For those patients who have lost all or most of their teeth, or for those who are requiring extensive extractions, dental prosthetics will be needed to appropriately maintain their mouth’s function. Historically, this has meant traditional dentures, which are connected to the face through an adhesive. This can be messy and unreliable.
Now, with the advent of dental implant technology, a new procedure has emerged that brings you the benefits of both dentures and implantation. Implant-supported dentures, also known as the All-On-4® procedure, utilize similar posts into the jaw. Except rather than a single tooth, a set of posts are used to brace a denture prosthetic.
Today, your Overland Park, KS dentist explains some of the benefits to this procedure, and to see if it might be a fit for you!
How Does It Work?
When people envision a set of implants designed to replace a full dental set, they naturally gravitate toward thinking that each tooth would have its own post. And while that certainly is possible, it isn’t necessarily the solution for you. It can become time-exhaustive and expensive, especially if you require surgery for preparation, like a bone graft.
So rather than causing such extensive trauma to the jaw, the growing method involves placing a set of implant posts into the jaw. This usually requires four on the top and bottom of the mouth, respectively. Then we attach a full denture prosthetic to these, providing stability and support. But by limiting the amount of post sites, we can maintain a larger amount of the natural jaw.
Can It Help Me?
Preserving your bone matter is of utmost importance to us as trained oral health professionals. When we have lost our teeth, our body begins a process known as reabsorption. When the body believes that part of us has been lost physically, it gathers those resources in order to protect the remaining areas. By fooling the body into believing that the mouth is fully healthy, we are able to keep your immune system supporting the region properly.
And that means that you will maintain your profile appearance easier than with a traditional approach. The material hugs the gums securely, and the prosthetics are crafted to look effortless and natural. Many patients are also very pleased that it does not cover the roof of your mouth, allowing them to feel more comfortable.
Also, the practical benefits are immediate. Everyone has a memory of an elderly person losing their dentures, or they have become loose. This maneuver eliminates that possibility, and means that you do not have to remove them for cleaning a night!
Call Us For More Information!
Contact Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS by calling 913-381-2600 to schedule your next appointment with our team and discuss how we can plan to protect your teeth as best as possible!