Can Dentures Be Stabilized With Dental Implants?
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Dental implants replace upper or lower teeth in patients of all ages. An implant-supported denture is an overdenture that is attached to these implants for extra support. At Premier Periodontics, we recommend them to patients who don’t have any teeth in their jaw but have enough bone to support these implants. They use special attachments that snap directly on the implants. A periodontist in Bellevue, WA usually only uses them for the lower jaw as regular dentures are less stable in that area. Schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Olympia, or Redmond, WA to learn more about implant restoration and other tooth replacement options.
Who is the best candidate for implant-retained dentures?
The type of dental implant restoration that you receive depends on the number of teeth you are replacing and the number of dental implant screws that are needed to anchor your tooth replacement. Implant-retained dentures give patients full-arch tooth replacement that relies on a series of implants that are strategically located within the jaw. When you need to replace a full upper or lower arch of teeth, our implant surgeon will work with your restorative dentist to determine the number of implants necessary to support your full-arch denture. In many cases, an implant-supported denture can be successfully anchored with 4 – 6 implants placed at strategic locations on the jaw. This denture stabilization helps more patients to replace missing teeth effectively at Premier Periodontics.
How does it work?
Implant-supported dentures are either bar-retained or ball-retained. Your denture is made of an acrylic base that looks similar to the gums. After which, porcelain or acrylic teeth that look like natural teeth are attached to the acrylic base.
The main difference between the two is the type of attachment used to clip your denture in its place:
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With bar-retained dentures, clips are fitted either in the bar, denture, or both
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With ball-retained dentures, we use ball-shaped “male” attachments that fit into the sockets found on the denture
The implant process
Dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone at the front of the mouth as there usually is much more bone there. The front jaw doesn’t have as many nerves that affect the placement of your implants. The entire process can last up to a year, especially if a bone graft or other procedures are necessary before proceeding.
The first procedure is to place the implants in the jawbone under your gums. The second one comes about 3 – 6 months after the initial surgery and is done to expose the tops of the implants.
Take care of your restorations like natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing. When taken care of properly, they can last many years. The denture itself may need replacement, though, as it will become worn from natural wear and tear.
Will my insurance cover implant-supported dentures?
Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost for these implant restorations. At your consultation, our team can help you understand your insurance benefits and coverage amounts.
Learn more about treatments for missing teeth
When you’re looking for ways to replace missing teeth, Premier Periodontics can help. Dental implants offer a lasting tooth replacement solution for patients of all ages. Our implant surgeons work directly with general and restorative dentists to bring the most effective tooth replacement solutions to patients in Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Olympia, or Redmond, WA. To learn more about dental implant placement and implant restorations, schedule a consultation today.