Implant Retained Dentures

Replacing missing teeth with implant retained dentures

Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite” as well as your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and can cause muscle pain in your jaws and headaches. And of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance. The following information reviews replacing missing teeth with an implant retained denture.

Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat, especially with lower dentures.  When it comes to chewing food with confidence, it can become a fight to balance a denture that is not supported.  It problem can become even worse the longer a denture is worn due to pressure atrophy and bone loss due to the pressure of the denture on the ridge.  Implants not only protect against this process, but they help maintain the physiological response of bone that we used to have when we had teeth.  This is a big plus and a huge factor when considering preservation of your jaw.  Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.

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Snap On Dentures with Mini-Implants

One option is to have mini dental implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these implants. This option allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants.  However, there will still be movement of your lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.  This is usually the most economical way to attach a denture to dental implants.  Although the success rate is high with lower dentures, the bone in the upper jaw is softer and usually has a lower long term success rate and more implants may be needed for support.  We have found through placement of thousands of mini-implants over the years that we need more mini-implants, typically  at least 5 in the lower jaw and 6 in the upper jaw to accomodate the  bone to implant surface area needed to support for chewing loads over time.  

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Bar Attachment Over Denture

Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape, into your lower jaw. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place.  This is called an “overdenture.”  The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement.  Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.

A mouth that has all teeth missing on its lower jaw
1. Before
A mouth without teeth and four implants connected by a metal bar on its lower jaw
2. Implants Placed
A mouth with a Bar Attachment Denture secured onto the lower jaw by four implants
3. Denture Attached

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Screw Retained DentureNobel All on 4 Maximages

   A third option involves placing four to eight implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. Your denture is held        in place by screws that secure it to supporting posts and framework.  This denture will replace all your missing  teeth on that arch.  This is commonly referred to as the All on 4 to 6 Same Day Implant Procedure.

A mouth that has all lower jaw teeth missing
1. Before
A mouth that has six implants and no teeth on its lower jaw
2. Implants Placed
A mouth with a Screw Attachment Denture affixed onto the lower jaw by six implants
3. Denture Attached

Upper Jaw  vs  Lower Jaw – Differences in Bond Quality

Because the bone in the upper jaw is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth for the upper jaw.  Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.  

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All on 4 to 6 Same Day Implants

For those who would like a fixed or permanent answer, the Same Day (All on 4 to 6) Perma-Bridge procedure is considered the Gold standard and best available treatment in Fixed Dental Implants. 

With the latest in technology and advancements in Dental Implant Procedures, Dr. Kachele has the ability to permanently fixate the Denture with a Same Day Implant Process that adds even more stability and confidence to your smile and in chewing and speaking. In most cases it can be performed in a Same Day procedure.

    Click here to see if the Same Day (All on 4 to 6) Perma-Bridge    is the right choice for you?

Implant benefits

  • Improved confidence
  • Stability during eating
  • Bone and gum preservation
  • Improved dental hygiene
  • Superior esthetics
  • Nutritional benefits

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*We Are Medicare Part B Certified*

Did you know that in certain circumstances, Medicare Part B will pay for medically necessary surgical procedures like Bone Grafting, Sinus Lifts, Ridge Augmentation and issues that accompany Jaw Bone Loss and Deterioration that effect your health? 

Call us for a free consultation today at   760-539-0470  or click the link below for your online request.

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