Implant-Supported Dentures
When missing teeth are affecting your life by making it harder to chew, speak clearly, or smile proudly, implant-supported denture can be a good option to restore proper function and appearance.
What are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are an alternative to traditional easily-removable prosthetics. Unlike conventional dentures, implant-supported dentures are anchored in place. This method prevents the problems of sliding, slipping, and falling out that are so often an issue with traditional dentures. Additionally, implant-supported dentures stimulate bone and gum tissue, thereby preventing deterioration.
There are two types of implant-supported dentures:
-
- Bar-retained—Once the implants have been placed in your jawbone, a thin metal bar shaped like your jawline is then attached. The denture is clipped onto the bar for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Ball-retained—The implants will have ball-shaped or “male” attachments that fit into corresponding “female” sockets on the dentures.
How are Implant-Supported Dentures Placed?
Before any work is done, your Pierce Aesthetics dental team will perform a thorough initial exam to determine the current condition of your mouth—your existing teeth, gums, and jawbone. To do this, your dentist may:
- Look at your entire dental history
- Take X-rays
- Order a CT scan
- Make impressions
The entire process of placing implant-supported dentures takes about four office visits over the course of several weeks. If at this time you are not already wearing complete dentures, then the dentist will have you do so. This is important, because how your temporary dentures work, look, and feel help your dentist better determine how the final implant-support dentures may need to be adjusted.
They also serve as emergency backups if there are any problems with your final prosthesis.
FIRST Surgery—The implants are placed into your jawbone. This is followed by an extensive healing period to let the implants attach and fuse to the bone.
SECOND surgery—A temporary collar will be placed on the head of each implant to guide the proper healing of your gums, so they do not grow over the implant. When your gums have sufficiently healed, the collars will be replacement with the normal supporting abutments.
THIRD visit—The retaining bars are attached to the abutments in your mouth. The teeth will be temporarily placed in the framework and you “try in” the entire denture.
FOURTH visit—The completed denture is placed by attaching it to the bars or snapping it onto the balls.
Your dentures must be removed and cleaned every night. In addition to minor adjustments due to normal wear and tear, the nylon clips will need to be replaced periodically. Finally, you should avoid sticky or hard foods, because they can damage the denture.
To learn more about implant-supported dentures and if they are the right option for you, call Pierce Aesthetics o Newport Beach TODAY and schedule a consultation.