Traditional dentures can be a fantastic way for many people to address extensive tooth loss, but these devices can leave a lot to be desired in terms of chewing power and longevity. Thankfully, using dental implants to anchor your restorations securely in your mouth can allow your artificial teeth to work just like the real thing. Here’s a quick look at how dental implants work and how long it takes to receive implant dentures.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are titanium pieces that are surgically inserted into the jawbone where they fuse with their surrounding bone structure through the natural process of osseointegration. This allows restorations mounted upon them to behave and feel exactly like real teeth. Dentures supported by implants can exert maximum chewing power and last much longer than traditional appliances if they receive excellent care. Proper oral hygiene with implant dentures is exactly the same as that for real teeth, meaning you’ll have to brush and floss daily while regularly seeing your dentist for checkups.
How Long Does It Take to Get Implant Dentures?
The process of receiving implant dentures will span several months and involves the following four steps:
- Consultation: An oral health professional examines the patient’s mouth and discusses their needs and preferences. If the patient has oral infections or thin jawbones, these issues will have to be resolved with appropriate treatments before implants can be placed. After the patient has recovered from any preliminary treatments, they’ll be ready to be scheduled for implant surgery.
- Implant surgery: This process begins with the dentist administering a suitable anesthetic to ensure the patient’s comfort. Then, the oral health professional will place dental implants into the jawbone through small incisions in the gums. It will take several months for the patient to recover from this procedure.
- Abutment pieces: After the implants have fused with the jawbone, the dentist will place abutment pieces on them through a minor surgical procedure. The oral health professional will also take detailed measurements of the mouth so a customized restoration can be crafted.
- Restoration: After the patient has healed from receiving abutments (this usually takes a few weeks), they’ll be ready to receive their final restoration. After any last-minute adjustments, the patient can begin showing off their new smile to friends, family, and strangers.
Implant dentures may be the ideal way to restore your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best device to replace your lost teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Niki Jayswal earned her dental degree at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry where she was a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Dallas County Dental Society. Her office in Lewisville offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as implant services. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact her office online or dial (972) 366-4452.