Implant Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures offer a popular and effective solution for people who have lost all or most of their teeth but seek a more stable alternative to traditional removable dentures.
Implant-supported dentures are a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants. Unlike conventional dentures, which rest on the gums, these dentures are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. Typically, implant-supported dentures are used when a person doesn't have any teeth in the jaw but has enough bone in the jaw to support implants.
Types
A thin metal bar that follows the curve of your jaw is attached to two to five implants that have been placed in your jawbone. Clips or other types of attachments are fitted to the bar, the denture, or both. The denture fits over the bar and is securely clipped into place by the attachments.
Each implant in the jawbone holds a metal attachment that fits into another attachment on the denture. In most cases, these attachments are ball-shaped ("male" attachments) and fit into sockets ("female" attachments) on the denture.
Gallery
Visual insights to help you understand what to expect from your treatment. For more content, please refer to our Education Hub.
Benefits & Considerations
Everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your treatment.
Benefits
Improved Stability and Comfort
Implant-supported dentures are securely attached to dental implants in the jawbone, offering greater stability than traditional dentures that sit on the gums. This results in less movement and enhanced comfort, making it easier for patients to eat and speak.
Enhanced Jawbone Health
Regular dentures can sometimes accelerate bone loss in the jaw because they do not stimulate the bone beneath missing teeth. Implant-supported dentures, like individual dental implants, provide necessary stimulation to the jawbone, helping to maintain its density and prevent bone resorption.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Since implant-supported dentures can be designed for easy removal, they facilitate better access for cleaning both the denture and the gum area around the implants. This can lead to improved oral hygiene compared to traditional dentures.
Longevity and Durability
The materials used in implant-supported dentures, combined with the stability provided by implants, generally make these dentures more durable. With proper care, they can last many years or even decades.
Better Aesthetics
Implant-supported dentures typically offer a more natural appearance than traditional dentures. Because they are more stable, they also tend to fit better, providing a more comfortable and appealing facial appearance.
No Need for Adhesives
Traditional dentures often require adhesives to help keep them in place, which can be messy and inconvenient. Implant-supported dentures do not require adhesives as they are securely anchored to implants.
Considerations
Surgical Risks
Like any surgical procedure, implant placement carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and potential damage to nearby structures. Our skilled team implements strict sterilisation measures and advanced techniques to reduce these risks, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the process.
Osseointegration
In some instances, the implant may fail to bond with the jawbone. Our dental team assesses each patient's bone density and oral health to optimise results. We can employ bone grafting techniques to ensure adequate bone for successful implant placement, enhancing the likelihood of osseointegration.
Prosthodontic Maintenance
Over time, the denture itself may require repairs or replacements due to wear and tear. The attachments that connect the dentures to the implants can also wear out or break, necessitating additional maintenance or replacement.
Peri-implantitis Control
Implant-related inflammation affects the surrounding soft and hard tissues, resembling gum disease. This can lead to bone loss and implant failure. Our practice focuses on preventive care and advanced implant materials that enhance bone growth and reduce infection risks, ensuring the longevity of your implants.
Dietary Considerations
Some foods may be more difficult to eat with dentures, particularly hard or sticky items. Start with softer foods and gradually incorporate more challenging options as you become comfortable. Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing on both sides can help manage different types of food more effectively.
Adjustment Time
Adapting to implant-supported dentures can take time. Some patients may experience initial discomfort, difficulty with speech, or changes in taste sensation.
Treatment Procedure
Let's walk through your treatment procedure from start to finish.
Initial Consultation & Evaluation
During the initial consultation, our team conducts a thorough examination of your oral health, dental history, and overall well-being. This includes taking diagnostic radiographs, such as 3D cone beam CT scans, to assess the density and structure of your jawbone. We evaluate your suitability for dental implants and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Custom Denture Fabrication
Before proceeding with the implant surgery, we dedicate multiple visits to meticulously crafting a high-quality, well-fitting temporary denture. This denture will serve as a functional and aesthetic restoration during the healing process.
Implant Treatment Planning
Depending on the condition of your dental health, your dentist may involve other specialists, such as a periodontist or an oral surgeon. The plan will consider factors like the location of missing teeth and the health of your jawbone.
Within our practice, our skilled dental technician team is able to plan the implant placement with our specialised implant planning software for form, function, and aesthetics, whilst addressing all above considerations. A surgical guide is created in house to ensure the placement of the implant is correct with negligible error.
Implant Placement Surgery
On the day of the surgery, our skilled dentist begins by extracting any remaining teeth that need to be removed. Next, the dental implants are carefully placed into the jawbone, guided by a surgical guide created using advanced planning software. The gums are then sutured to allow for proper healing.
If the jawbone is not dense enough to support the implants, bone grafting might be needed. This procedure involves taking bone from another area of your body or using a synthetic material to augment the jawbone. Bone grafts require several months to heal.
Post-Operative Evaluation
One to two weeks after the surgery, we remove any sutures and assess the healing progress. Your temporary denture is adjusted for optimal comfort, and a soft liner is applied to prevent pressure on the implant sites.
Healing Cap Placement
Three to six months after the implant surgery, we carefully expose the implants and place titanium healing caps. This step prepares the implant sites for the denture abutments, facilitating optimal tissue healing.
Denture Conversion & Impressions
Once the gums have healed around the healing caps, we replace them with denture abutments. At this stage, we take new impressions to either convert your existing temporary denture or custom-design your permanent implant-supported denture.
Denture Delivery & Fitting
During this appointment, we securely attach your new implant-supported denture and ensure a proper fit, making any necessary adjustments to eliminate pressure points. Our team provides comprehensive instructions on caring for your new denture and maintaining excellent oral hygiene around the implants.
Ongoing Maintenance
Regular follow-up visits are essential for maintaining the longevity of your implant-supported denture. We review the condition of your implants and denture every six to twelve months and can replace the plastic caps as needed. Additionally, we take radiographs every two to three years to monitor the bone levels around your implants, ensuring their long-term stability.
Post-Operative Care
Simple steps to protect your smile and ensure optimal results in the days following your procedure.
Pain Management
Your dentist may prescribe pain relievers or recommend over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and discomfort following the procedure. In case of swelling, apply ice packs on the cheek over the area of surgery for the first 24-48 hours in intervals of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Keep your head elevated with pillows when lying down to help reduce swelling.
Diet
Stick to a diet of soft foods such as yogurt, pudding, soup, and scrambled eggs during the initial healing period. Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that could disturb the implants. Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids, but avoid using a straw as the suction can disturb surgical sites.
Avoiding Infection
If prescribed, it’s important to complete the entire course of antibiotics to prevent infection. Gentle brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush after each meal and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
Oral Hygiene
Follow specific instructions provided by your dentist for cleaning the dentures and the gum area around the implants. Usually, you'll remove the dentures at night to clean both them and your mouth. Starting 24 hours after surgery, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and soothe gum tissues.
Monitoring for Complications
Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to allow the dentist to monitor your healing and the integration of the implants. Be vigilant for signs of infection or implant failure, such as persistent pain, swelling, unusual discharge, or the implant feeling loose. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Activity
Rest is important after implant surgery. Avoid any heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or strenuous activities for the recommended period by your dentist to prevent bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Smoking can inhibit the healing process and should be avoided.
Long-Term Care
Even once healed, implant-supported dentures require regular check-ups and maintenance, similar to natural teeth, to ensure their longevity and to assess the health of your gums and jawbone.
Implant-supported dentures represent a significant advancement in dental prosthetics, offering individuals with significant tooth loss a highly functional and durable solution. For those considering this option, consulting with a qualified dental professional who specializes in implant dentistry is crucial to understand the specific needs and suitability for this treatment.