Implant retained dentures secure upper and lower dentures in an innovative and revolutionary way using as little as two to four dental implants. Choosing the right type of implant retained denture for you requires a consultation with your dental professional to discuss your specific tooth replacement needs.
Implant retained denture procedure
The types of implants used for implant retained dentures are either full implants or mini implants. Each type of implant has specific uses and advantages that you need to discuss with your dental professional. The first step in this tooth replacement treatment is fitting the titanium implants in the bone and the second step is attaching the denture to the implants.
Benefits of implant retained dentures
There are numerous benefits of implant retained dentures, which is why they’re growing in popularity as a tooth replacement option. Unlike traditional removable dentures, implant retained dentures are permanent, fixed in place and secure, which makes you more confident in your smile. Other benefits of implant retained dentures include:
Pleasing look and feel
No type of tooth replacement can perfectly match the appearance natural teeth, but implant retained dentures provide naturally-looking, feeling and functioning teeth very close to real teeth. Many wearers say that it doesn’t feel like they have dentures because the implant retained dentures are so comfortable.
Ability to taste food
Traditional dentures cover the roof of your mouth, which inhibits your taste buds, but implant retained dentures leave the roof of the mouth open so food and drink taste like it should.
Prevent bone loss
Similar to other dental implants, implant-retained dentures prevent bone loss caused by missing teeth, which helps maintain facial structure and keeps oral tissue and bone healthy.
Common concerns with implant retained dentures
Many patients considering implant retained dentures have numerous questions about the procedure and your dental professional is happy to address any concerns. In many cases, patients only need 2-4 implants for the lower denture and 4-8 for the upper denture. Sometimes dentists can use existing dentures for this procedure, depending on the condition of the dentures, your jawbone, and your gums. During the procedure, the dentist numbs the jaw area, and you can choose sedation if that makes you more comfortable. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved with implant retained dentures including a post-surgery infection, nerve damage or rejection of the implant, but these occurrences are rare and treatable. Caring for implant retained dentures requires the same check-ups and cleaning as natural teeth.
Greater Baltimore Prosthodontics offers various tooth replacement options including All-on-4 implant retained dentures; implant supported bridges and individual implants for single tooth replacement. Contact us today to find out which option can work best for you.