Implant Dentures – Austin, TX
Regain a Strong & Sturdy Smile
According to an estimate published in 2023, more than 36 million Americans are edentulous (missing all their teeth). If you are among them, you have probably thought about getting traditional dentures. However, you might be reluctant due to the downsides of that treatment. Is there a better alternative? For many patients, yes! You might be a candidate for implant dentures, a remarkable treatment that can help patients in Austin to regain a strong and sturdy smile. Get in touch with us to learn more about this potentially lifechanging tooth replacement option.
What Are Implant Dentures?
Dental implants are small titanium cylinders, sometimes called posts, that our team surgically places into a patient’s jawbone. Over time, they bond with the surrounding tissue so they can act as prosthetic tooth roots. Dental implants can support crowns, bridges, and even full dentures.
There are different types of implant dentures. Depending on your circumstances, we might recommend that you receive either a fixed prosthetic or a removable one.
Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
As you would guess based on their name, fixed implant dentures are permanently attached to the implants that support them. They can only be removed by a dental professional. Many patients like this option because they would prefer to keep their teeth in their mouth 24/7. The biggest downside to this option is that it requires more implant posts and more jawbone density than removable implant dentures.
Removable Implant Dentures
Removable implant dentures can be supported by as few as 2 – 5 posts per dental arch, a fact that makes them a popular treatment among individuals who have lost some bone density in their jaw. These prosthetics should be removed daily for oral hygiene purposes.
The Implant Denture Procedure
The implant denture procedure has four main stages:
- Dr. Burton will examine your mouth and start planning the details of your treatment.
- Implant surgery. Our team performs this complex procedure right here in our office.
- Over a period of a few months, your implants will bond with the surrounding tissue.
- You will receive a beautiful new set of teeth to go on top of your dental implants.
Even though the implant dentures procedure requires more time than that of traditional dentures, the many benefits you will experience make it a worthy endeavor!
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures may be right for you if:
- You have lost all or most of your teeth throughout one of your dental arches.
- Your jawbone is strong enough to support dental implants.
- You are free of active gum disease.
- You have good habits that will support your implants’ long-term success.
If you are unsure of whether you qualify for implant dentures, visit us for a consultation. Most patients can undergo this procedure, either immediately or after some preliminary treatments.
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
Some of the most remarkable benefits of implant dentures include:
- You can enjoy a strong bite force that is capable of handling virtually any food, including tough and chewy items that are off-limits with traditional dentures.
- Implant dentures look and feel very natural. Onlookers may have no idea that they are not your real teeth!
- Jawbone preservation. Because dental implants stimulate the jawbone, they can help to keep it healthy and strong.
- Dental implants and implant dentures tend to last much longer than traditional dentures.
- Easy maintenance. In many ways, taking good care of implant dentures is just like caring for natural teeth.