If you have lost most or all of your teeth to decay and other injuries, consider looking into implant supported dentures. Like real dentures, these models provide a replacement for missing teeth. However, the implants in implant supported dentures are fused to the jawbone, allowing for much more support for the replacement teeth.
There are two different types of implant supported dentures: bar-retained and ball-retained. Both have similar end results but connect the implants to the dentures in different ways. Patients can discuss the differences further with a dental professional to see which one is preferred.
Bar-retained dentures feature a metal strip that follows along the base of the jaw and is attached to implants that have already been sealed to the jawbone. Clips are used to facilitate the easy removal and reattachment of bar and denture.
On ball-retained dentures, a metal attachment extends from each implant and fits into a reciprocal attachment on the denture, similar to an electrical outlet and a plug. In most applications, the attachments on the implants are ball-shaped — hence the name — and fit perfectly into the holes on the base of the denture.
In most cases, implant supported dentures can take anywhere from four to six months to fully install. If the patient already uses a set of dentures, it could take less time.
The first step is for the patient to schedule a consultation with what is known as a prosthodontist. These dentists focus on the creation and maintenance of artificial teeth.
During this initial consultation, the prosthodontist or another dental professional reviews the patient’s medical and dental histories and goes over surgical options and preferences. In addition, X-rays are taken of the patient’s mouth structures and models made of teeth and gums for the purpose of constructing the dentures. The results of these tests also inform the surgeon as to the optimal placements for implants and if they will potentially affect sinuses or nerves.
Once the dentist has a model of teeth and gums, surgeries are scheduled to take place sometime in the following weeks. During the first surgery, the surgeon makes an incision into the gums over where each implant is to be placed. The surgeon then drills a hole into each incision all the way down to the jawbone. Finally, the implants are placed in each hole and secured.
After a couple of months, the mouth should be fully recovered and the second phase of surgery can commence. At this stage, the surgeon places caps over each implant to help the gums heal properly. Once another few weeks pass to give the patient enough rest, the caps are replaced with permanent abutments. Finally, the dentures are crafted and given to the patient.
Traditional dentures can be a pain to maintain and use, but luckily there are alternatives. For those who have lost their teeth in old age, implant supported dentures can restore a beautiful smile.
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