Recovery After Getting Implant Supported Dentures

If you are considering getting implant supported dentures, it is helpful to understand how the procedure works. Not only do you want to know what this treatment can do for your smile, but you need to follow some guidelines on getting used to the appliances. Your dentist can help you ease into the dentures so they can be effective.

Description of implant supported dentures

In some form, dentures have been around for centuries. Traditionally, dentures consist of plastic false teeth attached to a gum-colored acrylic base. The dentures replace missing teeth and come in either a full or partial form. Traditional dentures sit on the person’s gums and are usually removable, though permanent options are available. Implant supported dentures are secured by dental implants. They offer a firm fit and good stability.

The surgical process

To get traditional dentures, the patient will start with an appointment with the dentist. Here, the dentist takes X-rays and makes impressions so a technician can make the appliances to fit properly in the person’s mouth. With implant supported dentures, surgery is required to place the titanium implants in the patient’s jaw. This can take up to six months because the patient needs time to heal, and the implants must fuse to the bone. The dentist first screws posts into the jaw. Once there is enough bone growth, the dentist attaches abutments to the posts.

The dentures should fit right onto the abutments using clasps or a locator. Often known as snap-on dentures, these appliances are removable like traditional dentures. Before sending the patient home with the new dentures, the dentist will test the fit and the person’s bite.

Managing pain

The implantation process can be uncomfortable and may cause pain for several days. The patient can take over-the-counter drugs, though the dentist may prescribe pain medication as well. The patient should eat soft foods for about a week after getting the posts. If there is swelling, the person should call the dentist. The dentist can advise the patient when to resume normal eating habits.

After the dentures are placed

It may take a few weeks for the patient to get used to wearing the implant supported dentures. The person should be cautious about eating hard and sticky foods. Hot drinks may also cause irritation at first. Immediately after getting the dentures, the person should begin following basic oral hygiene guidelines. It is important for the person to brush at least twice a day and to floss daily. The dentist will follow up a few weeks after the person gets the appliances. After that, regular semiannual wellness appointments are critical.

Feeling good about your smile again

Though the process of getting implant supported dentures can be long and challenging, it can produce the smile you have been looking for. To help make the procedure more effective, you should follow your dentist’s recommendation as you recover and get accustomed to the appliances and implants. A cosmetic dentist near you has the knowledge and training to make this a successful treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://jacksonheightdental.com or call 82nd St. Dental at (718) 709-3883 for an appointment in our Jackson Heights office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.