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Learn About Dental Implant Dentures

A dental implant over-denture connects to cylinder-like configurations (called implants) that have been surgically implanted into the jawbone.

The dental implant denture appears like a traditional prosthesis. However, the part of the denture overlying the dental implants is modified to retain various semi-rigid attachments that receive dental implant extensions projecting above the gum. This arrangement helps keep a denture securely in place while eating, speaking, and during other oral activities, but still allows easy self-removal of the denture for cleaning purposes.

There are two phases to this process. The first is a surgical phase consisting of two stages, and the second is a prosthetic phase (making the implant denture).

The Surgical Phase of Dental Implants

1. Surgical Implant Insertion Stage

• Dental implants are completely inserted into precise preparations in the jawbone. While there are various dental implant configurations, they are essentially cylindrical in shape and made of pure titanium metal. After dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, gum tissue over the dental implant is closed with sutures, in most cases.
• While a minimum of two dental implants may be inserted for an acceptable outcome, a person may plan to receive three or more, depending upon individual needs and anatomical limitations. More dental implants will give additional support and retention to the dental implant denture.

2. Healing and Surgical Exposure Stage

• During healing, an existing or temporary denture may continue to be worn after adjustments have been made to adapt it to the surgical site. If the existing denture cannot be altered sufficiently, a provisional prosthesis should be fabricated.
• Dental implants are left undisturbed beneath gum tissue for at least several months as determined by the dentist. During this time, bone reorganizes and grows around the dental implant surface, anchoring it securely into the jaw (this is called osseointegration).
• At the end of the healing stage, the top of the dental implant is exposed by removing gum tissue directly over it. An extension that is then screwed into the exposed dental implant projects slightly above the gum tissue.
• After adjustments, an existing denture can be worn over an dental implant denture extension while the gum heals. However, the denture must be reshaped to conform to surgical site contours in order to avoid unnecessary pressure areas on the newly inserted extensions and the surgical area.

The Prosthetic Phase (Making the Dental Implant Dentures)

• A precision superstructure is fabricated and is screwed into the dental implant extensions. This superstructure may have various interface configurations, ranging from interconnecting metal bars to specially shaped singular extensions.
• A dental implant denture is fabricated with special provisions on the inside surface to receive various types of attachments (interlocks). Depending on the attachment, they interact in various ways with the superstructure. For example, a metal or plastic attachment may clip onto metal superstructure bars, a nylon receptacle may receive a specially configured dental implant extension, etc.
• The attachment/superstructure configuration helps to securely maintain a denture while eating and speaking, and still allows a person to comfortably and easily remove the prosthesis for cleaning purposes.

Essential Dental Implant Dentures Maintenance Needs

As might be expected, exemplary oral hygiene is essential to help prevent the development of disease around dental implant dentures that could cause their failure.

Implants, superstructure, attachments, and the over-denture must be checked and professionally maintained by a licensed dentist on a regular basis. Attachments often need periodic adjustment or replacement due to wear.

While the dental implant over-denture approach is complex and expensive, the value received by an individual usually far exceeds monetary considerations.

How Long Will Dental Implant Dentures Last?

Dental implant dentures may last for a lifetime (current reports show many dental implants lasting 20 years) or deteriorate in a few years. Many factors are involved that reduce the life expectancy of dental implants, such as oral hygiene, general health, habits such as smoking, grinding, etc. The superstructure or dental implant extensions may need to be replaced after five years. Depending on the dental implant system used, some parts may need to be replaced annually, or sooner, because of wear or deterioration. These time frames are generalities. The dental profession continues to strive for long-term durability of dental implant dentures.

by Joseph J. Massad, D.D.S.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

New Dentures: What to Expect from Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are less than perfect replacements for natural teeth. However, they have proven to be effective for countless individuals and can be comfortable to wear if a person has reasonable expectations and recognizes that there definitely will be an adaptation period.

It is important to understand that "showing off" with new complete dentures often ends in an unpleasant and embarrassing experience. One must first practice with their new prosthesis and learn what limitations and compensations need to be considered.

The old adage of "learn to walk before you run" certainly applies to the successful, secure and comfortable wearing of complete dentures.

Some Factors to Consider When Wearing New Complete Dentures

This is not an exhaustive review of new complete dentures learning considerations. However, these are common areas of concern. If a person has a unique question or problem, they should always contact their dentist or prosthodontist for advice and direction.

Full feeling:

When new complete dentures are first placed in the mouth, they frequently feel fuller, and it may not seem like there is enough room for the tongue. When a person has been without teeth for a period of time, the inside of the cheeks and tongue can become slightly thicker or feel fuller. When new complete dentures are first inserted, this slight fullness may feel enormous. It actually is not, and the full feeling will usually go away very shortly if an individual does not dwell on the sensation.

Previously unsupported sunken facial structures and muscles usually will be supported with new complete dentures to a normal position. These facial tissues adapt rapidly to their regained normal positioning and will feel less strained and more flexible. A more youthful appearance results in many cases.

Phonetic difficulty:

When a person is used to producing speech sounds without teeth or with old complete dentures that no longer preserves proper jaw relationships, they generally have adapted their speech in such a way as to accommodate these abnormal conditions. However, when correct jaw relationships and contours are established again with new complete dentures, there may be some difficulty producing certain speech sounds clearly, and teeth might even click together in some instances. This is temporary.

If an individual makes an effort to speak slowly and clearly, pronouncing words very precisely, the tongue and other muscles will adapt quickly to produce clear speech. It is often useful to read a book or newspaper out loud, carefully pronouncing each word precisely.

Sore spots and irritations:

These may develop as new complete dentures settle in. This may require some adjustment to the body of the complete dentures, and, more often, careful adjustment of the bite resolves these types of problems.

At times, the jaws may feel tired and soreness can develop. Taking complete dentures out to rest the mouth for a time frequently helps resolve these problems.

Chewing patterns:

Chewing patterns will need to be developed over several weeks, starting by chewing with small pieces of soft food and gradually increasing the firmness over several weeks. Generally, food should be chewed on both sides of the mouth at the same time.

Front teeth are considered primarily for esthetics and speech and to a lesser degree for function. Food is not bitten off with the front teeth efficiently; rather, the bolus of food should be held by the complete dentures, near the corners of the mouth, and torn off by rotating the hand holding food in a downward motion. This will increase chewing efficiency and reduce irregular denture rocking.

A complete dentures patient needs to take control and keep a positive attitude for optimal results.

by Joseph J. Massad, D.D.S.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.