An alternative to a removable denture.
A denture is a plate (or framework) that supports one or more artificial teeth. It is manufactured from acrylic or cobalt chrome and can be either removable or fixed in place using a series of implants (an implant retained denture).
Implant-retained dentures are secured to dental implants rather than resting directly on the gums. This may provide improved stability compared with conventional removable dentures and can reduce movement during everyday activities such as eating and speaking.
Treatment costs are typically higher than conventional removable dentures, as dental implants are required.
Are implant retained dentures suitable for you?
Implant retained dentures are a solution to replace a full arch of missing teeth.
Treatment using implants is most suitable when there is adequate bone density in the underlying jaw to support them securely. Otherwise, bone grafting surgery may be required to correct this problem. Implant-retained dentures allow the length, width, alignment and shade of the replacement teeth to be customised, which can assist in achieving a natural-looking result.
Implants may be unsuitable in cases of inadequate bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis), in the presence of diabetes, or where the implant would likely contact the sinuses. An oral & maxillofacial surgeon can generally work around all these issues and will often collaborate with a specialist prosthodontist who will create the denture component.
Owing to the complexity of this treatment, we believe specialist care is the best way to ensure the quality of your implant treatment is not compromised. However, this approach does increase expense, so implant-retained dentures may be unsuitable for patients who are price sensitive.
What’s the procedure for treatment?
The steps in the treatment process for implant-retained dentures are as follows:
- A thorough investigation of your medical and dental health, assessment of bone density and the sinuses.
- Preparation of the area where the teeth are missing, treatment of the surrounding gums to ensure they are healthy.
- Placement of a series of implants (titanium screws), followed by the taking of impressions to use as the blueprint to fabricate your new denture.
- Insertion of your new denture just three days later, thanks to the revolutionary Teeth in 3 days™ procedure provided by our network partner, Collins Street Specialist Centre.
Over time, your dental implants will fuse with the surrounding bone, each acting very much like the root of a natural tooth.
Results, recovery times and potential risks vary for each individual and procedure. The information provided here is general in nature and intended for those over the age of 18. Undergoing any dental or cosmetic procedure is a significant decision, and patients should seek independent advice from a qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioner before proceeding.
Further details about these procedures, including potential risks, can be found here.