Implant-Supported Dentures in Paducah KY

Tooth loss is more common than you might think. Decay, damage and other problems mean that most adult Americans will lose at least one permanent tooth by 35 years old and will be looking at solutions to restore partial or full arches of missing teeth by the time they reach 50.

If you are missing a partial or full arch of teeth, you may feel that conventional dentures are your only option to replace them. Fortunately, the design of dentures has improved considerably over the last few decades and today, it is possible to combine the traditional denture design with the dental implant technique to produce a truly superior solution that is just like natural teeth.

What is an implant-supported denture?

An implant-supported denture is a very successful and effective way of replacing a partial or full arch of missing teeth. However, unlike conventional dentures that are secured using denture adhesive, implant-supported dentures are held securely in place using titanium posts designed to act just like tooth roots. This gives them the strength and stability for which they are renowned.

The dental implant technique

The dental implant technique is completely unique. Each implant post is made from titanium which is a biocompatible material, meaning that it will not be rejected by the body. A partial or full denture can be supported on anywhere from four to eight implant posts, and the location of these posts will be pre-determined using a series of tests including x-rays and potentially CT scans. These enable our team to accurately see the structures inside your jaw and gum so that we can be sure to miss any major structures that could compromise the integrity of your jaw or dental implant or cause any negative effects such as nerve damage.

Each implant post is inserted into the jaw via a hole that is drilled through the gums and into the bone. This action prompts the bone to regenerate, healing around the implant posts to cement them permanently in place. This is known as osseointegration and is crucial to the dental implant process as without it, the posts would work loose. The placement of the implant posts also stimulates the bone in the jaw, keeping it strong and ensuring the patient retains definition in their face and around their mouth. In total, it can take between three and six months for osseointegration to occur and the implant posts to be stable enough to be loaded with your final, uniquely-designed denture. Until this time, you will be fitted with a temporary, generic version.

The visible element of your denture

The visible element of your denture is created from porcelain and acrylic and is made specifically to most closely resemble your natural teeth as possible. Images and impressions of your mouth will be used in its creation, and when ready, it will be able to be secured to your implanted posts using special connectors, completing the treatment.

Key benefits of implant-supported dentures

There are a number of reasons why implant-supported dentures are considered superior to the traditional denture design.

- Reinforcement of the bone in the jaw, preventing deterioration and subsequent problems resulting from this.

- Better and longer fit of the denture since the jawbone will no longer shrink.

- No embarrassing slips and other movements that draws unwanted attention to your teeth, thanks to the stability of the implant post.

- Artificial teeth that look completely natural and are impossible to tell apart from your real ones.

- No need to remove your artificial teeth at mealtimes.

- No need to worry about your teeth coming out when you eat, laugh, kiss, cough or sneeze.

- Dentures that are easy to clean since they can be brushed just like regular teeth.

- Greater strength and durability than any other tooth-replacement solution.

- Superior comfort with no painful rubbing and friction burns.

- Dentures that last longer than traditional varieties.

Whether you currently have traditional dentures and are looking at replacing them with a superior alternative, or if you are looking for dentures for the first time and would like more information about implant-supported dentures, we’d be delighted to help. Please contact our offices in Paducah, KY today to schedule your confidential consultation.