Toothaches: Cause, Remedies and Long-term Solutions

Posted on: 7 June 2022

Have you been wearing full-arch dentures for a while, or are you getting dentures for the first time? If so, you should consider implant-supported dentures for your treatment. These dentures are supported by implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone. The dentures have special attachments that hook onto an abutment on the implant. The design of these appliances results in better performance than that of conventional dentures. Read on to find out why you should choose implant-supported dentures for your treatment.

Prevent jawbone shrinkage

Although dentures are great for tooth replacement, they have one major flaw—they do not replace the roots of natural teeth. Roots stimulate the part of the jawbone known as alveolar bone, maintaining its strength and thickness. A thick and strong jawbone is crucial in preserving the facial structure. Since dentures have no roots, the jawbone shrinks due to lack of stimulation and distorts the facial features.

An implant is a screw-like prosthesis surgically inserted in the jaw to replace natural roots. Therefore, implant-supported dentures act like natural teeth. When you chew, the implant exerts pressure on the alveolar bone and stimulates it. This stimulation promotes jawbone growth and prevents shrinkage. The jawbone provides adequate support to the facial muscles and lowers the risk of wrinkles and distortion. 

Enjoy better fit and usability

Regular dentures get their support from the gums. Therefore, it's not uncommon for the dentures to shift when talking or chewing. Furthermore, teeth stimulate blood flow to the gums, which preserves their shape. With no natural teeth, the gums change their shape. Therefore, dentures don't fit as well as they did when new. The constant movement can also irritate the gums.

Implant-supported dentures have locators that snap onto the abutments on the dentures. These enable the appliances to fit properly and stay in place even when eating. Furthermore, implants don't rely on the gums for support; therefore, there is minimal irritation. Implant-supported dentures can significantly improve your quality of life and allow you to enjoy a wider variety of foods.

Save money on denture adjustments

The constant changes in the jawbone and gums cause regular dentures to fit loosely over time. You must take the appliances to your dentist for realignment. The cost of denture adjustments can add up over time, especially if you do it often. With implant-supported dentures, there are minimal changes to the gums and jawbone. Therefore, the dentures fit snugly for a long time, which eliminates the need for frequent realignment. 

If you need full-arch dentures to replace missing teeth, you should opt for implant-supported dentures. These dentures protect the jaw structure and offer a better fit than conventional ones. Talk to your dentist for further consultation and treatment. For more information on dental implants, contact a professional near you.