What Are Implant Retained Dentures?
Prior to dental implants, patients who were missing most or all of their teeth only had the option of using conventional dentures, which rest on the gums and are designed to look like natural teeth. Although many advancements have been made that have improved the overall functionality and look of conventional dentures, there are still a wide range of drawbacks to this type of treatment. One of the biggest issues people with dentures experience is discomfort caused by sores that develop due to the dentures rubbing against the gums. Conventional dentures are also prone to falling out or slipping while talking or eating, which can be a source of embarrassment. Conventional dentures also limit the types of foods people can eat and can lead to additional jawbone deterioration over time.
Implant retained dentures offer improved stability for patients who are missing one or many teeth and who are looking for a cost-affordable solution that will restore most of their functionality. Implant retained dentures are removable and snap onto a titanium implant that is placed in your jawbone. Although implant retained dentures do not restore your bite and chewing force to the same level as a fixed denture, they do provide much stronger support and allow you to enjoy more foods compared to traditional dentures.
Implant retained dentures also eliminate the need for using adhesives and are far less likely to slip or fall out of place while you are talking or eating, as often happens with conventional dentures. Implant retained dentures will also not rub against your gums and cause sore spots to develop. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, implant retained dentures will provide the necessary stimulation to your jawbone where the tooth is missing to prevent it from atrophying. Traditional dentures do not provide this necessary stimulation, and as a result, the jawbone continues to deteriorate over time, leading to worsening oral health conditions, other teeth falling out, and a person’s face to become sunken, making them appear to be older than they actually are.
Are Implant Retained Dentures Right For Me?
The first step to determining whether you are a good candidate for implant retained dentures is to schedule an evaluation with your periodontist. During this appointment, they will review your oral and physical health history and take diagnostic exams to determine whether you are a viable candidate for implant retained dentures, or if other treatment options may be better suited to your needs and treatment goals. Once this information is collected, your periodontist will explain the different treatment options available and answer any questions you may have.
If you decide to move forward with the implant retained denture process, you will schedule a follow up appointment, during which a titanium post or posts will be inserted into your jawbone. These posts will be what your denture snaps onto. It will take anywhere from three to six months for these posts to fuse with your jawbone, at which time they will be strong enough to support your implant retained denture.