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You are not alone if you are missing multiple teeth; many people have this problem. Traditionally, dentures were used to replace missing teeth, but a more modern option is to have an implant-supported denture. A denture secured with dental implants is also called an overdenture, implant-supported denture, or implant overdenture. It can be an excellent solution for anyone fed up dealing with loose dentures or who is facing multiple tooth loss.
Denture implants or implant-supported dentures are dental appliances designed to replace several teeth simultaneously. This appliance is very similar to a traditional denture, but instead of resting directly on your gums, it is supported by dental implants inserted into your jawbone. These dental implants have special attachments that clip onto corresponding attachments on the fitting surface of the denture.
Sometimes a bar is fitted onto the dental implants in the jaw, and the implant denture attaches to this bar. The result is an implant denture held firmly in place, offering increased stability and improved strength for chewing and biting food compared with an ordinary denture that merely rests on the gums. You can remove the denture for cleaning and regular maintenance.
With denture implants, several implants are inserted into your jawbone to provide optimal support. With some solutions, the implants are inserted towards the front of the jawbone, which is naturally thicker and stronger. Alternatively, they may be situated evenly throughout your jawbone.
Usually, you need at least four dental implants to support a complete arch of teeth, but everyone has different oral health needs, so we will always recommend the number of implants we know will provide excellent long-term support.
The procedure for placing dental implants requires multiple steps.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Post-Placement
Fabrication of the Permanent Overdenture
Care and Maintenance
Your dental team will work with you to learn the right techniques for cleaning and looking after your overdenture and dental implants.
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Dental implants can replace a complete upper or lower arch of teeth or an entire mouth of teeth. They can also replace multiple missing teeth where some natural teeth remain.
Usually, an overdenture will have up to 10 or 12 teeth, comfortably replacing a complete arch of teeth. However, if you still have some natural teeth, an overdenture can be fabricated only to replace those missing.
Implant dentures can offer some significant benefits, including:
The actual implants can last many years or for life. However, committing to a good oral care routine is important to protect them. Although dental implants are made from inert materials, the bone and gum around them are living. Unless you ensure you remove all plaque and food debris thoroughly and regularly, there is a real risk that dental implants can become infected and could fail.
The table displays the percentage of patients who experienced various complications/risks after their dental implant surgery.
| Risk | Risk description | Occurrence |
|---|---|---|
| Infection | The risk of infection can be reduced by taking antibiotics before and after surgery. | 1-5% |
| Delayed bone healing | Delayed bone healing due to poor osseointegration (fuse) with the bone can happen due to insufficient oral hygiene, smoking, or certain medical conditions. | 2-10% |
| Nerve damage | Nerve damage can occur during the placement of the implant. This is a rare complication, but it can cause numbness or tingling in the lips, gums, or tongue. | 0.1-1% |
| Prolonged bleeding | Bleeding can occur after the placement of the implant. This is usually a minor complication that can be controlled with pressure. | 1-5% |
| Jaw fractures | Jaw fractures are a rare complication of dental implants. They can occur if the dentist places the implant in an area of weak bone. | 0.1% |
| Allergic reaction to implant materials | Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the materials used in dental implants for example to zirconium. This is a rare complication, but it can be serious | Rare |
| Risk of staining | Zirconium implants are less likely to stain than titanium implants. | Less likely |
| Risk of fracture | Zirconium implants are less likely to fracture than titanium implants. | Rare |
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Following a good daily oral care routine combined with regular dental checkups and professional cleanings at Century Dental is an easy and effective way to ensure your dental implants remain strong, healthy, and free from infection for years to come.
Your implant overdenture will need to be replaced over time. We will also need to check the condition of the attachments on the overdenture and implants, as these may also need to be replaced. However, these replacements are not very expensive.
The table displays the survival rates of delayed implants based on a large-scale population-based study of over 4519 records of implants published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine on 7 August 2022.
| Titanium implants | 5-Year Success Rate | 10-Year Success Rate | 20-Year Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titanium implants | 95%-96.7% | 90%-93.3% | 85%-88.9% |
| Zirconium implants | 95%-96.7% | 90%-93.3% | 85%-88.9% |
| Biological implants | 90% | 85% | 80% |
| All-on-4 implant | 95% | 90% | 85% |
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Denture implants are also an affordable treatment, as relatively few implants are needed to support the implant overdenture compared with having a conventional dental implant bridge fixed permanently in place. The affordability can bring the price of this treatment well within the range of many people.
The exact cost can depend on the number of teeth to replace and whether you require additional procedures like tooth removal or bone grafting. The cost of a temporary denture should also be taken into account. If you have an existing denture, it may be possible to adapt it to use during the healing period to help keep costs lower.
If you are struggling with loose, uncomfortable dentures that move around embarrassingly during meals or when socializing with others, come and talk to us about dental implant dentures. Our dentist can assess your oral health and recommend suitable implant options depending on your desires and budget.
Century Medical and Dental Center is an accredited healthcare facility in NY that operates in accordance with Article 28, a public health law. This law regulates and recognizes accreditation for public healthcare facilities, ensuring they are licensed and operated correctly. By undergoing the Article 28 process and achieving accreditation, Century Medical and Dental Center demonstrates its commitment to meeting the highest standards of care.
As a multidisciplinary medical center, we have highly qualified doctors, nurses, and support staff who are working hard to provide the best medical care to patients in Midtown Manhattan, NY, Downtown Brooklyn, NY, including Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, Prospect Heights, Park Slope, Clinton Hill, Boerum Hill, Red Hook, and Bedford-Stuyvesant.