I wrote this blog today because there are still lots of people who have lost their teeth and are using dentures. There are approximately 50,000,000 people in the United States who are "edentulous" (literally meaning lacking teeth. Many suffer discomfort as a result of loose or ill-fitting dentures. Many denture wearers simply withdraw from any type of social engagement as a result of having to wear them. Moreover, it's not uncommon for family members to complain about a denture wearer's disagreeable breath as a result of food being trapped and decaying under their denture prosthesis.
I know this is unpleasant and I apologize, but it's important to know.
Wearing and using dentures is not a character defect or a cause for embarrassment. A denture is a prosthesis – a body part replacement. People lose body parts through accidents, disease and other unfortunate facts of life. And prosthetics is the science of replacing the lost structures and function and restoring quality of life.
Dentistry replaces lost and missing teeth all the time. We do it pretty well, actually.
But there is one type of dental prosthesis that is still not where we and our patients would like it to be. And that is the case of the complete lower denture.
When a person loses all their lower teeth, the denture for that has been a problem for many, many denture patients. There are a lot of reasons why. They have to do with the shape and mobility of the lower jaw, the presence of the tongue and the narrowness of the lower gum ridge.
But things have gotten tremendously better. Because now we can make lower dentures stay in place, be comfortable and stable and that ma
kes lower denture patients very, very happy.
How, you ask? I'll tell you how.
Mini Dental Implants, that's how.
A mini dental implant consists of a miniature titanium implant that acts like the root of a tooth and a retaining device that is incorporated into the base of the denture, The head of the implant is shaped like a ball and the retaining device acts like a socket for the ball. The retaining device grips the ball and holds the denture firmly on the implant. The denture gently rests on the gum tissue, but the ball/implant prevents the denture from pressing hard into the gum tissue. The implant fixtures allow for micro-mobility while resisting natural lifting forces.
Having trouble visualizing how it works? I think a picture will help. Here's one.
Successful placement of Mini Dental Implants addresses and solves all the social and practical problems. Denture patients all over the world have experienced relief from loose or ill-fitting dentures from doctors who are trained to place these implants.
In our office the entire procedure of placing four Mini Dental Implants and the retaining devices into a denture that otherwise fits well takes about two easy hours. The patient walks right out with a stabilized prosthesis.
There is none of the surgery associated with conventional dental implants. No incision is made in the gum and only a local anesthetic is used. It is NOT a traumatic procedure. Most patients are absolutely amazed how easy it was.
If you have a lower denture and would like it to be tight, functional and comfortable, Mini Dental Implants are for you. We can help.
Our patients know how to call us. But if you are not a patient of our office, that's OK. We'll be glad to answer questions and help in any way. It's easy. Send us an e-mail at DrSteveRoss@aol.com and tell us what's on your mind. We will respond to you promptly. Don't be shy.
Don't suffer with a loose lower denture anymore. You deserve better.
