Implant retained dentures are a newer dental technology used to replace missing teeth with dentures and have the stability of dental implants. Instead of using the older approach of keeping dentures in place with suction or adhesive, the dentist places small posts into the jawbone to act as roots for the dentures. People find that these types of dentures offer better chewing, increased comfort overall, and more security when speaking.
The process for obtaining implant retained dentures starts with a consultation and examination of your mouth and jaw. The dentist needs to assess the amount of jawbone and the quality of that remaining bone to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. If the bone is not strong or thick enough, the dentist may be able to perform a bone graft to create a strong enough base for the implants. Once the bone graft heals, the dentist can place the implants into the jawbone. The implants will need time to heal and fuse with the bone or complete osseointegration.
A few months after the implants have been placed, the dentist can add small connecting pieces to the implants called abutments. These abutments are where the dentures will attach to the dentures. Depending on your specific type of dentures, they may be snapped on or screwed on to the implants. In the case that you have dentures that snap on to the abutments, your dentures are able to be removed for cleaning. If you have screw retained dentures, then your dentures will remain in place and can only be removed by the dentist during appointments for maintenance.
Compared to traditional dentures, the use of implants to secure dentures in place allows for your jawbone to maintain its strength and good health. As teeth are lost, their roots are no longer engaging with the jawbone, and the result is a shrinking and deteriorating jawbone. Dental implants act as the root of the missing tooth and prevent bone loss. Patients with implant retained dentures experience less facial hollowing and do not have the sunken-in appearance that comes with jawbone shrinking.
Comfort and function while wearing, eating, and talking with the implant retained dentures is much better than the traditional denture experience. Implant retained dentures stay in place, so you can eat a wider variety of foods without being afraid.
From a cosmetic and aesthetic perspective, implant retained dentures offer a very natural-looking result. The dentures themselves can be customized to match the color, shape, and size of your original teeth. The result will leave you more confident when you work, socialize, or just smile.
Implant retained dentures offer a better solution than traditional dentures. The permanent and comfortable restoration of function eliminates the need for individual replacement of each missing tooth or using adhesive to keep dentures in place. They are a long-term solution for many people with multiple missing teeth.
If you have more questions about implant retained dentures or how they could work as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if implant retained dentures are the best option for you.