Implant Retained Dentures
Replacing Missing Teeth With Implant Retained Dentures
Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite” and your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and cause muscle pain in your jaws and headaches. And, of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance. Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you lose all your lower teeth.
What If I’m Missing All Of My Lower Teeth?
Locator Attachment Denture
One option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw, and a denture made that snaps onto these dental implants. This option allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, your lower denture will still move, and sore spots may occur if any food particles are caught underneath. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.
Bar and Locator Attachment Denture
Another option involves placing four implants into your lower jaw, depending on your jaw size or shape. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach to the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. This is called an overdenture. The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Screw Retained Denture
A third option involves placing 4-6 or more implants in your jaw and attaching a fixed, non-removable denture. Your denture is held in place by screws or clasps that secure it to the support posts or bar. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all your missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time-consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.
What If I’m Missing All Of My Upper Teeth?
A similar range of treatment options is also available for your upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth. Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need to cover the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to taste your food thoroughly and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
Implant Retained Upper Denture
Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need to cover the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
Implant Benefits
Improved confidence
Stability during eating
Bone and gum preservation
Improved dental hygiene
Superior esthetics
Nutritional benefits
Your Teeth Deserve Superior Care
Dr. Fialkoff offers a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!