Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to provide greater stability and support than traditional removable dentures. Depending on the type of restoration, the denture may be removable by the patient or fixed securely to the implants.
For patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures can improve chewing function and reduce many of the stability concerns associated with dentures that rest directly on the gums.
How Dental Implants Support Dentures
Dental implants are small titanium posts placed in the jawbone to serve as anchors for replacement teeth. When used with a denture, multiple implants are positioned throughout the arch to provide a stable foundation for the prosthesis.
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on their fit, suction, and sometimes denture adhesive for stability. Implant-supported dentures connect to implants anchored within the jawbone, helping reduce movement while eating and speaking.
The number and position of the implants depend on the type of denture, available bone, anatomy, and treatment plan. Some implant dentures are designed to be removed by the patient for cleaning, while others remain fixed in place and can only be removed by a dental professional.
Types of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures can generally be divided into removable and fixed restorations. Both use dental implants for support, but they differ in how the denture attaches to the implants and how it is cleaned.
Removable Implant-Supported Dentures
A removable implant-supported denture attaches to dental implants using specialized connectors. The implants help hold the denture securely in place during eating and speaking, but can be removed for daily cleaning.
Depending on the treatment plan, the denture may attach directly to individual implants or to a bar that connects the implants. These restorations are sometimes referred to as implant-retained overdentures or snap-in dentures.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
A fixed implant-supported restoration is secured to the dental implants and remains in the mouth during normal daily activities, including sleeping. Unlike a removable denture, it is designed to be removed only by a dental professional when necessary.
Fixed restorations typically require several implants positioned throughout the arch to support a full set of replacement teeth. The exact number depends on the patient’s anatomy, bone support, and treatment needs.
Candidates for Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures may be considered for patients who have lost most or all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch. They may also be an option for patients with failing teeth that cannot predictably be restored.
During an evaluation, several factors are considered, including:
- The number and condition of remaining teeth
- The amount and quality of available jawbone
- Gum and oral health
- Overall health and medical history
- Smoking or tobacco use
- The type of final restoration being considered
- Ability to maintain appropriate oral hygiene
Bone loss does not necessarily rule out dental implant treatment. In some cases, a bone graft may be recommended to rebuild areas of the jaw before or during implant placement. A clinical examination and 3D imaging allow Dr. Kesecker to evaluate the jawbone and determine whether dental implants can safely support the planned restoration.
The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
Using dental implants to support a denture changes how the restoration functions compared with a traditional removable denture. Potential benefits include:
- Greater stability: Dental implants help reduce slipping and movement while eating or speaking.
- Improved chewing function: A more stable restoration can make it easier to bite and chew a wider variety of foods.
- Less reliance on adhesives: Because the denture attaches to dental implants, denture adhesives may not be necessary.
- Jawbone preservation: Dental implants stimulate the surrounding bone and can help reduce the bone loss that normally occurs after teeth are lost.
- Improved comfort: Reducing denture movement may decrease rubbing and irritation of the gums.
- Natural appearance: The final restoration is designed to replace the visible teeth and support the appearance of the smile.
The experience and benefits can vary depending on whether the restoration is fixed or removable, the condition of the jawbone, and the individual treatment plan.
Implant-Supported Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures can both replace an entire arch of missing teeth, but they receive their support differently.
Traditional dentures rest directly on the gums. Because there is no connection to the jawbone, the denture may shift during eating or speaking, particularly as the shape of the jaw changes over time. Implant-supported dentures use implants within the jawbone for additional support. This connection provides greater stability and allows the implants to stimulate the surrounding bone.
Implant-supported treatment does require oral surgery and a period of healing. Traditional dentures do not require implant placement and may therefore be appropriate for patients who do not want or are not candidates for implant surgery.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment takes place in stages so the implants can become stable within the jawbone before supporting the final restoration. The specific sequence depends on the condition of the teeth and bone, the type of denture planned, and whether additional procedures are necessary.
- Consultation and treatment planning: Treatment begins with an examination and 3D imaging to evaluate the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding anatomy. This information is used to determine the number and position of the implants and whether any preparatory procedures are needed. Your restorative dentist is kept informed throughout the surgical process and provides the final restoration once the implants are ready.
- Tooth extraction and/or bone grafting: If failing teeth remain, they may need to be removed before implant-supported dentures can be completed. Some patients may also need bone grafting to rebuild areas where bone volume has been lost. Whether these procedures can be performed at the same appointment as implant placement depends on the individual treatment plan.
- Implant placement: During surgery, the dental implants are placed at planned positions within the jawbone. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area, and sedation may also be provided when appropriate. The implants are then given time to integrate with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration.
- Healing and osseointegration: Osseointegration typically takes several months. During this period, new bone forms around the implant surfaces, creating the stability needed to support the final denture. A temporary restoration may be used during healing depending on the treatment plan.
- Final restoration: Once the implants have integrated successfully, the restorative phase can begin. Your dentist or prosthodontist creates the final denture and connects it to the implants using the attachment system selected for your treatment.
Recovery After Implant Placement
Some swelling, soreness, and minor bleeding are expected during the first several days after implant surgery. These symptoms generally improve as the tissues begin to heal.
Patients typically need to eat softer foods during early recovery and avoid activities that could place unnecessary pressure on the surgical sites. Oral hygiene is also important, although cleaning techniques may need to be modified temporarily around the implants.
We will provide detailed post-operative instructions based on the procedures performed. Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Kesecker to monitor healing and implant stability before the restorative phase begins.ou a beautiful, functional smile.
Caring for Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures require daily cleaning to protect the gums and tissues surrounding the implants. The appropriate cleaning routine depends partly on whether the restoration is removable or fixed.
Removable implant dentures should be taken out as directed so the denture, attachments, gums, and areas around the implants can be cleaned thoroughly. Fixed restorations remain in place, so special floss, interdental brushes, or other cleaning aids may be needed to clean beneath the prosthesis and around the implants.
Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings are also important. These visits allow the implants, surrounding tissues, attachments, and denture to be checked for changes that may require maintenance.
How Long Do Implant-Supported Dentures Last?
The dental implants and the denture itself have different lifespans. Dental implants are designed to remain in the jaw long term and can function for many years when they remain healthy and stable. The denture or prosthetic teeth experience normal wear from biting and chewing. Over time, the restoration or its attachment components may require adjustments, repairs, or replacement even when the underlying implants remain healthy.
Daily oral hygiene, regular professional care, smoking, bite forces, and overall oral health can all influence the longevity of implant-supported treatment.
Restore Comfort and Confidence in Your Smile
Implant-supported dentures can provide greater stability, improved function, and a more secure alternative to traditional removable dentures. At Legacy Surgery, Dr. Jeffery Kesecker develops an individualized surgical plan based on your oral health, jawbone, and restorative needs.
Schedule a consultation to learn whether implant-supported dentures are right for you and which treatment option may best meet your needs.
FAQ
How many implants are needed for implant-supported dentures?
The number varies according to the type of restoration, the arch being treated, available bone, and other anatomical factors. Your treatment plan will determine how many implants are needed to provide appropriate support.
Is there an age limit for getting implant-supported dentures?
No, there is no specific age limit for getting implant-supported dentures. As long as you are in good overall health and do not have any underlying medical conditions that may interfere with the healing process, you may be a candidate for this procedure.
Can you sleep with implant-supported dentures?
Fixed implant-supported restorations remain in place while you sleep. Removable implant dentures may need to be removed at night depending on their design and the instructions provided by your dental team.
Can existing dentures be converted to implant-supported dentures?
Sometimes an existing denture can be modified to connect to dental implants, but not every denture is suitable for conversion. Its fit, condition, design, and the planned implant positions must be evaluated before determining whether it can be used.
Can you get implant-supported dentures with bone loss?
Bone loss does not always prevent implant placement. The amount and location of remaining bone must be evaluated, and some patients may require bone grafting before or during implant treatment.
How much do implant-supported dentures cost?
Cost varies based on the number of implants, whether extractions or bone grafting are needed, the type of denture, and other aspects of the treatment plan. After your evaluation, you will receive a personalized treatment plan outlining the anticipated costs.
Is there an oral surgeon in the Shenandoah Valley who offers implant-supported dentures?
Legacy Surgery provides implant-supported denture treatment at our Harrisonburg and Staunton locations, serving patients throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Care is led by Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who works closely with your restorative dentist to coordinate your treatment and final restoration.