Denture Stabilization in Stroudsburg, PA

At our yearly physicals, our doctors often emphasize the importance of staying active. They stress the need to move our muscles to prevent atrophy, boost our strength, and enhance our overall well-being. Though this is commonly accepted advice, many don’t realize that our jawbones also need stimulation to stay healthy. Our teeth are anchored in our jawbone, and as we speak and eat throughout the day, the teeth stimulate the bone to keep it strong. After complete tooth loss, the jawbone no longer receives this stimulus, which causes the bone to deteriorate. While dentures replace teeth, they don’t prevent jawbone atrophy. Fortunately, dental implants not only anchor dentures for a more comfortable experience, but they also stimulate the bone. If you are looking for denture stabilization in Stroudsburg, PA, we can help.

With implant dentures from Mint Mini Dental Implants, you can experience a better denture fit and long-lasting oral health benefits.

The Cause of Loose Dentures

One of the more common concerns patients experience with their dentures is that they become loose over time. This typically occurs due to bone resorption, where gums shrink from lack of stimulation after tooth loss. Bone resorption in the jaw is a process in which the bone supporting your teeth begins to break down and is absorbed back into the body.

Imagine your jawbone is like the soil for your teeth, keeping them firmly planted. If the soil erodes, the plants don’t have as much support and can become loose.

This process can happen for a few reasons, but it’s often linked to missing teeth. When a tooth is gone, the part of the jawbone that used to support it no longer has a job to do. Without the regular pressure and stimulation from chewing, the body decides that the bone in that area is no longer necessary and begins to break it down. For denture wearers, this means that dentures that once fit snugly now slip and slide in the mouth, leading to a “floating” feeling.

The Side Effects of Loose Dentures

Loose dentures can be relined to fit the jaw better, but bone loss doesn’t stop. As bone resorption continues, it requires frequent relining appointments, increasing dental visit expenses.

As bone deterioration progresses, you might experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Changes in the fit of your dentures
• Difficulty chewing
• Discomfort during eating
• Changes to your facial appearance, including sunken lips
• Wrinkles that form around the mouth

Ill-fitting dentures can cause many issues as they rub against mouth tissue, causing discomfort from friction and painful gum irritation. This friction might result in cuts, scrapes, or blisters on the skin, leading to infections when exposed to bacteria. One of the more effective solutions for loose dentures is to stabilize them with mini dental implants.

How Does Denture Stabilization Work?

Dental implants are the foundation for implant dentures. They are sturdy pillars inserted into the jawbone that replace the roots of the missing teeth. Our practice typically uses mini dental implants for their efficiency, affordability, and durability.

Mini dental implants function just like traditional dental implants. However, what sets them apart is their significantly smaller size. At less than 3 mm wide, these small titanium posts are half the size of traditional implants. Though they are slimmer, they are remarkably strong and equally effective. We use mini implants to support a range of prostheses, from a single crown to a full set of dentures.

The major benefit of using mini dental implants is that they don’t require incisions due to their smaller size. Dr. Coolican can place them using a minimally invasive technique. Their simple and efficient placement means Dr. Coolican can often implant them in a single day, allowing patients to stabilize their dentures much sooner than with traditional implants.

Finally, when patients seek a denture upgrade, they have usually experienced some level of bone loss. Mini implants do not require much space in the jawbone and generally eliminate the need for bone grafting. As a result, mini implant dentures accommodate a wider range of patients.

What to Expect From Denture Stabilization in Stroudsburg

Mini implants, securely placed in the jawbone, offer lasting stability, comfort, and durability. When cared for properly, they have the potential to last a lifetime, significantly enhancing your quality of life. Their superior stability also enhances the natural look and function of your dentures, which can boost your confidence in your smile.

By serving as artificial tooth roots, implants contribute to a stronger bite and encourage bone growth in the jaw. Implant-supported dentures help you regain chewing strength, prevent bone deterioration, and enable you to enjoy a broader range of foods again, much like you did with your natural teeth.