Implant Retained Dentures

Replacing missing teeth with implant retained dentures

Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite” as well as your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and can cause muscle pain in your jaws and headaches. And of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance. The following information reviews replacing missing teeth with an implant retained denture.

Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your upper or lower teeth.

Ball Attachment Denture

One option is to have two or more implants placed in your jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these “ball and socket” style dental implants. This option allows your denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be movement of your denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.

Also, the denture itself must have periodic maintenance of the parts.  Over time, the attachment parts integrated in the denture naturally experience wear.  Inside the denture is a small nylon or rubber O-ring or housing that grips the implant attachment.  With daily use these components can loosen.  As they wear, you may notice the denture feels less tight or doesn’t snap into place as firmly as it used to.  This is completely normal. These pieces are designed to be replaceable.

Regular maintenance appointments allow us to:

• Check to see if the O-rings or housings need to be replaced to restore proper retention
• Check the implant attachments (the “balls”) to ensure they are not worn or damaged
• Clean and service the denture to keep it fitting comfortably
• Monitor your gums and implants for long-term health

Screw Retained Denture

Another option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. Your denture is held in place by screws that secure it to the support posts. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all your missing upper or lower teeth and will not be removed except, if necessary, at maintenance visits.

Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature.

The final restoration closely replicates the appearance and function of your natural teeth.

Implant benefits

• Improved confidence
• Stability during eating
• Bone and gum preservation
• Superior esthetics
• Nutritional benefits