IMPLANT ANCHORED DENTURES

The reason traditional dentures are so uncomfortable is because there is nothing to really hold them in place and to secure them to your gums. Stores offer a wide range of adhesives, and there is a layer we can put inside to assist with suction, but none of these options really provide a firm hold. Patients express frustration in alterations to their speech, frustration of the denture coming loose at in-opportune times, and frustration from soreness or pain as the denture rocks around on their gums. These problems can be eliminated through a simple oral surgery procedure and securing your denture with dental implants.

A dental implant is a rod that we surgically place directly into the jawbone. Once healed, it provides a firm post that we can then use to anchor your denture. Depending the type of implant system you choose, this can be done in a variety of ways, including:

• Fixed or Screw Retained: A fixed or screw retained denture is generally the most common type of implant retained denture system. This system provides a firm hold, yet ability to be removable when needed. Some patients prefer this method for ease of cleaning and caring for their teeth depending on their health challenges. Treatment uses 6 to 8 titanium implants to support an entire arch of teeth.
• Bar-Retained: Bar-retained dentures use a bar system along with implants. The bar is secured to the implants and the denture is attached to the bar. This allows the patient to hook and unhook the denture device for cleaning and care. Bar-retained dentures also use 6 to 8 posts.
• All-on-4® Treatment Concept: The All-on-4 system is used when you are missing a full arch of teeth but do not have the bone mass necessary to support the posts for the other two systems discussed above. Instead, the patient will have their device permanently fixed to their gums, this is not a removable option. We use at least four, and up to six, implants that are longer in length, designed to insert into thicker bone. The implants are placed at an angle to capture the more bone mass.

WHY SHOULD I GET IMPLANT RETAINED DENTURES?

Implant retained dentures provide a number of benefits to our patients. The most important being a better quality of life. We use our mouths constantly, whether it is eating, speaking, breathing or smiling. Our patients want to feel secure in their teeth, secure in knowing that they can use them and that they will stay in place. Traditional loose fitting dentures are a dramatic lifestyle change. Implant supported dentures can help you have teeth that look, feel and function like your natural teeth.

For more information on Implant anchored dentures, and if they are the right solution for you, call Oral Surgery Specialists of Austin today at (512) 351-7653.