Implant Supported Dentures Dentures are notorious for slipping out of place at the most inopportune times, creating embarrassing situations while eating or speaking to others. One possible solution to your denture issues is an overdenture. This is a denture supported by implants that becomes a permanent fixture to your mouth. At our offices Mission Hills Periodontics, we can provide you with this solution. The implants are secured by screws into the jawbone. This provides an excellent anchor, in which the denture can then be secured without using any type of adhesive. Types of ImplantsThere are two different options available to patients with regard to implant-supported dentures. The most appropriate solution for your needs will have to be determined at our office following a consultation. The first type is known as a bar-retained denture which incorporates a thin metal bar attached to implants that are secured to the bone. In most cases, clips are attached to the denture which affixes it to the implant. The second type of implant-supported denture is known as a ball-retained or stud-attachment denture. There are small sockets utilized as connectors to secure the denture to the actual implant. Getting StartedGetting implant-supported dentures will require several visits to our offices to complete the process. At our offices, we will evaluate and make recommendations as to which type of implant would best meet your situational needs. There will be a temporary set of dentures made so you can leave our office without altering your daily habits while waiting for the procedure. Initial ProcedureThere are several necessary procedures to secure the implant in place and then connect the denture. Local anesthesia will be used to make the patient comfortable for the surgery. A small incision is made to expose the jawbone in the area where the tooth is missing. The implant is screwed into place and the incision is closed to allow for healing. The Next StepX-rays will be used to determine if the implant has had a chance to completely heal and fuse to the bone. If they have, then the gumline is opened up again to expose the implant head. Once exposed, a cap is put into place to stimulate healing. These caps will remain in place for approximately two weeks. The Final PlacementOnce the gums have appropriately healed, the manufactured dentures are placed on the framework to test for proper placement. Any adjustments can be made before securing them properly into place using the designed clips. After the dentures are in place, patients will need to follow instructions to allow them to fully heal. The permanent dentures can be brushed and cleaned just like natural teeth. A patient will find that it will be much easier to eat and drink after the procedure has healed due to the limited issues with permanent teeth. A much better alternative than removable dentures, the implant-supported dentures are a permanent fixture in the patient's mouth. When patients have questions or have been considering implant-supported dentures and need to contact us so we can provide them with the appropriate information. Come see us at Mission Hills Periodontics to receive the info. You can also call us at (619) 356-5989 to get an appointment or answers to your questions. |
