There is often a great deal of confusion about what a dental implant is. Traditionally, a single dental implant was used to replace a single missing tooth. When a patient is missing a large number of teeth, the assumption is that there will be so many implants that need to be placed that its just not financially possible. They are then left with no option but to use traditional dentures, which are often times either bulky, move too much or both. This is most apparent with lower full dentures.
What a large number of patients are not aware of is that dental implants do not have to have a SINGLE tooth attached to them, rather they can be used to anchor in your existing dentures. As little as 2 dentures on the lower jaw can make that loose and uncomfortable denture turn into an extremely stable and less bulky set of teeth. With upper full dentures, while the are able to stay retentive on their own accord, they do require the entire roof of the mouth (palate) to be covered which increases its bulk significantly. With implants the entire palate portion can be removed, drastically reducing the size of the denture. This also has the added benefits of a smaller denture to clean, less surface for plaque to build up, and giving the soft tissue on your palate a to be ‘free’ to prevent possible candida infections.
If you or a loved one is struggling with their dentures we at the Dental Surgery - St Marys would be happy to assess your condition and discuss how we can help get you eating and smiling comfortably again!