Can Food Get Under Implant-supported Dentures?

One question people who are about to get implant-support dentures have is whether food will get stuck under them.

Implant-supported dentures are dental prostheses designed to restore someone’s teeth (both functionally and aesthetically) after severe damage or tooth loss. They are designed to look natural and are permanently fixed to the mouth using 4 or more implants placed across the jawbone.

In some cases, yes, it is possible to get food stuck under them, but you can usually resolve this problem with a bit of precaution, and the right care.
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Why Does Food Get Stuck Under Implant-Supported Dentures?

First, let’s consider the differences between a singular dental implant and an implant-supported denture.

The dental implant has three components: the metal root that gets implanted into the jaw, the abutment, and the dental crown. All these 3 pieces fit together like a perfect puzzle and actually mimic the way your natural teeth come out of the gums. Unlike a crown placed on top of a tooth, there is no space where any food can get trapped under a dental implant.

Implant-supported dentures are a bit different. Instead of individual crowns, the full-arch denture is fixed to all 4 metal roots and abutments. As a result, there is a bit of leeway across the denture where food could potentially become trapped.
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How to Prevent Food from Getting Stuck

With any type of permanent tooth or arch restoration, it’s still important to have good dental hygiene and clean your mouth. Even if you don’t feel or notice that food is getting stuck under the dentures, you should still take the time to clean the mouth after every meal.

If you can’t brush after every time you eat, you should at least cleanse the mouth with mouthwash or even plain water to remove some of the food particles that could make their way between the dentures and the gums. Then, when you can, brush your dentures and gums as you normally would.

You can also try a water flossing tool that can provide a better denture cleaning experience. The water pressure can help remove food particles and bacteria under the dentures.

If you stay on top of your oral hygiene, you will likely not experience any major problems with your dentures. However, be sure to visit the dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings, and pay attention to the gum area for any changes that could warrant some special attention.
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Want to Know If Implant-Supported Dentures Are for You? Visit The Art of Dentistry!

The Art of Dentistry can help you get the healthy and stunning smile you deserve, with a full range of restorative procedures, including implant-supported dentures.
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Book an appointment with Dr. Kory Kirkegaard online or call us at (913) 274-9200 to find out more about your dental services and how we can help!