Did you know 67% of Americans are extremely self-conscious of their smile? It’s a sad truth, and unfortunately one that makes sense. Our smiles are the first thing others notice about us, and they can be recognized up to 300 feet away
If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or your smile, it can have some serious consequences. Most people who are embarrassed of their smile do not feel beautiful or confident, which can lead to decreased self-esteem, mental health issues, and an overall reduced quality of life.
We know the toll this can take first hand because we see it everyday. At Eriks Dental Group, we’re on a mission to restore America’s confidence, one smile at a time. With fixed implant dentures, you can gain your confidence back. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
What Are Fixed Implant Dentures?
Unlike what you might envision when it comes to dentures, fixed implant dentures are permanently attached to implants in your jawbone. Sometimes this type of denture is called a hybrid denture, or may be referred to as an all-on-4 implant.
They work by attaching to 4 dental implants that work as replacement tooth root system. Since the implant dentures are secured to the bone, they provide a sturdy base that does not require suction or special bonding adhesive, like conventional dentures.
As implied, these dentures aren’t removable at home. However, your dentist can remove them in the office for routine maintenance and care.
Benefits Of Fixed Implant Dentures
This option as a tooth loss and repair solution boasts tons of benefits, but the main one is simply convenience. Since this type of denture attaches to the four implants in your jawbone, you won’t have to remove them daily to clean them. Instead, you can enjoy having the normalcy of your natural teeth.
With all-on-4 implants, you’ll experience:
- An enhanced ability to talk, chew, and bite
- The feel of real teeth contours
- Increased strength (because they are screwed in place)
- Increased self confidence
- No pinching or damage to your gums
- Affordability compared to individual tooth implants
- Prevention of jawbone shrinkage from missing teeth
What To Expect From The Procedure
To begin, our team at Eriks Dental Group will evaluate your oral health and the state of your teeth, including goals and possible outcomes. During your initial consult we’ll go over all the options. Once you’ve settled on a denture implant procedure, we’ll schedule it together.
It is important to note that dental implants are considered an outpatient surgery and must be planned for accordingly.
Appointment Day
On the day of your procedure, we’ll administer anesthesia, either locally or through an IV. Once your mouth is numb, a small incision is made along the gumline where the missing tooth or teeth are. Then the base of the implant (referred to as a post) is placed into the jawbone. After placement, the gum is sewn back together.
As an important note, fixed implant denture procedures are often completed during one appointment, thanks to the expertise and care of our outstanding team. However, sometimes the procedure must take place over multiple appointments.
If your personalized care plan indicates that you are a good candidate for a complete implant procedure in only one appointment, the next step is to place the temporary fixed teeth onto the post.
Recovery
It takes around one month or so of active healing time before the permanent zirconium or titanium dentures can be placed at the second appointment of the procedure. While healing, your jawbone with fuse with the implant post through a process called osseointegration. This is what creates the rock-solid base for a fixed implant denture that allows for the increased stability.
Directly after the procedure, our team will work with you to ensure you understand how to care for your temporary implants and recover. It is normal to experience some bruising, swelling, minor bleeding, and naturally, a little pain.
The first few days post-procedure, you’ll be limited to eating soft foods. After a month of recovery time, it is imperative that you strive for adequate nutrition and high-quality oral care. Typically, over-the-counter pain meds are recommended for the first few days of recovery.
Often, before the permanent implants are placed, patients are overcome with the immediate results. After years of dealing with the stress of low self confidence, hiding a smile, never laughing with their mouth open, and generally missing out on life because of damaged or missing teeth, fixed implant dentures restore confidence immediately.
Maintenance And Care
Once everything is healed and the permanent implants have been attached, you mustcontinue with proper maintenance and care. The good news is, there is little to no specialty care instructions for your new implant dentures. Because they are so integrated into your mouth, they function much like your natural teeth, making them a great lower-maintenance choice with many benefits.
As a reminder, it is recommended that you do not smoke or use tobacco products. Additionally, maintaining a healthy and well-rounded diet that limits sugary, sticky, or crunchy foods will prolong the lifespan of your implant dentures and ensure overall oral health.
You should always choose the right toothbrush, floss daily, replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, and choose cleaning products according to ADA recommendations. Of course, regularly scheduled teeth cleaning appointments will keep your new teeth and sparkly smile looking and feeling their best.
Fixed Implant Dentures In Boynton Beach
At Eriks Dental Group, we are proud to bring a brand new smile to your face with our state-of-the-art fixed implant dentures. Combining craft and skill, expertise, and compassion, we’ll work with you to design and implement a customized smile solution. Get started today with a consult appointment in Boynton Beach and see what kind of cosmetic dentistry procedure is the right choice for you.
In addition to dental implants and comprehensive cosmetic services, we are a team committed to providing dentistry services for everyone in your family. Give us a call today at 561-733-4004.