HOW DENTAL IMPLANTS CHANGED MY LIFE!
Courtesy Indianapolis Dental Center, Indianapolis South LIVING WELL Magazine
Millions of people visit their dentist each year complaining of problems associated with wearing dentures. The complaints vary in nature, but by far the most common is of the dentures “moving around.”
In our last article, we introduced Margie C. A successful denture wearer for many years, Margie had recently begun to experience loose dentures. The use of a denture adhesive became a necessary part of her daily routine. Margie sought the services of Dr. Kellie Schaub, a prosthodontist, who specializes in restoring form and function to a patient’s mouth in a variety of ways, including the construction and maintenance of dentures, partials, bridges, implants and crowns. Margie was having trouble because over time her jaw bones had changed and were no longer able to provide the support necessary to keep her dentures fitting properly. This is very common, and luckily for Margie, Schaub was able to do a reline of her existing denture, making the dentures fit snugly once again.
Unfortunately though, for some patients, relining their existing denture doesn’t help. So what are the options for these patients, you might wonder? What can be done to keep their dentures in place all day, without the use of messy adhesives?
Jeff B. was one of these patients, and he was out to find a solution! Two years ago, Jeff had his teeth removed and a set of dentures made. He was frustrated because his lower denture moved around when he talked or ate. As a first time denture wearer, this was a common complaint. However, Jeff was looking for a better result and wanted to know his alternatives.
Jeff contacted Schaub, since this was her area of expertise, and scheduled an appointment. After a complete exam, including x-rays and a review of his medical history, Schaub sat down with Jeff to discuss his concerns. “What is it that you don’t like about your dentures?” she asked him. Like most people, Jeff replied, “They move around when I eat and talk and cause sore spots on my gums. And I can’t eat the things I used to enjoy.” Schaub asked Jeff if he had ever heard of dental implants. Jeff shared that a friend of his had an implant to restore one missing tooth, but he had never heard of implants with dentures.
Dentures become loose because over time the jaw bone that supports them becomes smaller, meaning that the denture no longer has anything to hold it in place. This process of losing supporting bone is different in each individual. It can happen quickly, over just a year or two, or may take several years to become noticeable. In Jeff’s case, it happened more quickly.
The introduction of dental implants has changed the world of dentistry and improved the lives of thousands of patients, including denture wearers. They have been around for over 50 years and the technology has improved to a success rate of over 95%. They can be used in many different ways to aid in the form, function and esthetics of a patient’s smile. The implant is placed in the patient’s jaw to simulate the natural root of a tooth. Once the implant is placed, a restoration is placed on top of it, depending on the need of the patient.
“In the case of denture wearers, implants can provide much more stability” explains Schaub. “They can be placed in the upper and or lower jaw.” She goes on to explain that implant supported dentures are not only more stable, but more comfortable than traditional dentures. “Many of my patients say they don’t even feel like they are wearing dentures” she says. “Also, your ability to eat and speak is greatly improved. You won’t suffer as many sore spots or pressure points. They also help prevent further bone loss, which helps to maintain your facial structure over the years.”
“How long does this process take and is it painful?” Jeff wants to know. Schaub explains that the implant is generally placed by an oral surgeon in a process similar to having a tooth extracted. An anesthetic is used to make sure the patient is comfortable during the procedure. Normally, two implants would be placed for a lower denture and four would be placed for an upper denture. The area is then allowed to heal for a period of about six to eight weeks.
“Once the area has healed,” Schaub explains, “we will be ready to start the process of constructing the denture or dentures.” In most, but not all cases, there is an attachment on the implant, usually ball-shaped, that fits into another attachment on the denture, which is usually socket shaped. These attachments are what provide the support so many patients are looking for.
Jeff decided to proceed with the doctor’s recommendations and had two lower implants placed and a new lower denture made. At his first denture check, 24 hours after his new dentures were delivered, Jeff’s comment was, “I wish I had done this sooner!”
Every patient is unique and there can be many different ways to approach this treatment option. Implants are not for everyone. That is why it is best to seek the advice of a prosthodontist such as Dr. Schaub, who has received extensive training in implant retained dentures, to see if they are right for you!
If you would like more information on dentures, implants, or adjustments feel free to call Dr. Kellie Schaub at 317-884-8633. Indianapolis Dental Center has just moved to a beautiful new office, with new equipment, chairs, and furnishings. Come see us!
