Dental Implants Existing Partial
Dentures have long been used to replace multiple missing teeth in one specific area, with a partial denture, or on one or both arches of the mouth, with a full denture. Patients who need a denture may consider an implant-supported denture. Dental implants can be used to secure the denture in place, giving the patient a much more stable way to restore missing teeth.
Traditional dentures are designed to fit over the gum tissue and jaw bone, held in place using retention, suction, and when necessary, denture adhesives. The problem with traditional dentures is that over time, the bone structure will begin to deteriorate in the area that is missing teeth. This happens 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 loose and uncomfortable to wear. The patient’s facial structure can even begin to change. An ill-fitting denture can cause friction and irritation, leading to sores on the gum tissue.
Dental implants used as an anchor for full and partial dentures are very beneficial since not only do they offer optimal support, they provide stimulation for the bone to regenerate and prevent deterioration.
How do dental implants work?
A dental implant is a titanium screw which is surgically placed directly into the jaw bone. The implant is essentially an artificial tooth root and holds the implant restoration securely in place. An Oral Surgeon or Periodontist will place the actual implant before your general Dentist restores the implant with a single crown or an implant-supported denture. After the implant is placed, a temporary abutment (or healing cap) is put on it to protect it while you heal for up to six months.
The implant will begin to fuse to the jaw bone and this integration is what provides the incredible stability that implants patients love. If a patient needs implants to support a denture, they will likely need a few implants placed, up to six on each arch.
How does a traditional denture work?
A traditional denture is a dental prosthesis that sits on top of the gum tissue and is held in place using suction and retention, adding adhesives when needed. A partial denture also uses clasps that attach onto neighboring teeth to anchor in place. A full upper denture fits snugly over the entire roof of the mouth whereas a lower denture is U-shaped to accommodate the tongue. This type of denture can be removed by the patient for hygiene and sleeping.
How can dental implants support a denture?
If a patient is looking to get a full arch on one or both arches, the implant doctor will place up to six implants in each arch. The denture is then secured down onto the implants using either a screw or abutment. When the denture is screwed down, the patient cannot remove it on their own, only a Dentist can. If the denture is secured with special abutments, the patient will be able to take them out on their own.
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
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.
One of the most common problems traditional 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. Let’s take a closer look at some factors that make a permanent denture the better choice:
Oral and Overall Health
Tooth roots help stimulate bone regeneration so when natural teeth are lost, the surrounding bone no longer needs to support them and the 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 work the same as tooth roots and help stimulate bone regeneration and prevent deterioration.
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. Speaking is much easier and natural when the denture is stable.
Cost and Longevity
An implant supported denture may be more expensive at the onset but having the implants placed 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. Traditional dentures 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.
If you are interested in dental implants to support your denture, your Dentist will perform an exam and review your options with you. If they believe that you are a candidate, they will refer you to an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist for further evaluation. Patients who have sufficient bone structure and are otherwise healthy may be an ideal candidate for dental implants.