures is an increasingly popular treatment at Warrendale Dental Care in Herefordshire. The process involves placing a number of implants (commonly between six and ten per jaw) on to which your dentures can be attached. Some patients also opt to switch their dentures for an implant-retained bridge. Here, we look at the process involved and the benefits you can expect to enjoy. . .
How dental implants work
Dental implants are small metal screws that are placed in your jaw bone with a minor operation. This is carried out by a skilled implant dentist here at our Herefordshire practice, and in most cases requires just a local anaesthetic. Sedation is also an option for nervous patients – please discuss this with your dentist before starting treatment.
Implant placement is precisely planned to ensure your implants are in the best possible position to support your dentures and to distribute the forces created by biting and chewing evenly throughout your mouth.
Dental implants replace the root portion of a missing tooth. One implant can support more than one tooth, so you may not require as many implants as replacement teeth. When you come to our Herefordshire practice for an initial implant consultation, your dentist will be able to tell you how many implants you will need.
After a period of healing, which is usually about two months, your dentist will be able to attach either a fixed bridge or dentures to your implants. Dentures remain removable, so you can take them out to clean (your dentist will teach you how to do this) but there is no danger of them becoming loose and uncomfortable, or of them falling out at an embarrassing moment.
Because your new teeth remain firmly in place in your mouth, you will be able to bite and chew all your favourite foods, and will be able to smile and laugh with confidence.