Dental Implants Existing Partial
While dentures can be an affordable option for people who are seeking to replace one or more missing teeth, both partial and full dentures present some inconveniences and challenges. It can take a while to get used to wearing dentures, and it may take time for patients to learn how to comfortably apply the right amount of dental adhesive to secure removable dentures; too little denture glue can lead to dentures slipping, and too much adhesive can ooze and interfere with eating and drinking. It can also be a hassle to clean denture glue from the gums when the dentures are taken out for cleaning, especially when the gums are tender or sore due to friction from the dentures. Sometimes, removable dentures make an audible clicking noise when wearers speak or eat, and sometimes, dentures can drastically limit the types of foods wearers can eat. These inconveniences have led many denture wearers to seek alternative options for dental prostheses, and, over the years, more and more alternatives have been designed and created. One of the more effective solutions is the development of the implant-supported snap-on denture, which offers a solution with the stability and security of dental implants combined with the affordability of removable dentures. When a removable denture is snapped onto dental implant fixtures that have been placed into the bone, the denture becomes stable and secure. Dental implants also provide the added benefit of maintaining the health of the bones of the jaw, reducing the bone loss that can result from long-term wear of dentures, thereby also reducing the number of fittings and adjustments for the denture wearer. Snap-on dentures are predictably secure, eliminating the need for dental adhesives and allowing their wearer to eat a variety of foods without foul adhesive interfering with their enjoyment.
Dentures and dental implants can be combined in a number of different ways, each of which can be customized to best suit the needs of the individual patient. It may be possible to retrofit an existing denture with the attachment fixtures that hold the denture to the implants. When an existing denture can’t be altered, a new denture can be constructed with the correct attachments. Snap-on dentures can be full or partial and can be placed on either or both rows of the jaw. A thorough evaluation of the existing denture and of the patient’s overall health, especially their oral health, can help you and your dentist determine if you are a good candidate for implant-supported dentures, and a consultation with an oral surgeon can explain the custom options that may be available to you. Combining dentures with implants can increase the wearer’s self-confidence while also helping the patient improve their nutrition and overall health.
Implant-supported dentures also help stabilize the deterioration of the bones of the jaw and help support the structure and appearance of the lower face and mouth. Dentures are traditionally designed to be supported by the ridge of bone and soft tissue of the jaw. Long-term pressure on this bone and soft tissue can contribute to deterioration of the bone, as does the absence of tooth roots. As the bone deteriorates, the dentures loosen and can rub or slip, causing discomfort, pain, and ulceration. Dental implant posts are made of a highly biocompatible material, like titanium, that helps strengthen the bones of the jaw and improve their health while also reducing or removing the pressure that dentures traditionally place on the gums and bones. In effect, the dental implant serves as a replacement tooth root where one is missing. As the oral tissues heal around the implant, it becomes permanently fused to the bone, creating a stable foundation for a crown or for a denture and solidly supporting the pressures and forces from chewing and other wear and tear.
Dentures can be made to replace a few teeth or a whole row of teeth, or even both rows of teeth. Full dentures replace an entire row of teeth. When the denture is used for the upper jaw, it includes a base that covers the roof of the mouth and helps hold the denture in place. When the denture replaces the lower teeth, the base has an arch-shaped indentation in it to make room for the tongue to move freely. Partial dentures are supported by a framework that is affixed to the adjacent teeth, like a dental bridge but removable. Combining a denture with dental implants offers denture wearers considerable advantages over removable dentures. In the lower jaw, especially, dentures can be very hard to hold in place; combining a lower denture with dental implants drastically improves the denture’s stability. To securely support a denture, at least two, if not more, dental implants will be placed into the patient’s jaw, and the denture will be modified or crafted with sockets that firmly snap the denture onto the tops of the implants once they have healed and fused with the bone. The denture can then be easily snapped off for cleaning, and for the cleaning of the gums and soft tissue inside the mouth, and, when snapped back on, can be expected to be just as securely attached as the natural teeth.
Implant-retained dentures, also called snap-on dentures or overdentures, provide other advantages besides stability. In addition to helping to support the structure and appearance of the jaw and the overall appearance of the face, implant-retained dentures can be viewed as a permanent solution for lost teeth, requiring far less frequent adjustments than their removable counterparts. Implant-retained dentures improve the wearer’s ability to speak clearly, as they don’t slip and interfere with enunciation. Implant-retained dentures are also an affordable option, especially when an existing denture can be modified to accommodate dental implants. When properly cared for, dental implants have a high success rate -- up to 98% -- and implant-retained dentures can also be expected to last a lifetime with the correct maintenance. The implant-retained overdenture should be removed daily for cleaning after meals, and they should be taken out overnight. The implant attachments and the soft tissue of the mouth should also be cleaned regularly, just as one would clean their oral cavity when there are teeth present. To ensure the success of the implant, it’s important to select an oral surgeon with plenty of implant experience and evidence of successful treatments. While general dentists can perform dental implant procedures, implant success rates are statistically higher when the procedure is performed by a qualified, experienced surgical specialist. While not every patient is an ideal candidate for dental implants, your dentist can help you determine whether you are and can refer you to an experienced oral surgeon to make sure you’re in good hands.