Dental Implants Existing Partial
For patients who need a partial or full denture, dental implants can be used to secure the denture in place, creating a much more stable option for restoring missing teeth. Traditional dentures are designed to fit over the gum tissue and bone, held in place using retention, suction, and when necessary, adhesives. The problem with traditional dentures is that over time, the bone structure will begin to deteriorate in the area missing teeth because tooth roots help stimulate bone growth so the lack of anything in place to aid in that process leads to deterioration. When bone begins to break down, the denture will become poorly fitting and the facial structure will begin to change. An ill-fitting denture can be very uncomfortable, friction and irritation causing sores on the gum tissue.
Using dental implants to secure a denture in place is very beneficial for not only the comfort of a denture that never moves but also for the added health benefit of bone stimulation to prevent deterioration. Dental implants give patients an increased sense of comfort and confidence!
What is a denture?
A denture is a custom-made dental prosthesis that can be used to replace a few missing teeth in one area, with a partial denture, or an entire arch or both arches, with a full denture. A full upper denture fits snugly over the entire roof of your mouth whereas a lower denture is horseshoe-shaped to allow for the tongue. A traditional denture is removable for oral hygiene and sleeping.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jaw bone as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant is placed, it is covered with a healing cap to protect it while it heals for up to six months. During the healing time, the implant will begin to fuse with the jaw bone, called osseointegration, which is what provides the stable foundation for the implant restoration.
How does a dental implant support a denture?
An implant can be used to replace one tooth with an individual implant crown or an entire arch on one or both arches with an implant supported denture. For patients who need a permanent denture, 4 to 8 dental implants are placed in the jawbone of the upper, lower, or both arches and a denture is screwed into place on the implants.
A permanent denture is a significantly more stable way for patients to restore their smile. Patients that wear a traditional denture often have trouble with fit and retention because it is held in place with suction and adhesion which can still allow the denture to slip around. An implant retained denture cannot slip out of place since it is screwed down.
Traditional Denture vs Permanent Denture
One of the most common problems denture wearers face is a lack of stability. A traditional denture can be challenging for the patient to keep in place without using some form of denture adhesive which can still allow the denture to become loose or slip out of place. When a patient chooses to use dental implants to hold their denture in place, they have an easier time speaking and eating. Even hygiene is easier since they are no longer using an adhesive. An implant supported denture can be removable or fixed, both are more stable and secure than a traditional denture.
There are a number of advantages to implant retained dentures which include but are not limited to:
- Improved oral and overall health: When natural teeth are lost, the surrounding bone no longer needs to support them so your body begins to break down and absorb the bone. Bone deterioration can significantly affect facial structure and can cause a traditional denture to become ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Dental implants help stimulate bone regeneration and prevent deterioration to ensure the structural integrity of the jaw and the implant.
- Improved functionality: Dental implants are as close to a natural tooth that a dental restoration can be. An implant retained denture allows the patient to have confidence and be comfortable eating and speaking.
- Enhanced self-confidence: Using dental implants to support a denture also improves the aesthetics for the patient. An implant supported denture will enhance your facial appearance while enabling good nutrition as you are able to bite and chew normally.
- Permanence: An implant retained denture is considered a permanent dental restoration even though it can be removed by the patient, in the case of a snap in denture, for care and maintenance. A permanent implant retained denture is one that is permanently screwed down and cannot be removed by the patient.
- Cost effectiveness: An implant supported denture may be much more costly at the onset but the implant placement surgery is typically a one time expense as dental implants can easily last a lifetime. Traditional dentures and bridges need to be replaced as the bone deteriorates and facial structure changes. Each additional denture may last up to 10 years before needing to be replaced but an implant denture can easily last up to 20 years. Less frequent replacement for an implant retained denture often makes it more cost-effective in the long run for some patients.
Dental implants have a success rate of 95% to 97% and can easily last a lifetime. Unless your denture was designed to be permanently fixed to your implants, your denture should be taken out daily for cleaning and at night before you go to sleep. To keep your gum tissue healthy, it is important to make sure you clean your gums with your toothbrush even if your denture is permanently fixed in place. A lot of patients find that adding a WaterPik to their homecare routine is very helpful for cleaning under their fixed denture.
Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants so it is important to discuss all of your options with your dentist. Your dentist can perform an examination to determine if they think that you are a candidate for implants. Patients who have sufficient bone structure and are otherwise healthy may be an ideal candidate for dental implants.