Everything you need to know about Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures refer to a type of overdenture that is held by and attached to dental implants. Regular dentures are different as they rest on gums, instead of implants. They have specialized attachments that snap onto the implants. They are used for cases where a patient does not have any teeth left in the jaw but has sufficient bone to support implants.

Implant-supported dentures are usually placed in the lower jaw as the regular dentures tend to be less stable there and do not promote bone health. Regular dentures are only suitable for upper jaws as they are stable on their own and they do not require the support which is provided by the implant. However, unlike regular denture, implant-supported dentures are suited for both, lower and upper jaw.

They can be removed easily daily to clean the gum area and the dentures. Similar to regular dentures, an implant-supported denture cannot be worn overnight. However, some people go for fixed dentures by opting for permanent (fixed) bridgework and crown. Dentures and partials in Coppell, TX are of high quality, designed to solve your dental concerns. It is the job of your dentist to consider your requirements and needs before suggesting any dental denture services.

Types of Implant-supported dentures

Generally speaking, there are two types of implant-supported dentures: ball-retained and bar-retained. For both types, the base of the denture is made of acrylic to give it an appearance similar to the gums. Then acrylic or porcelain teeth that look like the patient’s natural teeth are attached to the base. Both dentures require at least two dental implants for support.

• Ball-retained dentures: They are also called stud-attachment dentures. They have two parts male and female attachments. The ball-shaped attachments on the implants are called male attachments and the sockets into which these fit are called female attachments. Thus, each implant in the jawbone has a metal attachment that fits into a different attachment on the denture. The implants hold the female attachments and the denture holds the male ones.
• Bar-retained dentures: A slim metal bar that follows the shape of the patient’s jaw is attached to two to five implants placed in his or her jawbone. Clips or several types of attachments are fitted to the denture, bar, or both. The denture is attached to the bar and the attachments clip it securely into its place.

Procedure

Usually, implants are fitted into the jawbone at the front because it’s better for the bone health since there is more bone at the front of the mouth than at the back. Once any tooth is lost, the loss of bone from that area begins. Also, the front jaw does not have any structures or nerves. Therefore, there is no interference with the placement of the implants.

Getting implants is a time-consuming process. The duration depends on several factors but the shortest duration varies between upper and lower jaw. For upper jaw, the shortest time frame is seven months and for the lower jaw, it is five months. The time frame includes the preliminary as well as the final procedures which are the surgery and the placement of the denture.

Two surgeries need to be performed. The first surgery fits the implants into the jawbone under the gums. And the second surgery which is performed after three to six months of the first exposes the top of the implants.

With the advancement of modern dental implants restorations procedure, the one-stage procedure is now used. The dentist places the supporting bar and implant at one stage. This procedure is becoming highly popular as the success rate is very high.

Benefits

An implant-supported denture is more stable than a regular denture. It facilitates easier communication and the patient does not have to worry about the dentures falling off from the mouth or becoming loose. It allows the patients to eat all the foods that he or she could not eat earlier. However, the patient has to be careful not to eat sticky or hard food as they can damage the denture. The upper jaw implant- supported dentures cover less of the mouth palate.

Proper care and maintenance of the denture is essential, for it to last for a longer duration. The dentures should be removed at night and cleaned regularly. Schedule an appointment with Compassion smiles to get the best consultation and dental services regarding implant-supported dentures.