Conventional dentures rest on the gums and can cause a variety of issues, such as discomfort, frequent slipping, falling out while speaking, and limiting the types of foods a person can eat. Perhaps worst of all, conventional dentures do not provide adequate stimulation to the jawbone, which can cause further bone deterioration over time and lead to additional oral health issues such as tooth loss. Implant retained dentures are a popular treatment option for patients who have a missing tooth or teeth and would prefer a more cost-affordable solution than a permanent fixed denture and want to avoid the hassles and drawbacks associated with conventional dentures.
Implant retained dentures provide a much stronger, reliable solution by placing a dental implant into your jawbone. The implant retained denture can then snap onto this fixture and provide you with a more natural looking smile that significantly improves your ability to eat foods that are chewier or harder and avoid having your dentures fall out of place while you are speaking. Additionally, implant retained dentures provide the necessary stimulation to your jawbone to avoid further bone deterioration and the subsequent caved in appearance that can occur when the jawbone wears away.
The implant retained denture process begins with placement of titanium posts into your jawbone. Titanium is most often used because it naturally fuses with your jawbone over time (several months) through a process known as osseointegration. Once this implant fixture has completed this process, you will be fitted for an implant retained denture that is designed to look and feel just like your natural tooth or teeth.
Am I A Candidate for Implant Retained Dentures?
While implant retained dentures are a wonderful option for many patients, it is important to schedule an initial consultation to first determine whether you are a viable candidate for this procedure. If you have already lost a significant amount of jawbone or have other underlying health conditions, you may require a preparatory procedure such as a bone graft or sinus lift or consider alternative treatment options. One of the biggest benefits of implant retained dentures compared to a fixed denture is that there is a greater likelihood the implant can be placed even if you have lost some of your jawbone. If you are a viable candidate, the next step will be to take diagnostic exams of your jawbone to determine the optimal placement of the implant and determine how many implants are necessary.
Hygiene Practices for Implant Retained Dentures
Unlike implant supported dentures, which can be taken care of essentially the same way as your natural teeth, it is important to follow aftercare instructions to ensure the sustained health of your implant retained denture. You will need to brush the roof of your mouth, tongue and gums daily prior to placing your implant retained denture. It is also important to rinse your denture with water to remove any debris or food that may have accumulated. A soft-bristle toothbrush is recommended to clean the surfaces of the implant retained denture. Finally, it is important to store your implant retained denture in water when it is not being worn.