Implant Dentures: Dental Ridge Preservation
Implant dentures are one of the multiple ways that a dentist can treat tooth loss. This is a common choice because the dentures can restore the mouth’s function even if you have lost all your teeth. Traditional dentures rest on your gums, but there is also a type that uses dental implants as an anchor. For these, you will need healthy bone to support the implants. If you have had bone loss, dental ridge preservation can help.
Typical patients who seek implant dentures
People should brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste and floss daily. Doing these things should maintain healthy, strong teeth. Neglecting these responsibilities can lead to tooth decay. Eventually, these teeth could fall out or the dentist would have to extract them. To replace missing teeth, dentures are an effective solution. Other patients may lose teeth in an accident or because of injury.
How the process works
Getting dentures usually requires two appointments. For implant dentures, the process is longer and may take months. The dentist will first examine the patient and make sure they are a good candidate for the procedure. After taking X-rays and making impressions, a technician will start making a set of dentures that fit.
The patient will return to the office for another visit where the dentist numbs the person and makes incisions in the gums. Next, the dentist places titanium posts deep into the bone. A few months of healing will take place. Then, the patient comes back into the office so the dentist can place abutments on the posts. The dentist then attaches the dentures to the abutments.
Dealing with bone loss
When a patient does not have enough bone to support the implant dentures, the dentist will suggest doing a bone graft or ridge preservation. This procedure fosters bone growth so the patient can get implants. The material is often taken from another part of the person’s body or from an animal. In some cases, the dentist can make synthetic materials to do the grafting. Once the new material is in place, it will start to grow and strengthen the bone, making it possible to insert implants for the dentures.
Importance of ridge preservation
Not only does this procedure promote bone growth, but it can prevent dry socket. This condition occurs when there is an empty pocket in the gum after a tooth falls out or is extracted. A blood clot protects this sensitive area, but if it falls out, it exposes nerves, causing intense pain upon contact. Also, preserving the ridge can keep the person’s natural face shape intact and prevent other teeth from moving.
Take care of your mouth
Tooth loss is a serious issue. It can have far-reaching effects, including physical and psychological consequences. If you want to replace your missing teeth but also have bone loss, you will want to do a ridge preservation and bone graft first. Once the dentist does this procedure, you can get implant dentures and once again enjoy a natural, beautiful smile.
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