How Long Do Implant-Supported Dentures Last?
Sep 01, 2022
Natural teeth play an essential role in our everyday life. Unfortunately, millions of people globally have lost their teeth, some having lost all their natural teeth. When you’ve lost teeth, you’re likely to experience problems with your speech, bite function, health, and aesthetics. That said, replacing missing teeth as soon as possible is essential to maintain a normal and quality life.
Thanks to improved technology in dentistry, there are numerous solutions for replacing missing teeth. Dentures are specifically common with older patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth. They are cost-effective, less invasive, and reasonably quick to get.
A traditional denture consists of several artificial teeth and gums. The denture rests on the natural gums and teeth (if any). Since the gums and bones tend to change over time, they can affect how your denture fits and feel. The denture can easily fall out when eating or speaking, lower your confidence, and impact your overall quality of life.
If you’re concerned about the challenges associated with traditional dentures, you can benefit from Implant-supported dentures near you. Let’s learn about Implant-supported dentures and what you can expect.
What are Implant-supported Dentures?
These dentures consist of a denture and implant. The implants, tiny titanium posts or screws, are surgically implanted into the jaw bone to replace the roots of the missing teeth. The implants provide a secure foundation for the denture. The denture is attached to the implants and depending on the style chosen, it can either snap into the implant but be a removable option, or it can be fixed in place.
Since the denture is anchored on dental implants, it provides excellent stability and strength over a traditional denture. Depending on the style of denture chosen and the materials used, the denture can last from 7 to 20+ years. The implants themselves can last 40+ years. Get in touch with our prosthodontist in Calgary for dental implants near you.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The dentist will inspect your condition to determine your candidacy for the procedure. To qualify for implant surgery, it’s essential to have healthy gums and jawbone. You may have to delay your treatment if you need preparatory surgery like bone grafting or treatment for existing issues like gum disease and cavities.
If you’re qualified, the oral surgeon will determine how many implants you need and their ideal locations. You can be sedated to prevent anxiety. Next, the dentist will use a specialized guide to insert the implant into the bone. The jawbone will heal around the implant in a process called osseointegration.
In the meantime, the dentist can place a temporary denture to wear while you heal to ensure you are not without teeth during your treatment process. After the implant has healed completely, abutments are attached to the implants which will allow the denture to either snap into place, or be fixed in place. Contact our team for dental implants in Calgary, AB.
Benefits of Implant-supported Dentures
There are many benefits of anchoring a denture on an implant. These include:
- Better stability and retention. Since the denture is supported by the implant, it can’t move when chewing or speaking. A traditional denture can move or fall out when exposed to great pressure.
- Jawbone Preservation. Since the implant is placed in the bone, it restores the chewing stimulation, which encourages bone stability. Without stimulation from a tooth root or an implant, the bone in the areas of the missing teeth will shrink away over time.
- More natural results. Since the denture is secured by an implant, it provides more comfortable and natural-looking results than a traditional denture.
- More Comfortable. Since the denture is anchored into the jawbone, it allows for normal and comfortable chewing and speaking.
- Easy maintenance. Unlike traditional dentures, Fixed implant-supported dentures are should not be removed by anyone other than your dentist. You should treat them like your natural teeth. Removable implant-supported dentures can be removed at home to clean as you would traditional style dentures.
How Long Do Implant-supported Dentures last?
As there is more involved in getting Implant-supported dentures, it’s reasonable to be troubled about how long they will last before needing replacement. The good news is that implant dentures tend to last much longer than traditional style dentures, especially if they are fixed in place. You can expect removable implant–supported dentures to last about 7-10 years before they will need to be relined or replaced. Fixed implant-supported dentures can last 20+ years.
Important tips for caring for your implant-denture include:
- Brush and floss daily and thoroughly
- Use a Waterpik
- Avoid hard items as they can cause your denture to crack or break
- Eat healthy foods that strengthen teeth and bones. Limit sugary, sticky, and starchy foods.
- Avoid abrasive dental products
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you interested in dental Implant-supported dentures and other restorative treatments? Contact Northwest Prosthodontics to speak with our prosthodontist in Calgary.