Mini Dental Implants and Denture Stabilization
Denture implants are a great solution for patients whose dentures just don't quite stay put.
Also known as mini dental implants, they are slender titanium screws that a dental implant dentist or prosthodontist attaches to your jawbone in a simple surgical procedure. Just 2-4 mini implants attached to your lower jaw can ensure that your denture never wanders again.
Mini implants are considerably smaller than standard tooth implants, so the dental implant surgery is less invasive, takes less time, and heals faster. In addition, denture implants cost less.
Denture patients will often be given a provisional denture to immediately wear over their implants. Once the implants have healed, a permanent denture can be fabricated, or the patient's existing denture can be retrofitted to accommodate the denture implants. The removable denture will snap on to the implants to provide added support, stability and retention.
Many a denture dentist loves being able to offer dental implant therapy. "I have done around 20 cases using mini implants under lower dentures," said one dentist. "I feel this is one of the best things I have done for my patients and my practice."
Agreed another, "In the correct situation and understanding how to use them, they are a wonderful long-term solution."
As with regular dental implant surgery, the dentist will need to take X-rays an possibly bone scans to make sure there is enough bone to support the implants. Since the cost of dental therapy is significant, there's no sense placing implants that are likely to fail.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
FAQs - Dental Information For Seniors
Q. Why do teeth seem to darken as people age?
A. Teeth may seem darker because plaque can build up faster and in larger amounts as one ages. Changes in dentin can cause teeth to appear a little darker as well.
Q. Why do some seniors lose their sense of taste?
A. Seniors tend to lose their sense of taste because age decreases the sense of taste and smell. Certain diseases, medications, and dentures also can contribute to a decreased sense of taste.
Q. Should seniors be worried about cavities?
A. Yes. The majority of seniors have tooth-root decay and are more susceptible to cavities.
Q. What is root decay?
A. Over time, tooth enamel can wear away in the crowns of teeth and around the tooth roots. Receding gums expose the roots, making them more prone to decay.
Q. What makes seniors more cavity-prone?
A. Seniors are more prone to root decay and gum recession. Additionally, many seniors have "dry mouth" (caused from medications or medical conditions), which increases the risk of cavities. Some also may have difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene due to physical limitations.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.