Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite” as well as your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and can cause muscle pain in your jaws and headaches. And of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance. The following information reviews replacing missing teeth with an implant retained denture.
Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.
One option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these implants. This option allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.
Before
Implant Placed
Denture Attached
Before
Implant Placed
Denture Attached
A third option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. Your denture is held in place by screws or clasps that secure it to the support posts or bar. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all your missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.
Before
Implant Placed
Denture Attached
A similar range of treatment options is also available for your upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth. Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
Our mission over the last 15 years has been to serve families in the Virgin Islands with the incredible experience they truly deserve. Whether you need cosmetic treatment, wisdom tooth removal, a root canal, Orthodontics, or anything in between, VI Dental wants to serve you. We’re your Virgin Islands Dentist!
Get the care you need, from professional dentists in the Virgin Islands who are expert endodontists, general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists.
9151 Estate Thomas, Suite 203 Foothills Professional Building St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: 340-776-6056
Fax: 340-776-8161
4006 Estate Diamond, Suite 101
Christiansted, VI 00820
Phone: 340-772-6000
Fax: 340-719-6002
Dental Treatments
Clinic Hours
| Mon – Fri | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Appointment Only |
| Sunday | Closed |
At VI Dental Center we provide quality dentistry and professional orthodontics in the Virgin Islands, St. Croix, Christiansted, Frenchtown, Bellevue, St. Thomas, and Contant. | Disclaimer
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