Implant-Supported Overdentures in Elizabeth, NJ
Losing your natural teeth can be emotionally devastating and significantly impact your oral health and quality of life. Many people mistakenly believe that dentures are the only solution to missing teeth. However, they often come with many challenges, including discomfort, instability, and difficulty chewing. Thankfully, implant-supported overdentures now offer numerous benefits that can truly transform the lives of those dealing with tooth loss.
The skilled oral surgeons at Elizabeth Surgery Group are ready to evaluate your needs and recommend the best possible permanent solution to replace your lost teeth and restore your smile. We understand how far-reaching the effects of tooth loss can be, so we will work with you to devise a treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Every member of our team in Elizabeth, NJ is committed to prioritizing your safety and comfort throughout your treatment journey and will do everything in our power to ensure you leave our office completely satisfied.
What Is an Overdenture?
Overdentures are a removable dental prosthesis that sits on one or more of your natural teeth and is typically held in place by a dental implant. Although overdentures look identical to traditional dentures, there is a significant difference in how they are worn.
Traditional dentures require a patient’s remaining teeth to be removed. Your Elizabeth surgeon will then cement them onto the gums or hold them in place using a removable adhesive. Alternatively, an overdenture is secured directly into your jawbone using implants to anchor your prosthesis. Depending on the type of overdenture you opt for, it will either be permanently fixed or removable, like a traditional denture.
Types of Implant Overdentures We Offer at Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group
At Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group, we offer several types of implant-supported overdentures depending on your needs. Depending on your oral health history and concerns, our Elizabeth surgeons may recommend one of the following treatments:
Implant-Retained, Gum-Supported Overdentures
Implant-retained, gum-supported overdentures rest on the gums and are held by implants inserted into either the upper or lower jaw. The removable overdenture is securely secured to the implant with a built-in attachment.
Bar-Retained, Implant Supported Overdentures
These overdentures are supported by a metal bar that is then attached to the dental implant. The overdenture is adhered to the metal bar via the attachments built directly into the restoration. These overdentures are removable and must be cleaned nightly.
Fixed Implant-Supported Overdentures
Fixed implant-supported overdentures are built so the overdenture and the bar make up a single unit that is attached with screws to the implants inside the upper or lower jawbones. Only a professional oral surgeon can remove this type of overdenture. Fixed implant overdentures are the most similar to natural teeth, and many patients forget they are even there.
It is essential to note that not everyone is a candidate for overdentures. Patients must have sufficient healthy bone and gum tissue to support the implant. However, your surgeon may recommend other procedures to restore your health before installing your prosthesis.
Benefits of Overdentures Instead of Traditional Dentures
Depending on the type of overdenture your oral surgeon recommends, they can offer a more permanent and durable alternative to traditional dentures. Some of the many advantages of overdentures include the following:
- Increased comfort
- A more natural appearance
- Bone loss prevention
- Gum tissue loss prevention
- Reduced gum irritation
- Reduced or eliminated the need for dental adhesive
- The ability to eat what you want without complication
- Improved fit
- Easier oral hygiene
Depending on your unique circumstances, you may experience even more benefits than those listed above. However, reaping these benefits largely depends on how you heal from your procedure.
Following your surgery, it is essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments. Failure to do so may result in complications that can negatively impact your oral health and the success of your procedure. Your surgeon will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure so that you can be fully prepared for your treatment journey.
Schedule an Appointment with a First-Class Oral Surgeon at Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group
If you are suffering from complications related to tooth loss, overdentures can help you control your confidence and oral health. Unlike traditional dentures, these innovative restorations can be permanently affixed to dental implants and behave nearly identically to your natural teeth.
At Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group, our skilled specialists are dedicated to helping you restore your smile to its former glory. We understand how challenging living with tooth loss can be and will work with you to devise a treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Our founder, Dr. Nancy Herbst, has more than 25 years of experience helping patients across New Jersey and is ready to help you protect your health. To learn more about how we can help you, schedule a free consultation today by calling (908) 663-5309 or completing our contact form.
