If you have opted for implant dentistry to replace your missing teeth, you will need to decide on fixed or removable restorations. Read on to learn about implant dentistry and your options. Removable implant-supported restorations can be snapped on and off the abutments anytime there is a need to take off. In contrast, fixed restorations are permanent, and you will need to visit a dentist to take them off.
Regardless of your choice of implant-supported restoration, implant dentistry provides full dental functions and a more confident smile.
Implant dentistry: Fixed vs. removable dental implant restorations
Since they are permanently connected to dental implants, fixed implant-supported restorations appear, feel, and operate exactly like natural teeth. Patients will not have to take them out every night to clean them or store them in special solutions while they sleep. In some cases, one might even forget the dental implant fixture is there at all.
In the past, fixed implant-supported dentures needed more jaw bone for support than removable dentures, making them unsuitable for patients who had suffered a significant level of bone loss. However, a complete arch with just four implant restorations is now an option for some of these individuals. Bone grafting may also be recommended to boost the jaw’s strength in preparation for fixed implant-supported dentures.
Patients can clean fixed implant restorations exactly like their natural teeth, except for the tiny area where the restoration meets the gums, which requires proper attention to avoid the accumulation of food debris and plaque. Patients can opt for water flossers, floss threaders, or tiny interdental brushes to make cleaning simpler.
Removable implant-supported restorations
Removable implant-supported dentures are a hybrid between conventional dentures and fixed implant-supported dentures, providing many of the advantages of fixed implant-supported dentures while still having some of the disadvantages of traditional dentures. They feel more like conventional dentures, despite the fact that they do not need sticky adhesives and are firmly snapped onto the implants, so they never slide or move. They are a little bigger, and they have to be taken off every night for cleaning. Patients can put their teeth back on in the morning.
Removable implant dentures are a better choice than fixed dentures if the patient has experienced jawbone loss since they need less support compared to a fixed option. Removable implant denture alternatives are also considerably less expensive than fixed implant dentures, significantly benefiting many patients. Furthermore, implant-supported removable dentures are simpler to clean since it is possible to remove them for hygiene.
Ready to replace your missing teeth?
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there is no generalized approach since each patient has unique treatment objectives and dental requirements. The easiest way to figure out which option is ideal for you is to come in for a consultation. The dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, review your dental and medical history, and speak with you about your expectations to determine which tooth-replacement options are appropriate for you.
Request an appointment or call Sam Patel DDS, PA at 972-638-5848 for an appointment in our McKinney office.
Related Posts
The oral hygiene basics recommended by dentists are essential for healthy teeth and gums. They include brushing and flossing, which should be done twice and once a day, respectively. However, not everyone adheres to this guidance. Is it that bad if you skip these practices.As it turns out, failing to observe oral hygiene basics can…
Brushing and flossing teeth are critical oral hygiene basics that everyone should include in their care routines. Many people already know the proper procedures and benefits of brushing their teeth regularly, but flossing sometimes gets left out. In fact, according to U.S. News, only about 30% of the population in the United States flosses daily.…
When you visit the dentist, you expect to get your teeth cleaned and learn the current state of your dental health. However, many people overlook the expertise that dentists can provide about oral hygiene basics.In addition to caring for teeth, dentists can offer helpful recommendations for patients to maintain tooth health. Discuss these important topics…