Dental Implants Existing Partial
Technological innovations and advances in dental medicine research have enabled the implementation of new techniques for replacing all or some of your missing teeth. This is particularly the case with the implant-supported prosthesis which is removable like conventional "dentures" with which it shares a lot in common (support in pink resin, artificial tooth in acrylic resin, etc.). The only difference is that the implant-supported prosthesis, or existing partial, is held in place on the gum tissue using artificial roots implanted in the jawbone and not through the "suction cup" effect that is used in traditional removable dentures. In other words, this prosthesis combines two dental replacement techniques (implant + denture).
Problems with removable dentures
Generally, removable traditional dentures are the quickest and least invasive way of restoring your smile and the function of your teeth. However, there are certain problems and inconveniences associated with removable dentures, including:
* Temporary loss of taste is possible because the resin on your dentures covers your palate. If the removable prosthesis is complete and covers the palate, there is a risk of a lack of taste perception for certain foods. Generally, eventually, taste buds on the tongue and elsewhere in the mouth will take over, but you might loose some taste at first.
* A risk of injury is possible. If the edges of the removable prosthesis press too much on the oral mucosa, there is a risk of injury. If this happens, your dentist will need to make adjustments to the prosthesis to eliminate the over-contact area.
* If the removable dentures are too long behind the palate, it can generate a gag reflex and will therefore require adjustment at the dentist.
* In general, regular monitoring is important because if a removable prosthesis becomes unstable in the mouth, it can cause a problem with chewing, friction, and can cause gum irritation.
* Bone loss because traditional removable dentures do not do anything to stop the depletion of jawbone.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a basically a post that is surgically implanted into your jaw, where, after healing, it will become a replacement for a natural root for the missing tooth or teeth. Once the post has healed, it is fitted with a prosthetic tooth that looks, feels, and acts like your natural tooth. Crowns and bridges can also be placed on implants, as can full sets of dentures. Using implants and dentures together stabilizes the dentures and makes them generally more comfortable and more convenient. Dental implants are a long-term solution that can safely replace one or more teeth without affecting the other teeth, making them one of the best solutions for replacing missing teeth. There are numerous advantages to dental implants, including:
* Dental implants offer better cosmetic and functional results.
* Dental implants prevent significant bone loss and sagging of the face, which is the cause of its premature aging.
* The placement of a dental implant avoids the deterioration of the natural teeth adjacent to edentulousness, unlike traditional techniques.
* They provide a stable base for new teeth, and make it possible to speak and eat in complete safety.
* Dental implants are an extremely predictable solution, with medium to long term studies showing very high success rates.
Who can benefit from an implant-supported dentures?
Patients of any age can have a complete implant-supported removable dentures after having undergone complete edentition of the lower and/or upper jaw and fulfilling the requirements for implant surgery.
To maintain an implant-supported prosthesis, 2 to 4 dental implants must be made in the gum tissue. For the upper jaw, the implants are centered perfectly perpendicular to the jaw while those for the lower jaw will be slightly oblique. For this type of procedure, it takes several months for the gum to heal completely after inserting the artificial titanium root. Complete restoration of the dentition is done only after osseointegration of the implant. The implants used for this type of prosthesis are press stud implants. Light pressure on the removable prosthesis is sufficient to ensure retention and stability. The adhesion strength can be adjusted according to the patient's needs with these special implants.
Why choose an implant-supported prosthesis?
The loss of all natural teeth can cause significant bone loss in the jaw, which will inevitably change the facial structure. The tissue support is insufficient and can lead to premature aging of the skin. Some wrinkles appear while others become more pronounced. The features around the mouth sag and will inevitably look older. Without a suitable prosthesis, this complete edentulousness can have a devastating effect not only on physical appearance, but also psychological. People who already wear dentures, but are not satisfied with their fit, may very well opt for this more stable solution. These prostheses provide a feeling of security in particular to avoid dropping out in public.
The different types of implant-supported prostheses
* Total fixed prosthesis supported by implants: The best global fixed implant-supported solution. It is a total ceramic or resin bridge supported by the implants. If one or two jawbones are edentulous, a permanent custom-made titanium bridge is screwed onto abutments connected to the implants. This bridge is covered with resin or ceramic. The screw holes on the back of the teeth are covered after insertion. In case of breakage or for maintenance reasons, your dentist can remove the prosthesis when necessary.
* Removable prosthesis supported by implants: A removable prosthesis but firmly clipped. A support bar attached to the implants is custom made for you. It is used to hold your new removable prosthesis with clips that allow it to be anchored to it. Your new teeth are firmly supported by your jawbone, which stimulates bone and hampers bone loss. This prosthesis remains removable for reasons of insufficient bone height, or of hygiene because it is impossible to make a fixed prosthesis on an implant.
* Prosthesis stabilized by implants: Mainly made to stabilize removable lower prostheses which never hold. If your lower jaw is completely edentulous, two to four implants may be enough to stabilize your prosthesis. Press studs incorporated in your removable prosthesis, connect to the implants in the mouth on the male / female principle. This makes it possible to strongly stabilize your prosthesis, while maintaining mucosal support without glue and limiting unpleasant movements. To maintain your prosthesis, all you have to do is remove it (the dentist will take the time to teach you how), remove it and clean it like a standard prosthesis.
The implant-supported prosthesis provides great chewing comfort without forgetting the aesthetic benefit. Three-implant press stud frames are more stable than two-implant frames. The solution of the four implants with the titanium bar is particularly recommended for immediate loading. The patient can receive their removable prosthesis about 24 hours after implantation.