There are a number of implant-supported dentures available on the dental market today! Implant-supported dentures are a much better solution to extreme tooth loss than traditional dentures because implant-supported dentures are not held in place with adhesives and retention, they are secured into place with implants that are integrated with your jawbone.
Implant failure is always a risk but these prostheses use multiple implants so if one fails, you do not have to replace the entire thing, just one implant! With proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, your implants can last a lifetime!
The first two options are completely fixed dentures and cannot be removed except by a dentist. The last two options can be removed by the patient.
Full-Arch Implant-Supported Bridges
A fixed dental bridge, multiple bridges, or individual crowns are set on 4 to 8 implants. Since the implants only support a portion of the arch instead of the entire arch, implants that fail can easily be replaced. This option is fabricated with porcelain for optimal strength and stability.
Long-term issues: Porcelain can chip, especially in patients who suffer from night grinding. A single tooth can be replaced but the entire bridge that it is set into has to be removed.
Implant-Supported Dentures (All-on-4)
This option consists of an entire arch of teeth supported by 4 to 8 implants. Unlike the bridge option, all of the teeth on one arch are fixed onto one bar and screwed onto the implants. Usually, this type of restoration uses high-end denture teeth and acrylic. Denture teeth are less durable but you can request that your teeth are fabricated using porcelain.
Long-term issues: Acrylic is prone to wear and tear and may need to be repaired often. Denture teeth can become worn and break more easily than porcelain.
Implant-Supported Overdenture
For this restoration, four or more dental implants are used to secure a removable prosthesis instead of it being screwed into place. This is very handy for patients for oral hygiene care.
Long-term issues: Attachment pieces wear out and will need to be replaced every 2 to 4 years. Additionally, depending on the type of denture, you may need to have your denture reline or repaired every few years.
Implant Retained Overdenture
This option is more like a traditional denture than the others. While the denture is still secured into place using implants, it is removable and will require re-lining periodically. It is better than a traditional denture but it is not quite as stable as fixed dentures.
Long-term issues: as with the implant-supported overdenture, attachment parts will wear out and need to be replaced every 2 to 4 years. Again, this option will need to be re-lined like a traditional denture.
What is the timeframe for completing implant-supported dentures?
This process is not for the faint of heart because it does take quite a while. The implants alone need six months to heal before any restorative work can be done. If you require any preparatory work such as a bone graft or a gum graft, those will have to heal before your implants are ever placed.
You will not be toothless during this time even while you’re healing! Your doctor will make beautiful temporaries for you to wear as you heal and while your beautiful new dental prosthetic is being fabricated.
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High Quality Periodontal Care You Can Trust
When you come to Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, you can expect a friendly and professional dental team. Dr. Seda will listen carefully to your dental goals and provide a custom treatment plan that works with your budget and needs. We want you to fall in love with your smile again, so all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, and to feel confident in our services.
At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we aim to provide cutting edge perio and implant solutions in a comfortable and relaxed environment, where patients feel we put them first. Scheduling an appointment for All-on-4 Dental Implants is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (415) 482-9901.