Losing one or more teeth can be devastating to one’s self-confidence and ability to talk or chew. Tooth decay, gum disease, and physical traumas are the primary reasons patients require tooth replacement. In the past, the only options were removable prosthetics (dentures) or bridges which bond to shaved-down abutment teeth. But now, dental implants make it possible to provide patients with a fixed prosthesis without the support of surrounding teeth. With a full fixed prosthesis, patients enjoy permanence, strength and an aesthetic appearance that closely mimics the features of natural and healthy teeth.
Did you know…
that many people in the U.S. are edentulous, that is, they have no teeth? Approximately 1 in 4 adults over age 60 has no teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Rather than rely on removable prosthetics, millions have turned to fixed hybrid dentures as a tooth replacement option. Like natural teeth, hybrid dentures are permanently anchored in the mouth, lasting several decades when properly cared for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for a hybrid denture or full-arch prosthesis ?
You may be a candidate for a hybrid denture if you have no teeth on your upper arch, lower arch, or both arches. Implant-retained dentures or crown and bridge options are available to patients with sufficient jaw bone to support implants, which are placed into the jaw as a prosthetic tooth root. To find out if full arch implant therapy is right for you, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
What should I expect when getting implants?
Dental implants consist of two parts: the implant fixure and the prosthetic tooth. The implant is a titanium or ceramic rod placed inside the jaw, where it integrates into surrounding bone. Once it has healed – a process that can take up to several months – a patient is fitted for a permanent tooth replacement. For patients with only one or a few missing teeth, a single dental implant and corresponding crown may be used for each individual tooth replacement. But patients replacing a full arch may have a single full fixed prosthetic anchored to 5-7 dental implants around the upper or lower jaw.
How should I care for my new implants? Will I have any restrictions?
You may have some dietary restrictions in the weeks immediately following your implant surgery. In most cases, patients can resume normal eating habits once fitted for a permanent fixed prosthesis. Though most people get a lifetime of wear out of their dental implants, we strongly recommend that patients avoid tobacco use, which can significantly affect the permanence of dental implants.
