Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-Supported Removable Dentures

This type of denture is used for increasing the attachment of the typical dentures for the patients who have no teeth. Implant-supported removable dentures are dentures which can be put on and put off easily by patients. The biggest difference from the other removable dentures is that it is almost completely immobilized as it is placed upon the implants through some holders (attachments).

These type of dentures are also called implant-supported overdentures. Overdenture is placed upon 2, 3 or 4 implants after considering the bone structure and the situation of jaw bones. Implant-supported removable dentures require fewer implants than implant-supported fixed partial dentures. As the denture may be displaced due to the osteolysis in fully edentulous mouth while speaking and eating, the denture is immobilized and the complaints of the patients are resolved. Special tools called ball, bar or locator are used as connectors.

Implant-Supported Fixed Partial Dentures

Implant-supported fixed partial dentures are prosthesis which are fixed on the implants through screws or adhesives and which are used in order to compensate for the missing teeth and the lost tissue. These type of dentures are immobilized at the mouth and they cannot be put on and put off by patients. Recently, use of complete dentures has become uncomfortably. Patients may not be satisfied with removable dentures both functionally and psychologically. We can immobilize those removable dentures without reducing the patient’s quality of life thanks to the improving material and implant treatment technology. Therefore, we can compensate for both of the missing teeth and the loss of tissue which causes an aesthetic concern. These dentures which compensate for both missing teeth and the loss of tissue are called hybrid dentures.

It is necessary to evaluate chronic, metabolic diseases, use of drug and some habits such as smoking before applying implant treatment to edentulous mouths. Then, a detailed examination is made through panoramic x-ray and tomography in order to monitor the bone structure and the anatomical structure. Number and type of the implant is also determined with planning the denture which will be placed on.

The Preparation Phases of Overdentures

• Placement of the Implants: Implant screws made of titanium are placed in jaw bones surgically and they replace the natural tooth roots. For the lower jaw, it must be waited for 6-8 weeks for osseointegration. For the upper jaw, this time extends to 12 weeks.
• Opening the Top of the Implants: After recovery, the dentists cut gingiva slightly and reach the implants. Then, healing caps are placed on gingiva and this healing process lasts for 7-10 days.
• Measurement and Placement of Overdentures: Healing caps are displaced and implants are visual now. A measurement post is placed upon implants and the measurement of the mouth and palate is taken. It takes approximately 7-10 days to prepare the dentures in a lab. Prepared dentures are placed upon the implants as removable or fixed. Then, you have new teeth.

Taking Care of Overdentures

The factor which affect the longevity of the implants and overdentures the most is taking good care of them by patients meticulously. Implants may not signal about inflammations as they are not living organisms or given signals may not be noticed by the patients because there is not any pain. Therefore, having your teeth checked once a year is crucial. Additionally, dental cleansing methods which are advised by the dentists must be applied regularly and effectively by the patient.