Implant Dentures Houston

What Are Implant Dentures?

Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots. The team at Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Houston inserts them into the jawbone, where they fuse with the surrounding tissue. They are able to provide an extremely sturdy base for the dentures that eventually get placed on top of them. Implant dentures last longer and provide better function than traditional forms of tooth replacement.

There are a few different types of implant dentures, and the one that is best for you will depend on your unique circumstances.

Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures

These are permanently fixed to the implants that support them; they can only be removed by an implant dentist in Houston. They typically require four to six dental implants per arch. Many patients choose this type of prosthetic because they want the convenience of always having their new teeth in their mouth.

Removable Implant Dentures

Removable implant dentures snap onto and off of attachments on top of the implants that support them. They require less bone mass than permanent implant dentures, which makes them a great choice for many patients who have experienced some deterioration of their jawbone since they lost their natural teeth.

The Implant Denture Procedure

Your oral surgeons in Houston are ready to help you through the most complex parts of your implant denture process. During your consultation, they will help you understand the journey ahead of you. Typically, implant dentures take two surgeries to complete. First, dental implants will be placed. After an appropriate amount of recovery time has passed (usually three to six months), another oral surgery procedure is performed which removes the gums covering the implants. Either your oral surgeon’s team or your general dentist will then be able to attach your dentures to the implants, completing the dental treatment.

Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?

Generally, candidates for implant dentures:

• Are well enough to undergo minor surgery.
• Are free of gum disease and other serious oral health conditions.
• Have good habits that will support their dental implants’ long-term success.
• Have adequate bone density to support dental implants

If you aren’t sure if you qualify for dental implants, schedule a consultation with your oral surgery office in Houston. Most patients can receive them either right away or after some preparatory treatments.

Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants

Some of the top benefits of implant dentures include:

• Better chewing ability. The bite force provided by implant dentures can stand up to virtually any food. You won’t have to worry about your teeth slipping out of place while you are eating and speaking.
• Jawbone preservation. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent the deterioration that normally occurs after tooth loss.
• A constant fit. Whereas the fit of traditional dentures changes over time, implant dentures fit well for many years.
• Natural feel and appearance. Onlookers may never know that your teeth are not the same ones that you have had for decades.