Implant Retained Dentures – South Lake Smiles

What is implant-retained dentures?

Do you have difficulty eating or speaking while wearing a denture?

Is there anything that makes you avoid social settings because you are embarrassed?

Imagine getting implant-retained dentures that stay firmly in place all day long, even while eating and talking.

Implant retained dentures are half-moon shaped dental devices that can be used on the top or bottom arch. Unlike traditional dentures, which are held in place by their vast acrylic structure and the structure of the mouth, implant-retained dentures are held securely in place by a small number of precisely placed mini dental implants. Traditional dentures are typically bulky and uncomfortable in the mouth and have the potential to slip or loosen, whereas implant-retained dentures clip onto the dental implants and stay exactly where you want them to be at all times. Moreover, they also help with bite force on the gums, yet they do not fully replicate the natural bite force.

South Lake Smiles offers the best in implant-retained denture services for patients who are looking for a more permanent solution than traditional dentures can provide and to help you get back your smile and confidence.

The Benefits of Implant-retained Dentures

People who have missing teeth or dental problems may need to consider getting dentures in the future. While traditional removable dentures have been the preferred option for many people, implant-retained dentures are gradually becoming the preferred option. It provides several advantages, including the following:

1.) Improved stability

Implant dentures, unlike conventional dentures, are directly attached to the jawbone. So they are more stable and allow patients to eat foods they would have had to avoid with regular dentures. The steadiness also improves speech clarity. Traditional dentures are prone to slipping, which is embarrassing in public. Implant-supported dentures are stable, allowing you to laugh and speak freely without fear of them falling out. The fixed dentures also reduce the risk of breakage or loss.

2.) Maintains jawbone

When you lose even one tooth, your jawbone begins to weaken because it is no longer stimulated by the tooth root. An implant denture replaces both the roots and the crowns of your teeth, stimulating new bone growth and keeping your jaw strong. Overall, this enhances your oral health and helps your facial tissues look younger.

3.) Cost-effective and easy to maintain clean

It is simpler to keep implant-supported dentures clean and maintain your good oral hygiene routine. You can brush and floss as usual, and follow up with regular dental visits. There is also no need for routine denture maintenance or adjustment appointments. Implant dentures are made with durable material and can last for several years (five to seven years) if properly cared for.

4.) Improve biting force

Regardless of advancements throughout the years, dentures will never feel like your natural teeth. Dental implants use your jawbone to hold a virtually identical replica of your natural teeth. You won’t have to skip your favourite foods. You can regain up to 70% of your natural biting force and resume enjoying your favourite dishes.

Why choose South Lake Smiles for Implant-retained dentures in South Lake, Western Australia?

You’re tired of feeling self-conscious about your missing teeth. Your smile is important to you, but you aren’t sure about dental implants.

Imagine getting a beautiful new smile that’s affordable and easy to maintain. With single implant dentistry from South Lake Smiles, we can replace just one tooth or several teeth with a permanent solution that looks and feels great!

Our dental staff will need to review your health history and perform a thorough examination of your gums to assure that no serious oral health issues are developing.

At South Lake Smiles, our goal is to provide you with excellent dental care. As much as possible, we always aim to preserve your remaining teeth and help you achieve better oral health, done by providing adequate and quality dental services. We offer an affordable way to get back your natural-looking smile without breaking the bank.

Call us today at (08) 6495 4004 to schedule a consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a candidate for implant-retained dentures?

Individuals who have a sufficient and strong jawbone and gum tissue.
Do not have any medical conditions that would prevent you from undergoing implant surgery or would cause your recovery to be slowed. If you have any medical conditions, it is necessary to consult with your healthcare provider.
Individuals who are non-smokers or willing to halt the habit of smoking or using tobacco products.
People who have patience with the entire procedure. Implant-retained dentures generally take a few months to be completed.

What happens during an implant-retained denture procedure?

Initial consultation and treatment planning.

At this appointment, your South Lake dentist will review your health history, examine your mouth, and perform any necessary measures, such as dental x-rays. This is to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. We will also discuss the cost of the treatment plan and the financing options.

Creating your personalised dentures.

This pre-planning stage includes making appointments in order to customise a high-quality and well-fitting denture.

Placement.

First, we will administer local anesthesia or sedation to ensure you are comfortable and avoid any discomfort during the operation. Then, the dentist will make an incision in the gums and drill a hole to expose your jawbone and make sure the implant site is clean and dry from saliva. Finally, the implant post will be placed securely and close the area with stitches.

Checkup and adjustment.

Following one to two weeks of surgery, your dentist will remove any remaining stitches (if there are any), adjust your denture, and apply a soft gel to line the dentures to prevent placing pressure on the dental implants.

Preparation for abutments.

We delicately expose the dental implants and put titanium healing caps between three and six months after the operation in preparation for denture abutments.
Placement of abutments and conversion. Once your gums have healed. The next procedure is the placement of the denture abutment, which involves additional surgery.

Fitting your new denture.

During your appointment, we will fit your new denture and ensure that it is properly attached, making any necessary changes to ensure that there are no pressure points. We will also show you how to clean around the dental implants and how to care for your new denture.

How long does the implant-retained denture procedure take?

Treatment times vary according to different factors, such as the type of implant used, whether the treatment is for the upper or lower jaw, whether bone grafting is required, and the number of implants. Yet, the entire process generally involves two surgeries to place the denture abutment and the implants. The process of placing standard implants can take from five months to a year.

Can you have implant-retained dentures if you have bone loss?

Dental restorations such as implant-retained dentures require adequate and strong bones for a solid foundation to anchor the implants. Yet, if your bone is weak or too soft and if you are considering permanent dentures to replace your damaged teeth or tooth loss, the dentist may suggest bone grafting before you can undergo the implant procedure. A bone graft can provide a more stable foundation for the implant. We can discuss this alternative further during your consultation.

Is an implant-retained denture for everyone?

Implant-retained denture is a safe procedure that can be a good treatment for several missing teeth or a few damaged teeth. However, it may not be a suitable option for everyone. There are several factors to consider to determine whether you would be a candidate for this treatment. This includes your diet, lifestyle, health, etc.

Possible risks for implant-retained dentures

Implant-retained dentures are considered a safe procedure. However, just like any other medical procedure, it may have potential risks that you should be aware of:

Excessive bleeding.
Discomfort or pain.
Improper placement which can lead to implant failure.
Puncture of the sinus cavity.
Damage to blood vessels or nerves.
Risk of infection.

Our thorough planning guarantees that our patients’ implants are placed without causing injury to neighbouring tissues.

Implant retained dentures vs Removable Dentures

Implant-retained dentures

There are two types of removable dentures: full dentures and partial dentures. Traditional dentures feature a row of natural-looking teeth attached to a pink or reddish base. Denture adhesive and suction are used to attach the base to your gums.

Traditional removable denturesImplant-retained dentures are anchored directly to the jawbone with dental implants and abutments.

This is the main difference between implant-supported dentures and traditional dentures.
Patients must first have dental implants placed in order to receive implant-supported dentures. Abutments are attached to the implants after the posts have fully fused with your jawbone. Once the abutments are attached, the prosthetic is attached.