
Oct
Have you lost multiple teeth? Missing even one tooth can have a profound impact on a person’s life, but when you have more than one gap in your smile, it can affect your ability to chew food and speak clearly. Even worse, your remaining teeth can suffer because of it. Dental implants have become the go-to solution for tooth replacement, and implant-supported dentures have become increasingly popular for smile and functionality restoration.
Human beings are enjoying a much longer lifespan than in past centuries, but our teeth haven’t caught up with us. Besides aging, tooth loss can occur because of trauma, neglect, and genetics. The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that, in the U.S., more than 36 million people are living without teeth. Even more startling, more than 120 million people are missing at least one tooth. Implant-supported dentures have come along at the right time in history.
With implant-supported dentures, an implant is placed at each end of the dental arch. While traditional removable dentures sit on top of the gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored to the implants that have been surgically placed directly into the jawbone. The implants replace the roots of the teeth to provide a secure foundation for a dental bridge or dentures. Implant-supported dentures can be either fixed or removable.
All-on-X dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth or even an entire dental arch using just a few implants. The “X” refers to how many implants a patient needs to support their other teeth or bridges. This generic phrase can be used for as few as four implants or as many as eight.
There are different advantages and characteristics to all of these full-arch implant options.
Some practices also offer All-On-X using seven, eight, or more implants.
The most important concern with dental implants is that you have to have sufficient jawbone. When you’re missing a tooth, your jawbone starts to shrink away, causing bone loss. If this has happened to you, your dentist will need to do a bone graft before you can get dental implants. Without a bone graft, your jawbone can’t support the implants and bridge. You also have to have overall good oral health.
Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos at All Coast Dental in San Diego, California, are here to answer any questions you have and help you restore your smile and functionality with implant-supported dentures. Call us today at (858) 264-3002 or use our online form to request your appointment and consultation.