How Long Do Implant Supported Dentures Last?
Healthy teeth are not a given. Tooth decay, gum disease, various accidents and diseases are everyday occurrences that can lead to tooth loss. The loss of one or more teeth can alter our eating habits, speech, behavior and even our appearance. Additionally, when a tooth is lost, the bone surrounding that particular tooth root can wear down further affecting our appearance and chewing. Even if this missing tooth is restored with a joint prosthesis, every year there is bone loss and jaw recession.
Fortunately, over the last 30 years, dental implants and implanted supported dentures have offered an excellent solution by replacing not only the missing tooth, but also the tooth root, providing a stable base for artificial teeth that will look, feel and function like our natural ones. teeth.
What is a dental implant?
The dental implant is in the form of a small screw made of titanium of high quality and purity. Titanium is a metal that has been proven to be biocompatible and easily accepted by the body. The dental implant is placed within the jawbone and over time, the implant becomes integrated (osseointegration) into the jawbone. Under normal conditions, this healing process can take 6-12 weeks. After this time, a crown, bridge or denture can be safely placed over the implant. Dental implants provide a stable base for artificial teeth that replace natural ones in the best possible way.
When is an implant recommended?
* When the fabrication of complete dentures is problematic.
* When partial or full dentures cannot be accepted.
* When teeth are missing that cannot be restored with fixed bridges.
* When the adjacent teeth of a deficit (even a single tooth) are healthy (avoid grinding healthy teeth for the construction of bridges).
* When it is necessary to improve aesthetics and masticatory ability by restoring the “feeling of natural teeth”.
What are the conditions?
* To have every disease in the teeth that remain in our mouth checked and treated.
* To have meticulous care of our oral hygiene
* Follow the implant review and support program faithfully
* Let the general state of our health allow it
Advantages of dental implants
One of the most important advantages of dental implants is that they provide a stable base for artificial teeth and that they preserve the integrity of the adjacent teeth and bone structure.
With traditional methods, healthy adjacent teeth must be ground in order to support a crown or bridge. Additionally, because the root of the tooth is not replaced, the bone can eventually atrophy and recede further. If the use of an implant is chosen, the dental implant replaces the lost tooth root and provides a stable base for the artificial tooth, without the need to grind the healthy adjacent teeth.
Implants for denture wearers
Implants can be used to permanently support an entire denture.
* Conventional dentures: Conventional, removable dentures touch the jaw. With the use of these dentures the bone atrophies and recedes over time. As the bone recedes, the dentures may no longer fit perfectly, causing pain and further problems with chewing, speech and aesthetics. – Removable dentures with implants: With dentures supported by implants, the disadvantages of conventional dentures and the need for adhesives are eliminated. The implant is a stable base for the removable denture, while at the same time protecting the jawbone. The denture can easily be removed to be cleaned and then firmly placed back into place.
Advantages and disadvantages of implants
Like any surgical procedure, the surgical placement of a dental implant can have some complications for the patient or for the successful osseointegration of the implant. These can be, infection, bleeding, injury to adjacent tissues such as teeth, gums, vessels and nerves and failure of osseointegration.
To avoid these complications, careful preoperative treatment planning is necessary as well as confirmation that the patient is healthy and fit to receive the treatment. Today, the success rates are very high and if the treatment is properly studied and performed, they reach 98%.
The main advantage of implants is that they are the most solid and stable support for the new tooth. They give a very natural effect and are fully integrated into the tooth structure. In addition, there is absolutely no need for any intervention on the adjacent healthy teeth.
If properly taken care of, through good oral hygiene and dental visits, dental implants and implant-supported dentures can last a 10, 20 years or more- even a lifetime!