Implant dentistry
A Cut Above
Dentures are one of the oldest forms of tooth replacement, at one point even made of wood, they have for quite some time been available as removable replacement teeth. These “false teeth,” require quite a bit of attention, nightly soaking in specially made formulas to reduce the all to familiar staining that seems to accompany these tooth prosthetics.
While the teeth themselves are strong and durable, their ability to bond and fit properly to the jaw leaves much to be desired. All of which can lead to breaks requiring a more regular repair cycle. As a solution to this far too common problem are the invention of permanently implanted dentures.
This type of denture needs only enough jaw bone to support the implant, where with removal dentures they simply rested on the gum’s, causing a much looser fit. There are two different types of denture implants, bar-retained and ball retained, both requiring full surgical procedures. While the bar-retained dentures are attached by clips the ball-retained method is probably just what it sounds like. Comparable to the standard stud and “ball” jewelry used in many piercing’s, it to entails the screwing together of these two parts. In place of the ball you would instead have a false tooth or teeth.
There is also the option of individual teeth implants, for those who do not require multiple teeth replacements in the same common area. This method is very similar to the ball-retained procedure, on a much smaller scale as it will be done tooth by tooth.
While these procedures give much hope to those of us that require new teeth, they are not a justifiable reason to neglect your oral health. It is nice to have these options available, your natural teeth will always be the best bet.