Implant retained dentures are a popular treatment option for patients who are missing one or multiple teeth and are a much more effective alternative to traditional dentures. Unlike traditional dentures, which require adhesives and can be prone to slipping, implant retained dentures are held into place by attaching to a dental implant that is placed into your jawbone. Unlike implant-supported dentures, which are fixed permanently in place and will require multiple appointments to complete, implant retained dentures are removable and can snap onto the implant or be removed for cleaning. While implant retained dentures do not provide as much stability as a fixed implant-supported denture, they are a more affordable option and provide significantly improved support compared to traditional dentures.
Factors that will Impact Cost
Several factors that will impact the overall cost of your implant retained dentures include the following:
- Number of implants: Depending on the severity of your case, you may require one or multiple implants to be placed. The more implants that are required, the higher your total cost will be.
- Initial examination and diagnostic exams: An evaluation that includes diagnostic exams of your jaw and mouth will be necessary to determine the viability of this treatment option and optimal placement of your implant.
- Preparatory procedures: In some cases, it may be necessary to perform preparatory procedures to ensure the patient’s implant is successful. This can include the extraction of a tooth or teeth, a bone graft to increase the volume of the jawbone, and/or treatment of periodontal disease, which may be the underlying reason why tooth loss occurred or why tooth extraction is necessary.
- Sedation: Sedation is commonly used as part of the implant retained denture procedure to reduce patient discomfort and anxiety. The cost of sedation will depend on what type of sedation is used (Oral, Nitrous Oxide, IV).
Benefits and Drawbacks of Implant Retained Dentures
If you are concerned about the cost of having implant retained dentures placed or are unsure whether this procedure is the best treatment option for you, consider the following benefits and drawbacks to help determine whether this procedure aligns with your specific treatment goals.
Benefits include:
- Significantly improved stability
- Will not slip or become loose while talking
- More comfortable than conventional dentures
- Restores your ability to chew and enjoy a greater variety of foods
- Less friction of the gums
- Less specialized maintenance required compared to conventional dentures
- Prevents additional loos of bone of preserves the jawbone
- Looks and feels more natural than conventional dentures
Drawbacks include:
- Requires one or multiple surgical procedures, which does carry some risk of complications, though this risk is very small
- More expensive than conventional dentures
- May not be covered by your dental insurance plan
- Additional procedures such as a bone graft or sinus lift may be necessary before the implant can be placed
- Attachments will require tightening from time to time and the denture will break down eventually, although you can extend your dentures longevity by following good hygiene practices
If your dental insurance plan does not cover the implant retained denture procedure, there may be other treatment options available that fit within your budgetary restrictions. Talk to your dentist or periodontist about anticipated costs and whether financing plans are available through their clinic.