Multiple Tooth Implant Dallas, TX
At Dallas Oral Surgery Associates, we offer removable overdentures that are affixed to dental implants. For our patients who have lost some or all of their teeth along the upper or lower jaw, these overdentures are a more convenient and secure alternative to the typical, removable full dentures. The restoration procedure and the use of an overdenture provide an alternative to address the limitations and drawbacks of a standard full denture. There are a number of problems that using a full denture can present: not all patients find standard dentures comfortable or convenient, and the temporary nature of a standard denture can make daily activities such as eating, talking, and smiling precarious. Because an overdenture is meant to be affixed to dental implants, overdentures are a semi-permanent solution to the functional and aesthetic problems that are commonplace with full dentures.
Benefits of Removable Overdentures
Overdentures have all the benefits of your own teeth and often provide a good clinical outcome for patients. The overdenture can also be temporarily snapped on and off for daily cleaning. The use of dental implants for overdentures also contributes to the health and strength of the jawbone. In the same way that muscles can atrophy over extended periods of inactivity, your bones can lose mass when not adequately stimulated. Biting and chewing forces cause the tooth roots to move slightly, providing stimulus to the underlying jawbone. In the absence of teeth, however, the jawbone will begin to weaken and deteriorate. Because they are affixed to the bone, dental implants can mimic tooth roots and provide the jawbone with the necessary stimulus to maintain bone health. For patients who are experiencing bone loss beneath the gums, a bone graft is typically necessary to ensure the retention and overall success of a single dental implant. Overdentures placed on dental implants, however, may negate the need for bone grafts; overdentures require more than one implant to be inserted into the jawbone. These implants are often inserted at a diagonal angle within the jawbone—contrary to single-tooth implants, which are inserted vertically to the jawbone. For overdentures, the angled implants increase the surface area of contact between the bone and the implants, improving stability and reducing the need for bone grafting. Contrary to traditional single implants, overdentures can also be affixed immediately to the dental implants after their insertion. Single-tooth implants require a recovery and healing period of several months before the crown is placed, but overdentures can be worn throughout recovery. Removable overdentures may be more expensive than full dentures, but they are a cost-effective solution in comparison to other implant-supported treatments. Because overdentures require fewer implants than the All-on-4 Treatment Concept, they are less expensive.
Am I A Candidate For Overdentures?
There are some circumstances in which removable overdentures may not be a suitable treatment option for you. For patients with extensive bone loss in the jaw, the placement of dental implants may not be an option. Bone grafting may allow for the placement of overdentures in the future. During your consultation, your surgeon will also review your medical history. You may be a candidate for overdentures if you are generally in good health, but some chronic conditions may pose a threat to recovery. Uncontrolled diabetes, for example, may make you more susceptible to infections and gum disease, resulting in an infection around the implant—otherwise known as peri implantitis. Because an infection around an implant can lead to implant failure, any conditions that might make a patient susceptible to infection pose a concern. In this case, our clinical team will work with you to discuss other treatment options. The oral and overall health risks of smoking are well-known, but smoking poses a particular risk for dental implants. It is commonly misunderstood that smoking is the cause of implant failure. In reality, the nicotine ingested while smoking and its effects on the body are often the culprit of complications. Adequate blood flow is necessary to circulate nutrients and guard against infection, but nicotine constricts blood flow and drastically increases the risk of implant failure. Likewise, nicotine patches can also contribute to implant failure. For the sake of your recovery and overall health, we recommend all implant patients abstain from smoking or otherwise ingesting nicotine during recovery. Do you have any additional concerns regarding overdentures? Our team is available to answer your questions, schedule your consultation, and walk you through the motions of standard treatment. Reach out to Dallas Oral Surgery Associates at 214-363-9946 to take the first steps towards restoring your smile. |