Missing teeth in your smile can affect your confidence as well as your overall health. Implant-supported dentures allow patients with multiple missing teeth to receive an alternative restorative treatment to uncomfortable dentures.
Within the first year of tooth loss, you lose crucial jawbone structure, resulting in an aged look. With implants, however, this bone resorption is stopped and existing bone tissue is preserved. Implants secure dentures in place, reducing unnecessary movement during chewing and talking. For renewed stability and comfort, implant-supported dentures provide an opportunity to give you the smile you desire.
Types of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures allow patients with multiple missing teeth to receive an alternative restorative treatment to uncomfortable dentures. Within the first year of tooth loss, you lose crucial jaw bone structure, resulting in an aged look. With implants, however, this bone resorption is stopped and existing bone tissue is preserved. Implants secure dentures in place, reducing unnecessary movement during chewing and talking.
Options for fixed denture treatment include:
Implant-retained, removable – This treatment has the denture resting on retentive attachments placed on implant posts. It is the minimal prescribed treatment for patents looking to support dentures through implants.
Bar-retained, implant supported – Secured by more comprehensive retentive attachments, a metal bar that connects to implants, this treatment allows patients to still remove their overdenture, while benefiting from greater stability. This thin metal bar will follow the natural curve of your jaw and are attached to your implants. Your denture is then fitted to the bar via attachments such as clips.
Fixed, implant-supported dentures – Combined together, the overdenture and bar are secured to implants with screws. This overdenture is removable only by your dentist, and is the most natural looking choice, as implant-prosthetics do not have flanges or rest on the gum.
Implant-supported Denture Placement
The process of getting implants begins with a consultation with a periodontists, oral surgeon, or implant specialist. This consultation may involve x-rays, impressions of your smile, and a possible CT scan of your jaw to determine how much gum tissue and bone are available. It may take four to six months in order for the implant to fuse and fully integrate to the bone. Waiting until your implant is fully integrated allows for better support of your prosthesis and your jaw bone.
Patients who are healthy enough for tooth extraction, and have ample bone in their jaw, are generally qualified for implants placement. For some patients, a bone graft may be necessary. Ask our San Francisco implant dentists about these additional treatments needed for optimal implant placement.
Contact our San Francisco Dentists
The process of getting implants begins with a consultation with a periodontists, oral surgeon, or implant specialist. This consultation may involve x-rays, impressions of your smile, and a possible CT scan of your jaw to determine how much gum tissue and bone are available. It may take four to six months in order for the implant to fuse and fully integrate to the bone. Waiting until your implant is fully integrated allows for better support of your prosthesis and your jaw bone.
Patients who are healthy enough for tooth extraction, and have ample bone in their jaw, are generally qualified for implants placement. For some patients, a bone graft may be necessary. Ask our San Francisco implant dentists about these additional treatments needed for optimal implant placement.