Your Guide to Implant Retained Dentures

Dentures are known to slip, they can fall out while you are speaking or eating, and they will also rub on the gums which can lead some to avoid wearing them altogether.

Denture wearers can also experience a shrinking jaw bone the longer they wear dentures, as the bone recedes due to a lack of use. This can lead to a sunken appearance in the face that could impact your confidence.

Thankfully, there are modern treatment options available that can address these concerns. Implant retained dentures are a popular choice for those looking for a more permanent solution for missing teeth. Read on to learn more about this innovative treatment plan.

What are implant retained dentures?

Implant retained dentures are dentures supported by 4-6 dental implants. Dental implants are small titanium screws placed in the jaw bone to provide a solid anchor foundation for a restoration. This replicates the role of a tooth root.

With a single dental implant, the implant is topped with a crown to replace a missing tooth. It’s also possible to top the implant with a denture, using multiple anchor points to support an entire arch. Patients have a choice between a fixed denture which only their dentist can remove, or a removable denture which is held in place by strong magnetic “snaps”.

How does the treatment plan work?

The first step is to book a consultation to find out if you are a good candidate for treatment. As you can imagine, this treatment won’t be completed in one visit. It can take around 6-12 months for the entire restoration to be completed.

The first stage in the treatment plan is to create a small hole in the jaw bone for each implant. The implant is placed inside and then the gum is stitched closed above this. The implant is left to heal and bond with the jaw bone in a process known as osseointegration.

Your dentist will then check the implant periodically to ensure it is healing as expected. Once the implant has healed and formed a strong bond with the bone, the top of the implant is exposed and a healing abutment is attached. The gum is contoured around this abutment which sits exposed above the gum line.

At this stage, either the magnetic snap closure will be attached, or you will wait for the denture to be attached to your implant. One the gums have healed, you can then have your final restoration placed.

Your dentist will then give you comprehensive aftercare advice to enable you to care for your implants and dentures at home. It is essential to care for your gums as gum disease is a risk factor for implant failure and rejection.

Who is a good candidate for this treatment?

To be a good candidate for this treatment, you should either be currently wearing a denture, or be close to requiring a denture. You will also need to have good gum health, as gum disease can impact the success of this treatment.

Smokers will need to quit smoking and commit to giving up for good if they would like to explore dental implant treatment. Smoking can increase the chances of implant failure.

There are some health conditions that could make you unsuitable for this treatment, including osteoporosis, which could impact jaw bone density. Your dentist will explore your full dental and medical history to make sure you are a suitable candidate.

How are implant retained dentures better than dentures?

This treatment offers a number of benefits over traditional dentures.

• With implant retained dentures, you’ll no longer have to worry about dentures slipping or falling out. A common problem with dentures is that denture glue fails throughout the day, leaving you with loose dentures as the day goes on.

• No foods are off limits when you choose implant retained dentures. This can put things like pizza crust, raw veggies and other crunchy foods back on the menu. This can help to keep your diet varied and healthy.

• Your jaw bone will be retained and will resist shrinking when you choose implant retained dentures. This can help to maintain a youthful appearance as you get older.

Book your consultation today

Interested in hearing more about the benefits of implant retained dentures? Get in touch with our team today to book your consultation. We’ll guide you through the process of making the right treatment choice for your needs. We also offer All-On-4 dental implants for those patients looking for an instant smile makeover.