Lower Jaw Implants
If you have a lower denture, you probably know how hard it can be to eat comfortably. This discomfort is due to the fact that when lower teeth are lost, the bone in the jaw continually recedes. Over time, this causes a lower denture to become loose an
d
floppy. Even worse, there are nerves in the jaw that become exposed as bone tissue is lost, so when you bite down, it hurts! Fortunately, it's usually possible to place implants into the lower jaw. So what's the solution? In most cases, lower jaw implantose an
s can really help to maintain the bone tissue in your jaw by absorbing the pressure that would otherwise be placed on your bone and nerves. Implants are surgically-placed titanium cylinders that serve as artificial tooth roots in the bone of your jaw. The
implants are connected with a bar, and clips are put into a new lower denture. The clips snap onto the bar and anchor your denture, keeping it from rocking and shifting. You can easily remove the denture to clean the implants and the bar at home.
What happens during the procedure?
Replacing missing teeth with implants requires a great deal of experience, skill and expertise, as well as a relatively long period of time. First, X-rays are taken to make sure you have adequate bone to support the titanium cylinders. Then models of
your mouth are created so precise measurements can be made, and the exact location of the implant is pinpointed.
Next, the implants are placed. This usually requires two surgical procedures - one to place the titanium cylinders in your jaw, and another after the implants have healed completely to expose the implants and place the bar on the post. Treatment time,
start to finish, ranges from three to 12 months.
Will implants work for me?
You must be in good overall health, with healthy gums and proper bone structure, for the implants to anchor securely. If you have a systemic disease such as diabetes, a problem with clenching or grinding your teeth (called bruxism), or if you smoke or
drink alcohol, it's likely that you are not a good candidate for implants. Poor oral hygiene is one of the main reasons implants fail, so you must be willing to be meticulous about your dental home care, brushing and flossing daily and seeing us as much aoke or
s four times a year for exams and cleanings, to make sure your gums stay he
