Dental Implants Existing Partial
If you have removable dentures, you’re probably aware of the multiple problems they can pose. Perhaps they click audibly when you talk or eat, which can be annoying and embarrassing, or perhaps they slip when you chew, making you want to avoid eating entirely. Maybe you’re stumped about how to clean your dentures and also how to clean the soft tissues of your mouth, which can be irritated from a day’s work supporting the weight of dentures and bearing the friction they can cause. In many cases, dental implants can combine with existing dental restorations and eliminate many of the problems traditionally associated with conventional dentures and dental restorations. Dental implants can often be used to stabilize existing dentures, improving their function and their comfort, while also supporting the health of the jaw and helping to improve the appearance of the lower face. If you learn that your existing appliance can’t accommodate dental implants, you can talk to your dentist about crafting a custom appliance that can.
Conventional removable dentures rest on top of the gums and bone, relying on them for support. The pressure dentures place on these tissues leads to the gradual deterioration of the bone, which causes the dentures to slip, becoming uncomfortable and interfering with eating and talking. This bone degradation also causes the lower face to appear sunken and can create an aged appearance. Dental implants stimulate the bones in the jaw and encourage the growth of healthy bone, restoring the integrity of the jaw and the appearance of the face, and implants that retain dentures also provide greater security, comfort, and utility. Traditional removable dentures are divided into two types, partial dentures and full dentures. Partial dentures are used when several teeth are missing, and full dentures replace all the teeth. For full dentures, the upper dentures are secured with a base that fits into the roof of the mouth, and lower dentures are fitted with a similar device that fits around the tongue in a U shape. Partial dentures rely on the natural teeth adjacent to the missing teeth to support the row of artificial teeth.
Dental implants are small screws, usually made of titanium, that are surgically implanted into the bone of the jaw and given time to heal. As the bone heals around the implants, it fuses to the biocompatible material and anchors the implant permanently into the bone. This healing process, which is called osseointegration, is the key to the stability of dental implants, and the healing process is therefore integral to the success of dental implants. You may have heard of dental implants that can support dental crowns to replace one or more missing teeth, but dental implants can also serve as support for dentures. Dentures that are retained by implants are more commonly used for the lower jaw, as traditional removable dentures can be harder to fit and stabilize for the lower jaw, though implant-retained dentures can also be made for the upper jaw. Combining an existing removable denture with dental implants maintains the simplicity of an existing dental appliance and adds the stability of dental implants, providing the best of both worlds.
Implant-retained dentures can improve the appearance of the smile and also enhance the functionality of the teeth. Pressure on the jaw that is caused by traditional dentures can aggravate the natural bone loss that results from missing teeth, ultimately affecting the shape of the face and the integrity of the jaw, while implants not only alleviate this pressure, they also stimulate the bone in the jaw and help maintain the strength and shape of the jaw. Implant-retained dentures can also be a permanent solution and won’t require consistent refitting and adjusting. Their permanent nature helps with speaking and eating, too. When removable dentures aren’t secured properly or have become ill-fitting, they can slip and interfere with clear speech, and this problem is eliminated when the dentures are secured with implants. Implant-retained dentures also allow their wearers to maintain a balanced diet, since they provide the stability and support the force that is necessary for effective biting and chewing of a wide variety of foods. Because they often rely in part on an existing dental appliance, implant-retained dentures can be far more cost-effective than other implant-supported dental restoration options; even when a new denture is needed, the cost can be lower than other options. When they are cared for properly, implant-retained dentures can last many years. Dentures that snap on to dental implants should be removed for daily cleaning and should also be removed before going to bed, and the implant attachments and soft tissues of the mouth should also be brushed regularly with a soft-bristled brush and dentist-recommended toothpaste.
Hiring an experienced dental implant surgeon is an important part of the success of implant-retained dentures. While general dentists may be qualified to place dental implants, the Journal of the American Dental Association has noted that implants placed by general dentists are more prone to implant failure. Dental surgeons are required to complete a rigorous residency program after dental school, and this experience matters; implant failure overall is rare, and experienced dental surgeons can discuss the risks of implant failure with patients before beginning any implant procedure. If necessary, a dental surgeon can also perform bone graft surgery before the implant procedure, to ensure that there is sufficient healthy bone present to successfully anchor the implants. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can increase the risk of dental implant failure, and dentists recommend smoking cessation for implant patients. Maintaining overall health can help maintain the health of the oral cavity and bone, and regular dental checkups can detect problems as they arise, so make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for follow-up visits and maintenance, especially as your implants are healing. Proper healing and conscientious care can help you maintain the comfort and security of your dental implants for a lifetime, and combining this stability with the convenience of a traditional denture can help improve your smile, your health, and your quality of life.