An implant-supported denture has special attachments that match up with and snap onto attachments on the implants. You can receive an implant-supported denture in either the upper or lower jaw.
An implant-supported denture is a recent combination of two dental technologies. A traditional denture tray is attached to and secured by surgically placed dental implants. A regular denture simply rests on your gums and is secured by just dental adhesive, not dental implants.
The thoughtful and conscientious team at Northside Dental share a common philosophy and that is to treat you as a person first, as a patient second. We appreciate the value of your lifestyle, your overall health, comfort, time, anxiety levels, and your budget. We will work tirelessly in collaboration with you in the development and implementation of your personalized dental treatment plans. We also think of ourselves as an important part of your overall health program team. Call us today at 317-848-9838 to schedule your appointment or stop in at 15026 Greyhound Ct. Carmel, IN 46032.
An implant-supported denture is an overdenture supported by dental implants. A traditional denture just rests on the gums. An implant-supported denture is a restorative option if you have enough bone in your jaw to support the implants. An implant-supported denture has special attachments that match up with and snap onto attachments on the implants. You can receive an implant-supported denture in either the upper or lower jaw.
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How the Implant Supported Dentures Actually Work?
There are basically two types of implant-supported dentures: bar-retained and ball-retained. For both, the denture itself is fabricated of an acrylic base that will look like your gums. Then custom porcelain or acrylic teeth that look like natural teeth are attached to the base. Both types of dentures will need at least two implants for support.
Bar-retained dentures — A thin metal bar follows the curve of your arch and is attached to two to five implants that have been placed in your jawbone. Clips are then fitted to this bar. The denture fits over the bar and is securely clipped into place by the attachments on the bar.
Ball-retained dentures (stud-attachment dentures) — Each dental implant in the jawbone has an extension and a ball-shaped metal attachment at the top. The backside of the dentures has a nylon clip. These clips snap directly on to each post extension.
Aftercare of Your Implant Supported Denture
Northside Dental will test all the parts of your new denture to see if they are secure. Even though your denture is stable, it may still move slightly when you chew. This slight movement can cause the denture to rub against your gums, which can cause sore spots. We will check your gums and will check the way your top and bottom teeth come together (your bite) after the insertion of the denture.
The clips or other attachments on the denture usually will need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months. They are made of a plastic material, nylon, and will wear with continued use.
You will need to continue to remove the denture at night and for cleaning. You also should carefully clean around the attachments, your gums and soak your dentures every night.
The Implant Supported Denture Procedure
During your dental exam, Northside Dental will review your medical and dental histories, take X-rays, and create impressions of either your teeth or gums so we can make models. Sometimes we may order a computed tomography (CT) scan of your mouth. This imagery will show your sinuses and nerves. It allows us to make sure they will not be affected by the actual implant placement. A CT scan will show the jawbone density to determine the absolute best locations for the implants. Next, we will create a temporary denture for you. You will use this temporary denture until your implant-supported denture is placed. By making this temporary denture, we can determine the best position for the teeth in the final denture. The temporary denture also can be used as a backup if something happens to the final implant-supported denture.
Once the temporary denture is finished, we will use a copy of it as a guide to help place the implants in the correct positions. This is a small surgical process. After a local anesthetic numbs the immediate area, we drill a small hole in the jawbone to place the titanium post.
After this initial surgery, you need to avoid putting pressure on the implants. The temporary denture will be made so that direct pressure is placed on other areas, not on your new implants.
Next Northside Dental will usually wait several months before scheduling the second surgery. During this time, the jawbone and the titanium post integrate, attach, and fuse together. This is the secret to the stability. The post now acts as a natural root.
The second surgery is short. We will attach abutments, or extensions, to the dental implants to reach the surface of your gumline. This surgery is simpler than the first. A small incision is made in your gum to expose the tops or heads of the implants.
A healing cap is then placed on the head of each implant after it is exposed. This helps the gum tissue to heal correctly around the extension. This small collar will be in place for 10 to 14 days. We will adjust your temporary denture again to accommodate these collars.
Two weeks after the second surgery, your gums should now be healed enough for us to make an impression of your gum tissue and abutments. The impression is used to make a final working model of your abutments and jaw. This model is then used by the dental lab to complete your final permanent denture, whether it be bar retained or ball retained.
Your Comfort and Your Care
The preventative methods taken for your dental care is the biggest benefit when choosing Northside Dental. We will make your appointments work with your schedule. We will also concentrate on making sure your appointments go smoothly and quickly. Our team goal is quite simple and that is to be your destination for all your preventative dental needs. We look forward to each visit and the opportunity to assist you in constantly maintaining your oral health with good preventative care. We focus on gaining your trust as you enter our clinic. Call us today at 317-848-9838 to schedule your appointment or stop in at 15026 Greyhound Ct. Carmel, IN 46032.