Suffering from missing teeth? Frustrated with the fit of traditional dentures? You may be a candidate for denture implants, also known as implant-supported dentures, permanent dentures, or snap-in dentures. At Southern Colorado Periodontics & Implants (SoCO Perio) in Colorado Springs, CO, our periodontist, Dr. Justin Tullis, works closely with your dentist to plan an optimal denture implant treatment plan for you.
With denture implants, you can have natural-looking and functional teeth. Dentures are affixed to dental implants for a more secure fit. Denture implants work differently from dental implants, which have a permanent crown on top. Dentures are still removable. And some may prefer dentures over crowns. Or it may depend upon your overall dental health to determine which is best for you.
Call to schedule a consultation at SoCO Perio today to learn if denture implants are right for you:
What are denture implants?
Denture implants are a method for directly replacing lost teeth. These implants can look and feel far more natural than traditional dentures. Implants offer several additional benefits, including being easier to clean and requiring less maintenance.
Denture implants combine the convenience of implants with the full coverage of dentures. This dental treatment involves your dentist placing a set of screws in the jaw. After giving the jaw tissue time to bond with the screws, your dentist will then mount a denture on the implant.
There are several types of denture implants. Patients can get complete dentures that replace all the teeth on the top or bottom jaw. They can also select partial dentures that replace a few teeth. Furthermore, denture implants can be removable or permanent. Some snap into place, allowing you to remove them overnight, while others remain in the mouth at all times.
Who is a good candidate for denture implants?
In any situation with tooth loss, denture implants can be a great option. Therefore, you might be a good candidate for getting dentures if you answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions.
- Have you lost multiple teeth in your mouth?
- Do you worry that regular dentures might look unnatural?
- Do you regularly eat hard or sticky foods?
- Are you unhappy with your conventional dentures?
- Do you spend a lot of time speaking and need dentures that won’t slip?
- Are you concerned about bone and gum loss?
- Do you have decent oral health with plenty of strong gum and bone tissue?
Benefits of denture implants
There are several reasons to choose denture implants over traditional dentures. Some of the benefits include:
- Denture implants are less likely to loosen when you move your mouth.
- Due to the improved support, they don’t rub back and forth on the gums. This prevents risk of future gum or jawbone loss.
- It’s usually easier to chew with denture implants, since they are more stable.
- The more precise fit ensures your dentures look as natural as possible.
- You’re less likely to have discomfort or pain.
- The dentures require less maintenance.
Disadvantages of denture implants
There are numerous benefits to implant-supported dentures, but are there any drawbacks? Some potential issues to be aware of include:
- They can cost slightly more than traditional dentures.
- There is always a risk that you may be allergic to the anesthetic used for the surgery.
- Attachments may loosen over time, requiring minor surgery to repair.
- You may get infection in the weeks following the initial implant surgery.
- If done improperly, the surgery can damage nerves or sinuses.
- Patients who did not maintain oral hygiene had a risk of infection in the later years.
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Are most patients happy with denture implants?
Are denture implants right for you? Surveys of dental implant patients revealed that all patients experienced an improved quality of life. Compared to traditional dentures, patients found it easier to eat, speak, and drink. On a scale of 1 to 5, patients rated their satisfaction as 4.6.
This research also reported that the risks of complications were very low. Only 1.86 percent of implants failed altogether. Additionally, only around 24 percent of patients experienced any complications. Proper oral hygiene significantly lowers these risks.
Reference: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Related Blog Article: Debunking Myths About Dental Implants
How much do denture implants cost?
In the United States, denture implants typically cost between $2,000 and $6,000. Several factors contribute to this price. Each implant typically costs between $500 and $1,500. Then you will need to pay for the dentures themselves. Low-quality ones can be as cheap as $300, while high-end ones can be around $5,000.
It is rare for insurance to cover denture implants. Typically, your insurance company will only cover the cost of dentures. However, in some rare cases, your dentist may be able to argue that implants are the best option for your oral health. Typically, if patients want implant coverage, they will need to pay extra for cosmetic insurance.
Why see a periodontist?
When finding a doctor to perform your implant procedure, look for a periodontist. Why choose periodontists? This type of dentist treats all the support structures of the teeth. This essentially means they have in-depth knowledge about the gums and jawbones.
A periodontist can ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. Their additional training enables them to create a customized denture and implant schedule that best suits your unique situation. Furthermore, you have a lower risk of complications because a periodontist performs this type of procedure regularly.
If you’re considering denture implants, SoCO Perio in Colorado Springs can help. Our team is dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care to individuals with tooth loss, gum disease, and other dental issues. Schedule a consultation now to begin your journey to a new smile.