IMPLANT-RETIRED Dentures in Anderson IN

Replacing missing teeth with implant-retained dentures

Usually, when you lose a tooth, your oral health requires it to be replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite” and your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and 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 find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. If you are missing your lower teeth, several implant-supported replacement options are available.

What if I’m missing all of my lower teeth?

Ball Attachment Denture

One option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these. This option makes your lower denture more stable while chewing than without implants. However, your lower denture will still move, and sore spots will occur if food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you will still need periodic care.

Bar Attachment Denture

Another option involves placing four to six implants into your lower jaw, depending on your jaw size or shape. After healing, 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 minimal denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy removal.

Screw Retained Denture

A third option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. Your denture is held in place by screws or clasps that secure it to the support posts or bar. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all your missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time-consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.

ZYGOMATIC IMPLANT-RETAINED DENTURES

Zygomatic implants are an effective alternative for patients who do not have enough bone in the upper jaw for traditional implant bridges. Patients who were once told that they were not candidates for implants or bridges, or that significant grafting was needed before implant placement, can now benefit from dental implant restorations.

Zygomatic implants are designed specifically for patients who have significant bone loss in the upper jaw but would still like a permanent upper bridge. These implants are significantly longer than traditional implants and are placed at an angle into the dense zygoma bone, also known as the cheekbone. This allows patients to avoid bone grafting and shorten the time it takes to restore their teeth.

During the procedure, one or two zygomatic implants are placed on each side of the dental arch, along with traditional implants, creating a secure foundation for the upper arch bridge. In most cases, the restoration can be placed on the same day as the zygomatic implant surgery.

What If I’m Missing All Of My Upper Teeth?

A similar range of treatment options is also available for your upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth. Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need to cover the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to taste your food thoroughly. It 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.

Implant benefits

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