Anybody who has had a number of missing teeth, or even a full arch, replaced with dentures, will be aware of some of the limitations that they bring.
Modern dentures may be more realistic looking and comfortable than older types, but stability can still be an issue for some people.
Not only do some wearers lose confidence if their dentures move around when they are speaking, but many also avoid eating certain foods because of them, often eating softer and easier to chew foods only. Whilst this can provide an adequate diet, it is restrictive and can take away some of the enjoyment from meal times.
Dental implants
At The Lodge Dental Suite, we are pleased to offer the latest teeth implants as an alternative to dentures, which can be used individually or to support a fixed bridge. What fewer people may know though, is that they can also be used to stabilise dentures.
A few dental implants can be placed, typically two, three or four depending on circumstances, and used as a firm ‘anchor’ for dentures. The implants that are securely held in place through a bonding process with the bone, known as osseointegration, will then hold your dentures firmly in place and enable you to eat any food that you want. If you long for the days when you could take a bite into a nice crispy apple with confidence, those days may be just a few procedures away!
Healthy gums
It is worth mentioning that some discomfort caused when wearing dentures is often due to unhealthy or sore gums. Whilst friction between denture and gums can cause this, it can certainly be worsened when the gums are sore due to gum disease; even early stage problems like gingivitis.
Although friction is less of a problem when your dentures have been stabilised using dental implants, it is important that you keep your gums healthy with diligent home cleaning, including flossing, and ongoing hygienist care. Dental implants depend on good quality bone to keep them in place, but advanced gum diseases like periodontitis and peri-implantitis can threaten this. So please make sure to keep your gums healthy and to follow the aftercare advice given to you following your treatment at The Lodge Dental Suite.
If you are a denture wearer and are not happy with the way that they affect your life, why not arrange to have an initial consultation with one of our Cheshunt dental team? We can discuss the options available to you, including the use of dental implants to stabilise your dentures.
To arrange your consultation, please call The Lodge Dental Suite on 01992 643 388.