How Do Implant-Retained Dentures Work?
Four to eight implant posts can be surgically inserted into your jaw in
order to act as “roots” for a full row of prosthetic teeth.
Unlike traditional dentures, implant-retained dentures can either be
removable or fixed; removable dentures can be taken out of your mouth for
cleaning, but fixed dentures can simply be brushed and flossed like natural
teeth. In either case, the implant posts anchor your false teeth in place so
that they won’t slip when you speak or chew.
Am I a Candidate for Implant-Retained Dentures?
Virtually anyone who is missing an arch of teeth can get dentures, but if
you’re thinking about getting dental implants, Dr. Mosby will have to
consider the following factors:
-
Jawbone Density: In many cases, you’ll need to
receive bone grafts before your jaw is dense enough to join with and
support implants.
-
Oral Health: Gum disease can lead to bone loss, which in
turn can cause implants to fail. If you have gum disease, you’ll
need to delay getting implants until it’s been successfully treated.
-
Healing Ability: If you have diabetes or use tobacco, it
could impede your mouth’s ability to heal, and that could make it
more difficult for implants to successfully join with your jaw.
If there’s an issue that could complicate the dental implant process,
we’ll need to address it before you can receive your new teeth.
The Implant-Retained Dentures Procedure
After your first consultation, we’ll help you schedule any necessary
preparatory work (such as bone grafting). Once your mouth and jaw are ready,
the implant placement can be performed. The gums will be opened so that the
implants can be inserted into the jaw in specifically chosen areas.
You’ll normally need to allow a few months for the implants to fuse
with the jaw through the process of osseointegration; once they do,
you’ll return to our practice so that your permanent dentures can be
designed and placed.
Benefits of Combining Dentures and Dental Implants
- Prosthetic teeth that look and feel natural
-
Dentures that won’t slip and possess chewing power comparable to
natural teeth
- Durable implant posts that can last a lifetime
