Dr. Walter Mick offers a couple of methods of tooth replacement for patients that are edentulous (missing all of their teeth). A secure and convenient option is implant-retained dentures in Reynoldsburg, OH. Dental implants keep your dentures in place for better function and appearance. Dr. Mick can design either fixed or removable implant-retained dentures for you. Either way, you’ll have a beautiful smile!
As the name suggests, dental implants are used to hold the dentures in place. Four or more implants are surgically embedded toward the front of your upper or lower jaw if you need a full denture. This area of the jaw offers the greatest bone density to ensure a solid foundation for your new teeth. In the case of a partial denture, only one or two implants will likely be necessary. Implant-retained dentures are especially helpful for tooth replacement along the lower arch because traditional dentures are more likely to loosen here.
Implant-retained dentures in Reynoldsburg could be right for you whether you are a current denture wearer or will be getting dentures for the first time. Dr. Mick will initially conduct a complete oral exam to ensure that your gums and underlying bone structure are healthy. Strong gums and alveolar bone are essential to the long-term success of implant-supported dentures. Digital X-rays will also show if you have sufficient bone density to hold the implants in place. If not, then a bone graft could solve this problem.
Dr. Mick prepares your individualized treatment plan based on information gathered with X-rays and impressions of your gum ridge.
At the first implant appointment, an incision is made in your gums to expose the bone. A small hole is drilled in the bone and the implant is secured. The incision is stitched closed, and you are given post-op instructions to help keep the site clean and promote healing.
Once the implant and bone tissue have bonded together, a healing cap is placed on top of the implant so your gums form around it. This prevents gum tissue from getting in the way of your new dentures. Finally, another set of impressions is taken of your gums and the abutments, so your dentures can be handcrafted in the dental lab. Custom adjustments are made in the dental office to ensure a perfect fit.
In addition to keeping your new dentures secured, dental implants provide other benefits, too. Most importantly, they help to keep your jaw well-formed and your face looking younger.
When you have a missing tooth, you also have a missing root. A root does more than just keep a tooth in place. That root helps to maintain your healthy jaw.
When you use a tooth to bite down, it’s like a signal to your circulatory system to send blood and nutrients to the site. Therefore, when a tooth is missing, circulation to the area falls off, and the bone can begin to deteriorate. Consequently, your jawbone shrinks. But a dental implant acts just like a tooth root, providing the stimulation necessary to keep your jaw strong and healthy.