What are Implant Retained Dentures?
For patients who are missing a significant number of teeth on one or both arches of their mouth, dentures can be a great option to restore the form and function of their teeth! Traditional dentures use suction and adhesion to stay in place but an implant retained denture relies on surgically placed dental implants for support.
Implant Retained Denture
An implant retained denture is a dental prosthesis that works to restore the form and function of one or both arches of the mouth. Dental implants are placed in the jaw and are fitted with nylon rings that allow the denture to snap in and out of the mouth.
Having implants placed to support your denture is actually a healthier option than relying on a traditional denture. Since a traditional denture sits above the gumline and does not involve the jaw bone, the bone can actually begin to deteriorate overtime. This changes your face structure and can cause your denture to become ill-fitting. Dental implants act as the root of a tooth and help stimulate bone regeneration so that your jaw bone stays healthy and does not deteriorate.
Implant retained dentures are also significantly more secure and do not slip in your mouth as traditional dentures can, so you do not need to worry about your dentures moving as you eat or speak.
Implant Placement
An oral surgeon will surgically place your implants into your jaw bone and secure a temporary abutment onto the implants to keep them secure and healthy as they heal. Implant surgery has a significant healing time of about six months and during this time, you will be in a temporary denture that will help protect the implants.
After your implants have fully integrated with the jaw bone, your oral surgeon will clear you for permanent denture placement. Your dentist will place nylon rings onto the implant that allow the denture to be held in place while giving you the ability to remove them each night for cleaning and oral care.
Dental implants can last a lifetime but the nylon rings will wear out over time and need to be replaced. Your denture will also need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years depending on your individual wear and tear.
Who is a candidate for implant retained dentures?
As long as you are healthy and can endure the surgery and healing time for dental implants, you may be a great candidate for implant retained dentures. The oral surgeon will determine if you have enough bone structure to support dental implants and if you do not, they may advise that you receive a bone graft before your implants.
For a bone graft, your surgeon will please either a synthetic bone or a bone that has been harvested from another area of your mouth into the section of jaw that is to receive the implants. A bone graft is allowed to heal for up to three months before implant placement though sometimes, implants can be placed immediately with the bone graft.
If you need a denture, speak with your dentist to determine if you are a candidate for implant retained dentures.