Implant Retained Dentures

For a long time, traditional dentures have been the go-to for people with missing teeth. However, a more secure option has evolved with time: the implant retained dentures.

Implant retained dentures secure onto your gums with support from dental implants placed in your jawbone. They are also called implant-supported dentures, as the implants provide a sturdy base, making chewing and speaking much easier.

This article will thoroughly explain why implant-retained dentures may just be the right tooth replacement option for you, so keep reading.

What Are Implant-Retained Dentures?

Implant retained dentures are artificial teeth made to replace your natural teeth and held in place by dental implants. The implants are drilled into your jawbone, and full dentures are made to fit over your teeth’s upper and lower arches.

They are usually made of titanium since it is biocompatible, but may also be made with zirconia. These dentures can be permanently fixed or held in place by ball or bar clasps on the dental implants as removable implant retained dentures.

Implant Denture Treatment Options

It is a given that implant retained dentures depend on dental implants to stay in place. However, depending on your dental health, your dentist will recommend one of the following treatment options.

Overdentures

Overdentures are dental prostheses secured by clipping or clasping into titanium implants in your jawbone. They look like conventional dentures on the outside but are securely held by dental implants.

All-on-4

These dentures are secured on 4 implants strategically placed in your lower or upper arches. The full mouth implants work to secure the complete dentures rather than a single artificial tooth.

Implant Retained Denture Process

The implant retained denture procedure follows a rather straightforward pattern, even though the treatment may span several months to be successfully executed.

Initial Consultation

As a first step, your dentist will take a look at your dental and medical history, take an X-ray, and, if need be, perform a CT scan. This will enable them to create a personalized, high-quality treatment plan for you.

Making Custom Dentures

Upon the completion of your consultation with the dentist, a denture will be made from the impressions taken from your mouth. This pre-planning stage allows your dentist to make a high-quality, well-fitting denture on time.

Placing Implants

As per your implant retained denture treatment option, surgery will be performed to extract damaged teeth, and your dental implants will be placed in your jawbone. Then, the incision on your gums will be sutured, and the healing process can begin, where your implants will fuse with your jawbones.

Placing caps

After the healing period, your dentist will open up your gums and attach a healing cap where the abutment will later be placed. This will give enough room for your gums to heal properly.

Denture Abutments And Conversion

After about 14 days, your dentist will remove the healing cap, and a permanent abutment will be placed to secure your implant retained dentures.

Fitting New Dentures

Finally, your dentures will be installed on your dental implants and will be checked for the need for adjustments until they are secure and comfortable.    

How Much Do Implant Dentures Cost?

The cost of implant retained dentures varies from patient to patient according to their dentist’s recommended treatment plan. Although, as a rough estimate, the price usually starts from $15,000 to $25,000 per jaw.

Fixed Implant Retained vs. Removable Implant Retained Dentures

The main difference between implant retained dentures is that one is fixed, and the other is removable.

Fixed implant retained dentures are permanently secured to your dental implants and cannot be taken out unless at the denture clinic for denture repairs.

Removable implant retained dentures may be called “snap-on” since they are made to clip onto your dental implants. They can be removed whenever you want to give your gums some rest or for a thorough cleaning.

What Are The Benefits Of An Implant Retained Denture?

The benefits of implant retained dentures are more than enough to convince you of their usefulness in fixing up the gap left by your missing teeth.

• Implant retained dentures eliminate the discomfort associated with slipping since the implants improve stability.
• They give you a firmer bite, which allows you to eat foods you have always enjoyed.
• Your speech is improved when you are wearing your implant retained dentures.
• The dental implants preserve the tissues in your jawbone and prevent it from deteriorating.
• Implant retained dentures boost your confidence and give you back your nice smile.

Are You a Good Candidate For Implant Retained Dentures?

As much as implant retained dentures are a great replacement for missing teeth in preventive dentistry, they are not suitable for everyone. This is the purpose of the initial consultation at the start of the implant retained denture procedure. Your dentist will determine whether or not you are a good fit for implant retained dentures.

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