Stabilizing Dentures with Dental Implants: Denture Stabilization in Charleston, SC

Millions of American adults are missing most or all of their teeth. There are many potential causes for missing teeth from genetics to poor oral hygiene habits and/or a lack of access to quality dental care. However, no matter what the cause of tooth loss, the repercussions include:

• Difficulty biting/chewing
• Difficulty speaking
• Additional tooth loss
• Jawbone deterioration

Advancements in dental technology have led to several options for tooth replacement, including:

• Conventional dentures (full and partial)
• Bridges
• Dental implants

The most popular option is conventional dentures because, most of the time, it is the least expensive and dental insurance typically covers a portion of treatment. Unfortunately, there are several disadvantages associated with conventional dentures.

In this article, we’ll explain more about these disadvantages and how denture stabilization at Ammons Dental by Design in South Carolina can mitigate them.

Conventional dentures can be full or partial. 

• A full denture replaces an entire arch of missing teeth, while 
• A partial denture is used to replace a few missing teeth.

Conventional dentures offer several advantages, including restoring your ability to speak, removing some dietary restrictions, and improving your confidence. However, there are also several disadvantages that come with this tooth replacement solution:

• Slips Out of Place

  Conventional dentures sit on top of your gums. The only way to secure them in place is with denture adhesive. This means that they are known to slip and slide around in your mouth while you are eating or talking. Even patients who get custom-fitted dentures find that this can be a problem. In some cases, they may even fall out, which can be embarrassing.

• Make Noises When Speaking or Eating

  Many patients report that their dentures make a clicking noise when they are eating or speaking.  

• Painful Sores on Gums

  Since conventional dentures sit on top of your gums and often slip and slide around, many patients experience pressure and friction sores. These can be painful and can become infected, which can cause additional oral health concerns.

• Provide as Little as 10% of Natural Chewing Power

  Conventional dentures sit on top of your gums and can slip and slide around. This means that, while food restrictions are reduced because you do have teeth, you still can’t eat as much as you could with natural teeth.

• Accelerates Jawbone Loss

  Your natural teeth provide stimulation to your jawbone to keep it healthy. Therefore, without teeth, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate. The pressure of the conventional dentures on the gums and jawbone may accelerate the deterioration.

Stabilizing dentures with dental implants offers a variety of benefits, including:

• Improved Chewing Power

  Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, which increases the bite force and chewing power of your dentures.

• Improves Comfort

  Since dentures are secured in place with dental implants, they won’t put pressure on the gums or slip around and cause friction sores. This makes wearing them much more comfortable.

• Better Stability

  Instead of sitting on the gums, the dentures are supported by dental implants. This makes them more stable than conventional dentures and prevents them from slipping and sliding around in the mouth.

1. The process of denture stabilization involves placing 2 or more dental implants. 
2. The dentist will start with a comprehensive exam, including images, which will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. If you qualify for implants, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area where the implants will be placed.
3. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, an incision will be made in the gum and a hole will be drilled in the jawbone. An implant screw will be placed in the jawbone, an abutment placed on the screw, and the incision will be stitched closed. The denture will be attached to the abutment.
4. Typically, with dental implants, you must heal for at least 6 months before you can have teeth. However, with denture stabilization, your dentures will be attached immediately- you do not have to wait for healing to take place.
5. The overdenture may be permanently secured in place with the implants, meaning only the dentist can remove it during exams and cleanings- or it can be removable, meaning it must be removed nightly for cleaning.

If you have dentures and are interested in learning more about denture stabilization, schedule your consultation with Ammons Dental by Design today. We have four convenient locations: 

Downtown Charleston, James Island, Summerville, and Camden.

Our dentists have the experience and expertise to work with the entire family from children to seniors. We offer a variety of dental services including general dentistry such as cleanings, exams, wisdom tooth removal, and more. In addition, we offer cosmetic dental services to help you achieve that perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of. If you have a dental emergency while the office is closed, you can call us, and we will get you in as soon as possible.

We also believe that your budget should not dictate your access to dental services. We strive to offer affordable dental care for everyone. We offer cash discounts, as well as accept financing through CareCredit, LendingClub, and more. We also work with a variety of insurance providers. Our friendly office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage before services are performed. You will always know what you can expect to pay upfront.

Our team is looking forward to meeting with you and stabilizing your dentures to improve functionality and comfort, as well as boost your confidence.