Implant Supported DenturesImplant-Supported Dentures provided by Dr. Haruki and Dr. Oishi in Honolulu & Waipi'o, HI at Pacific Maxillofacial Center  Implant anchored dentures, also referred to as implant supported dentures, are simply a type of denture we can provide in our office at Pacific Maxillofacial Center. This type of denture is supported by and attached to the dental implants we install on the jawbone and will extend outward from the gums. Instead of being held onto the gums and jawbone, these dentures are held in place by an implant. Replace Missing TeethWhen it comes to replacing missing teeth, one of the best tooth replacement solutions is implant supported dentures since they provide the benefits associated with dental implants without compromising affordability. Replacing more than one tooth can be a costly endeavor, especially if you would like to have dental implants installed. With implant supported dentures, you get to enjoy the benefits of dental implants in Honolulu without the minor inconveniences that come along with dentures. The Types of Dental ImplantsThere are two main types of implant supported dentures our office may choose from to use with our patients. The bar-retained dentures will include a thin metal bar attached to at least two implants in the bone. Clips—which is another type of attachment—can then help put the denture in place. Our office may also choose to use a ball-retained denture. This denture is often known as a stud-attachment denture. This type of denture will contain sockets that will fit onto the connectors of your implant. The type of dental implant we choose will depend on your unique dental needs. The Process Involved in Implant Supported DenturesThe First VisitGetting implant supported dentures will require several visits to our office to complete. During the first visit, we will review both your dental and medical history to see if there are any concerns we need to know about. The dentist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine viability. We can then take x-rays and create a model of the gums and teeth. An x-ray is usually done to provide a closer look into the patient's dental structure and provide more information that can be used to determine if implant supported dentures are the best option for you. The x-ray also provides the dentist with results of the available bone mass, which is a crucial factor in installing dental implants. If the patient lacks sufficient bone mass, a bone graft is done to ensure that the jaw can provide adequate support for the implants. However, undergoing a bone graft will slow down a patient's implant placement by up to three months, to allow healing from the grafting procedure. We may also order a CT scan to get the accurate placement of the nerves and sinuses and to see exactly how much bone we have to work with. During this visit, we can create a temporary denture so you can walk out of our office with a full set of teeth until the surgery. The First SurgeryThere are several surgeries our office must complete to get the implant supported dentures in place. The first step involves placing the dental implants in the bone. We will use local anesthesia in the area where we plan to place the implants. Then a small incision is made to the gum at the site and a hole drilled into the bone. The implant is placed into this hole and then the site is stitched closed. We recommend our patients avoid any pressure on this area as it heals. Since each patient's circumstances are different, the dentist can choose to place the dentures during the same procedure or give the patient time for the dental implants to heal and fuse with the jawbone. Similar to the All-on-4® Treatment Concept, supported dentures can either be removed or fixed permanently. Exposing the Implant HeadsAt your second surgery, we will start with an x-ray to determine if the dental implant has had time to fuse to the bone. If so, then we can use local anesthesia in the area of the dental implant. We will use another small incision into the gum to allow the tops of the implants to show through. We can add a healing cap on the top of each dental implant to help guide the gum tissue to properly heal. These healing caps need to stay in place for 10 to 14 days. Putting the Dentures OnAfter the gums have healed properly, it is time to put in the dentures. We will temporarily place them on the framework before manufacturing and placing the permanent denture, securing it to the ball or bar attachments. Patients need to follow proper oral health care during the healing process to help the dentures stay in place. Advantages of Implant Supported DenturesThese dental appliances provide the jawbone with stimulation, which prevents it from shrinking. If gaps are left untreated, the jaw is likely to incur atrophy, affecting strength and shape. In addition, unlike traditional dentures that require a patient to regularly come in for adjustments due to the regular changes in the jaw, implant supported dentures do not need adjustments, saving you both time and money. With supported dentures, you no longer have to worry about them shifting or slipping from the mouth since they are anchored to the jaw by dental implants. You do not need to constantly check on the position of the appliances, which enhances confidence and aesthetics. Supported dentures also share the same attribute as dental implants in that they both look identical to natural teeth and perform the same tasks as well. If you are experiencing discomfort while eating or are constantly worrying about your smile, perhaps it is time to consider implant supported dentures. These dentures are a much more permanent option than those that sit on top of your gums. However, they aren’t as permanent as dental implants. In fact, they rest somewhere in the middle. This middle ground is suggested for patients who don’t want dental implants yet need something more reliable than dentures. At Pacific Maxillofacial Center, Dr. Haruki and Dr. Oishi will provide you with a comprehensive consultation and solutions to cater to all of your requirements. What are Implant Supported Dentures?Implant supported dentures are fixed to your jaw, unlike the popularly known removable teeth on top of the gums. They are much more comfortable to talk, eat, and smile with as they aren’t prone to slipping and causing discomfort. Implant supported dentures can replace an entire row of teeth in one procedure. They are especially recommended to people who have lost more than one tooth. These dentures are fixed to certain attachments inserted into the jawbone. A titanium dental implant will be placed into your jaw during the procedure. These implants will be monitored over a few months after the dentures are placed onto the implants. Can You Get Implant Supported Dentures After You’ve Had Dentures?Implants can be inserted after you have been using dentures. However, the procedure will depend on how long you have used them and if your dentures have caused damage to your jawbone or facial structure. The jawbone depends on the teeth to retain its structure. Once the teeth fall out, the jawbone begins to shrink as it preserves its density. Without sufficient density, implants aren’t possible. Thus, you might need to get a consultation to determine whether you have sufficient density for the procedure. Can Implant Supported Dentures Be Replaced with Dentures?Dentures can’t take the place of implant supported dentures because both procedures are quite different. With dentures, you might only need to make way for the device, which can be removed easily. However, implant supported dentures are much more secure and require an intense procedure. What are Mini Denture Implants?Mini dental implants are essentially the same as dental implants. However, they are much smaller than the average implant. The screws can be as small as 3mm with an end that sticks out of the jawbone. This is used for dentures or artificial teeth to be placed or fused on top. Am I a Candidate for Implant Supported Dentures?Your existing teeth and gums must be strong enough to qualify for implant supported dentures. This is because an intense surgery must rest on a solid foundation. You can qualify for surgery with sufficient bone density in your jawbone, so the implants can fuse, have healthy gum tissue, and be in excellent health overall. Discover More and Schedule Your Implant Supported Denture Appointment Now!At Pacific Maxillofacial Center, we make sure we put your comfort first. Call us at 808-585-8455 to schedule a consultation. We will examine your teeth and assist with all of your options. Our reliable and experienced staff is there to answer your questions, put you at ease, and guide you through the entire procedure. |
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 Honolulu1060 Young St #312 Honolulu, HI 96814-1604 ContactOffice: 808-585-8455 Email: Send us an Email Office hoursMon-Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm Waipi'o94-1221 Ka Uka Blvd #B-204 Waipahu, HI 96797 ContactOffice: 808-676-9560 Email: Send us an Email Office hoursMon-Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm |
