Implant-Supported Dentures Oral Surgeon Dallas
Implant-supported dentures are overdentures that are seated on top of and connected to dental implants. These metal screws are surgically embedded into the jawbone and are made of titanium, allowing the bone to fuse with the screw. The implant-supported denture is a more convenient and stress-free option than traditional dentures, allowing for a greater range of force and functionality.
Implant-supported dentures are suitable for patients who are missing all the teeth on their jaw but have enough bone mass to support the dental implants. With the implants in place, the overdenture can be snapped onto the posts via attachments.
Traditional dentures are placed in the mouth using glue or adhesives, and this can result in slippage and instability. This is especially true for dentures placed on the lower jaw. Although traditional dentures can sit more securely on the upper jaw, our surgeons offer implant-supported dentures on both the upper and lower jaws as a permanent solution. When in place, an implant-supported denture on the upper jaw won’t cover as much of the palate, or the roof of your mouth, as a traditional denture.
Bar-Retained Dentures
A bar-retained denture involves dental implants, a removable overdenture, and a narrow metal bar that connects both of these components. Depending on the needs of the patient, this denture can involve anywhere between two to ten implants. Once the implants are placed in the jaw, the metal bar is fixed to the screws. Small clips on the appliance will hold the bar and dentures together, securing the teeth in place.
As with all oral surgical procedures, bar-retained dentures come with their own potential risks and complications. If care is not taken to balance the metal bar evenly on each metal post when it is attached, too much strain may cause the implant screws to come loose. If you grind or clench your teeth, this can also cause screws to loosen and parts of the denture to break. Additionally, the clips used to secure the dentures and bar are made of nylon and will wear over time. This will require repeat visits once or twice a year for these clips to be replaced.
Benefits Of Implant-Supported Dentures
One of the most glaring issues of traditional dentures is their lack of stability when placed in the mouth. Because a traditional denture is attached with glue or other types of adhesives, they may loosen over the course of a day or fall out while talking or eating.
With implant-supported dentures, the added stability of the implant screws allows you to eat a wider range of food than traditional dentures do. Some hard or sticky foods, however, can still potentially harm the dentures. This solution also assures that, unlike a traditional denture, your teeth are not likely to fall out completely during the day.
Caring For Implant-Supported Dentures
As with traditional dentures, we recommend that you remove and clean your implant-supported denture daily. To maintain your oral health, we also recommend cleaning the gums and adjacent attachments. Implant-supported dentures should also not be worn while sleeping.
After the denture has been placed, your surgeon will check to ensure it is secure and aligned. Regardless, the denture can still shift slightly while eating. This may create sore spots where the denture rubs against the gums.
In some cases, patients will request permanent crowns or bridgework as an alternative option. These fixed denture options can address many of the disadvantages of implant-supported dentures, but they are not an ideal solution for all patients. Scheduling a consultation appointment will allow our team to examine your oral health, overall health, and your needs to determine an ideal treatment option.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about implant-supported dentures, give us a call at 214-363-9946. |