Permanent Dentures
Traditionally, removable dentures have served as the primary means of smile restoration in cases of significant tooth loss, particularly loss of all of the teeth on the upper and/or lower jaw. While the use of removable dentures is still commonplace today, Fioritto Family Dental is pleased to offer a technologically advanced alternative; implant supported permanent dentures that deliver greater comfort, confidence, and overall function.
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome when acclimating to new dentures is the fact they can slip out of place when biting, chewing, laughing, or speaking. Over time, as jaw bone recedes following tooth loss, individuals may also experience some discomfort from slippage and chafing. Multiple adjustments may be necessary to address these issues.
With dentures that attach to dental implants, patients won’t have such issues. Bone in the jaws may deteriorate in areas without implants, however the implant sites will remain stable. This provides a base on which to attach denture plates and holds them securely until the dentures are removed.
What types of implant supported dentures are available? What can be expected when you partner with Fioritto dentists to create these custom dentures?
Implant Supported Permanent Dentures
In many ways, implant supported dentures are very similar to traditional removable dentures. A patient will receive a custom set of upper and/or lower teeth that are tailor made to function with your oral anatomy.
However, the difference is, a patient will not have to rely on denture fixatives to hold them in place! Our patients don’t have to worry about teeth that slip out of place when chewing or speaking. This alone give our patients greater confidence.
There are two types of implant supported dentures to choose from.
The first option is known as bar-retained dentures. Bar retained dentures include a thin metal bar that attaches to the implants in your jaw to create a curved plane. With clips attached to the bar or the dentures, patients can easily secure their custom denture plate in place, ensuring a snug fit that won’t budge until one is ready to remove the dentures for the night. The second option is known as ball-retained dentures. Ball retained dentures feature a ball-shaped attachment on the implants that slot into sockets on the denture plate.
What to Expect
Before a patient can enjoy implant supported permanent dentures, they’ll first have to get dental implants, or titanium posts placed in the jaw that bond to the bone to form a stable base for the denture plates. Patients will need 4-6 implants to support a full denture plate, but it may depend on bone density and other factors. The implant procedure can be performed with local anesthetic, although sedation dentistry is available for patients with concerns or dental anxiety.
It may require several months for implants to fuse with the jaw bone, during which patients may receive temporary teeth. When the implants are stable, the final custom dentures will be customized. Implants are designed to last up to 20 years or longer with proper care, and they could even last a lifetime. Dentures may need to be replaced sooner due to factors like wear and tear, or changes to jaw structure (due to bone loss).
If you’re interested in the many benefits of fixed dentures, contact Fioritto Family Dental today at 440-951-5511 or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment and learn more about dental implants.