Implant-retained dentures are supported by implants and do not rest on the gums. These dentures are removable and can be the best solution for patients that need full dentures and have ample bone mass in the jaw to support the implants.

The doctors and the team of oral healthcare professionals at Caring Dentistry of Queens, located near you in Richmond Hill, NY, want to educate their patients, current and new, on implant-retained dentures.

In most cases, implants are placed on the lower jaw, where there is less denture stability. Dentures for the upper jaw are stabilized by the suction created between the denture and the roof of the mouth.

For clarification, implants are not replacement teeth even though these descriptions are used interchangeably. Implants are the titanium rods that are surgically implanted into the jaw bone to support the replacement teeth or a full denture.

How Do Implant-Retained Dentures Work?

There are two types of these dentures: bar-retained and ball-retained, and each are described below.

Bar-Retained

A thin metal bar with clips is attached to some of the implants following the curve of the jaw. The denture will fit over the bar and to be clipped into place.

Ball-Retained

Unlike the bar-retained denture, each implant will have a ball-shaped attachment to fit into a corresponding socket within the denture.

The Process

The implants are typically placed in the front where there tends to be more bone mass and fewer nerves and other anatomical markers to interfere with the implant procedure.

The shortest time frame to complete the procedure is 5-7 months. This includes the placement of the implants and the fabrication of the dentures. In cases where bone grafting, or another preliminary procedure, may be needed, the treatment may span for more than 1 year.

Usually, two surgeries are needed: the first to place the implants, and the second to expose the implant tops above the gumline. There are cases where this two-step method can be performed with one surgery.

Caring for the Implant-Retained Denture

These dentures are removable and need to be cleaned at the end of each day. Like traditional dentures, it is recommended that patients not sleep with the dentures in place.

Although the dentures are stable, the patient will need to become familiar and comfortable with the slight movement. There will be follow-up appointments with the dentist every 6-12 months for adjustments and to replace the attachment clips.

As with traditional dentures, food restrictions will be in place to avoid anything hard and sticky.

If you would like a consultation regarding the procedures and the benefits of implant-retained dentures, then please contact the oral healthcare professionals at Caring Dentistry of Queens, located in Richmond Hill, NY, where new patients are always welcome.

Caring Dentistry of Queens is trusted and highly recommended for the implant-retained denture procedure, as well as other treatments in restorative, general, and cosmetic dentistry.