Traditional full dentures sit passively on the upper and/or lower jaws and in the ideal case form a suction attachment to the gum. However, when teeth are lost the body decides that the bone is no longer needed and the bone is resorbed. It atrophies like an unused muscle.

What does this mean for patients?

It can have a huge impact on their appearance as the shrinkage of the bone results in the ageing “caved in” look. Also due to the lack of bone for the denture to sit on the suction effect becomes weaker as time passes. Wearing loose and uncomfortable dentures can seriously limit what you can eat. They are unable to eat and chew their favourite foods.  The dentures are so big they can reduce the taste and texture of foods they can eat. They can’t eat anything other than soft foods such as mashed potato and soup.  You might enjoy soup or mash. But what if that was the ONLY thing you could eat for the rest of your life? Therefore there is also a reduction in the normal digestion process.

What is the solution?

An Implant Supported Denture.  A dental implant is an artificial titanium tooth root. After a healing period, it becomes fully integrated into the bone. This provides a fixed long-term solution that can replace anywhere between one and all of your teeth. A few of two to four implants can be enough to lock the dentures firmly into place providing a secure and confident smile for the patient and they can begin to enjoy their favourite foods again.  The placement of dental implants preserves the remaining bone, maintaining the shape and structure of the lips and cheeks.

What is the implant-supported denture procedure?

The patient undergoes a thorough examination, and the dentist assesses the remaining bone levels.

Although dentists can place implants if teeth have been missing for a long time, they may need to use additional techniques. After precise planning, the dentist places two or four implants in the jaw in a single treatment session, and during the healing process, the implants fully integrate into the bone. During this time, the dentist makes the new denture, which consists of the female components, while the male components are attached to the implants. The components click together just like pressing a button and the denture is then firmly attached.

If you are considering getting dentures then book a consultation at our dental practice in York.