Implant-Retained Dentures – Kingwood, TX

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