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Implant supported dentures are a permanent tooth replacement solution for patients who have lost their upper or lower teeth.
Usually, four to eight implants are surgically placed deep in your jawbone. Then your dentist attaches the dentures to the implants. They stay firmly in place and allow you to eat foods that traditional dentures do not.
Implant supported dentures are sometimes known as snap-in or snap-on dentures.
Candidates need a large amount of high-quality bone in their jaw. Not all patients will be able to get this surgery. Additional procedures such as a bone graft may be necessary.
Implant supported dentures are also known as fixed or permanent dentures. Implant retained dentures are removable or temporary dentures.
Implant supported (fixed) dentures provide the most natural and effective bite. This is because the jawbone absorbs the full force of the bite. This reduces pressure on the gums.
Implant supported dentures usually require four to eight dental implants. This increases the price of the procedure. They also stay fixed in your mouth, and only dentists can remove them for cleaning.
Some dentists now offer a technique called “all-on-4” which only requires four implants to support a full arch.
Implant retained (removable)dentures typically require two to four implants. Many times, mini dental implants can be used. They are used when there may not be sufficient quality bone for endosteal implants. These are called subperiosteal implants. This can eliminate the need for a bone graft.
Implant retained dentures allow you to eat and speak normally. However, your gums will absorb more of your bite, which can cause discomfort or gum damage. These dentures also need to be removed and cleaned every night.
The entire process for implant supported dentures can take two to seven months.
First, you will undergo implant surgery. The surgeon will open your gums to expose your bone. The implants will then be placed deep within the bone. The healing process for this can take two to six months. During this time, the implants and the bone will bond together. This is called osseointegration. It allows the implants to become a strong anchor for your dentures.
Depending on your surgeon’s procedure, you may need a second surgery. The surgeon will uncover your implants and add extensions called abutments. This will complete the foundation for the false teeth. This step may not be necessary if the implants already have extensions attached.
Once the implants are healed, your dentist will take a mold of your arch. Then they will send it to the lab that creates your full set of dentures. When they are finished, they will be shipped to your dentist, who will place them in your mouth.
Food particles and bacteria in your mouth can lead to staining, plaque, and gum disease. Daily maintenance will help keep your mouth healthy, your dentures functional, and your smile pearly white.
If your dentures are fixed in place, only your dentist will take them out. Your at-home routine will be very similar to people with all their teeth:
If your implant retained dentures are removable, you should remove them to sleep. You can keep them clean by brushing them daily and soaking them in a denture solution. Sleeping with them can cause bacteria build-up, infection, and/or pain.
The cleaning process is the same for fixed implant dentures. The only difference is you brush your denture as you would your natural teeth, since they are not removable. You can purchase implant brushes and flossers to help maintain your oral health.
The cost of implant supported dentures varies greatly. Some insurance plans will cover part or all of the procedure, while others do not. Check with your provider for more information.
Factors that affect the price include:
Traditional dental implants typically cost $1,600 to $2,200 per implant.
Mini dental implants cost about $500 to $1,500 per implant.
A complete set of porcelain dentures costs between $1,500 and $4,000.
Additional costs may include sedation, additional oral health procedures, and preparatory procedures such as bone grafts (if necessary).
You can expect to spend at least $6,000 to $8,000 per arch on implant supported dentures. However, this price can vary and may increase significantly.
Most insurances do not cover dental implants, but this varies from plan to plan. Insurance is more likely to cover traditional dentures than implants supported dentures.
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