Implant-Supported Dentures Medford, OR
Tooth loss is a huge deal. Moreover, the more teeth you lose, the more your quality of life is impacted. It becomes more and more difficult to eat. The inability to chew your food leads to poor digestion and malnutrition. Speaking is more of a challenge, as is being understood by those listening to you. Even the health of your jaw is impacted. It begins to resorb, altering the shape of your face. Your lips and cheeks sink in, and you start to look older than you are. For decades, the answer to tooth loss has been dentures. At Rogue Valley Dental Center, we offer the alternative of implant supported dentures.
Traditional Tooth Replacement
It used to be, when you lost your teeth, your only option was dentures. Dentures have been used for decades, and are still used today. They consist of replacement teeth set into a hard, acrylic gum-colored base. Dentures are made from a mold of your mouth, allowing the base to have a perfect fit on your gums. Your gums support your new teeth, which are held in place by suction. Dentures require a fair bit of maintenance, with the need to be removed every night for cleaning, and left out to give your gums a break. Without teeth, your jawbone starts to change shape, which means your dentures will no longer fit after a period. As such, they need to be replaced approximately every seven years. Wearing ill-fitting dentures results in pain, denture sores, the dentures slipping out of your mouth, and general embarrassment.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implant supported dentures are different. Rather than being supported by your gums, your replacement teeth are supported by small titanium rods that are surgically implanted into your jawbone. The rods essentially act like the roots of your natural teeth. As you heal from surgery, your jaw fuses to the rods, creating a strong, stable support system. There are a few types of implant-supported dentures, each designed to meet your specific needs:
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Fixed implant supported dentures. Your replacement teeth are supported on six to eight implants per arch and are fixed in place by screws. The teeth are only removed in the office if they need maintenance.
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Bar-retained dentures. Again, your teeth are supported on six to eight implants. However, a bar connects to your implants, and your replacement teeth snap or clip into place. These particular teeth are removable by you.
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The All-on-4 Treatment Concept. TheAll-on-4 implant supported dentures are designed for patients who have experienced some bone loss and are not considered candidates for regularly fixed implants. Instead, your teeth are supported by four strategically placed implants. |
Benefits of Implant Supported Dentures
There are several benefits associated with implant supported dentures:
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Permanent. They do not have to be removed. Nor will they slip or fall out of place.
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Comfortable. They are supported by implants, rather than your gums.
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Easy to care for. They can be brushed and flossed like your natural teeth.
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You will notice a significant improvement in your ability to eat, your digestion, and your overall health.
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Speech is improved.
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They do not need replacing.
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The implants help to maintain the strength and integrity of your jawbone, meaning your facial shape will not change. |
Tooth loss doesn’t mean you are relegated to traditional dentures anymore. If you have experienced tooth loss, contact Rogue Valley Dental Center at (541) 779-4517 and find out if implant supported dentures are right for you!
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