Implant-Supported Removable Dentures

Implant-supported removable dentures are applied to individuals who have lost all their teeth. Unlike classic palate-supported removable dentures, they do not shift and their retention rate is quite high. Supported by a limited number of implants placed in the jawbone, these dentures can be easily removed, cleaned, and reinserted. In addition to the support and retention provided by the implants, the ease of cleaning is among the major advantages of this procedure. It is an attractive treatment option, especially for patients whose bone tissue and density are not suitable for placing implants for all teeth. Specialist Dentist Emin Serhat Arıkan, who serves patients in Adana, explained what implant-supported removable dentures are and how they are applied.

What Are Implant-Supported Removable Dentures

Implant-supported removable dentures are a suitable treatment option for patients who have lost all their teeth and do not wish to use classic removable dentures. As a hybrid treatment method, implant-supported removable dentures do not cause sores or irritation on the palate. These dentures, supported by two or four implant screws placed on the jawbone, are locked onto the denture using special attachment components. This provides strong retention. They offer a secure solution like fixed dentures while also being easy to clean because they can be removed and reinserted.

These dentures are placed on a base that holds the teeth. Retaining abutments are placed on the implants fixed in the jawbone. These abutments fit perfectly into the sockets within the denture. Thus, there is no concern about your dentures shifting while eating, speaking, or smiling. The chewing force comes from the jawbone, not the palate. It offers a comfortable treatment option for patients who cannot receive fixed dentures due to insufficient bone tissue.

What Are the Advantages of Implant-Supported Removable Dentures?

Implant-supported removable dentures have several functional and psychological advantages compared to classic palate dentures. If we were to list the advantages provided by implant-supported removable dentures:

Strong Retention and Stability

Implant-supported removable dentures lock into the mouth, providing strong retention. Unlike traditional palate dentures, they do not shift while eating or speaking. The person does not experience the constant feeling that their teeth might fall out. The denture is secured in the mouth, allowing the patient to continue their life with greater confidence.

Stronger Chewing Function

Unlike classic dentures, the patient receives the chewing force from the jawbone, not the gum tissue, with implant-supported removable dentures. This allows patients to chew and consume harder and tougher foods better.

Speech Comfort and Aesthetic Appearance

The palatal portion of the denture can be designed to be narrower and thinner. This reduces tongue restriction. This allows the patient to pronounce words more comfortably and speak easily. It supports the person's facial contours. It prevents a sunken appearance. The person gains a younger, more vigorous, and aesthetic appearance.

Prevention of Bone Loss

Implants act virtually as natural tooth roots within the jawbone. This prevents the problem of bone resorption that edentulism can cause. It allows for the preservation of the jaw structure.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

One of the key differences of implant-supported removable dentures compared to fixed dentures is that they can be easily inserted and removed, making them easier to clean. Maintaining oral hygiene facilitates the preservation of overall oral health.

An Economical Solution

Patients who have lost all their teeth typically need six to eight implant screws for a full-arch fixed denture. In contrast, two or four implant screws may suffice for implant-supported removable dentures. This makes the patient's prosthetic treatment more cost-effective.

Who Can Get Implant-Supported Removable Dentures?

Implant-Supported Removable dentures are a suitable treatment method for patients who do not wish to use classic palate dentures but do not have sufficient bone tissue for fixed dentures. The patients suitable for this treatment include:

Patients with Limited Bone Density – Patients who lack suitable bone tissue to support enough implants for a full dental arch but are suitable for placing two to four implants.

Those Who Do Not Want to Use Traditional Removable Dentures – Individuals experiencing nausea or discomfort in their palate may prefer implant-supported removable dentures instead of traditional removable dentures.

Those Seeking an Affordable and Comfortable Treatment – Unlike fixed implant-supported dentures, this treatment, which can be applied by placing fewer implant screws, can be more cost-effective and more comfortable for the patient.

Those Who Desire Easier Cleaning of Dentures – The cleaning and maintenance of hygiene for implant-supported removable dentures, which a person can easily insert and remove, are simpler.

In summary, people of all ages whose general health condition is suitable for surgical intervention and who do not have systemic diseases can be appropriate candidates for implant-supported removable denture treatment. In older patients, if the jawbone has resorbed significantly, removable dentures can be used to provide support to the lip and cheek tissues. It contributes to the improvement of aesthetic appearance.

How Is Implant-Supported Removable Denture Treatment Performed?

Implant-supported removable dentures are applied by following both surgical and prosthetic treatment phases. The treatment begins with the examination of the patient's jaw structure using radiological imaging technologies. At this stage, your dentist determines the points where the implants will be placed. They decide on the retaining system to be used. The treatment phases are as follows:

Surgical Intervention and Healing Process

In this procedure, performed while the patient is under local anesthesia, two implant screws are placed in the patient's lower jaw and four in the upper jaw. After this surgical operation, a period of two to four months is needed for the implants to integrate with the jawbone and achieve biological compatibility. During this time, the patient continues their life using temporary dentures.

Placement of Attachment Components

After the implants have fused with the jawbone, the attachment components responsible for holding the dentures are placed onto the implant screws.

Impression Taking and Denture Fabrication

Following the placement of the attachment components, detailed impressions are taken of the patient's mouth. According to these impressions, an aesthetic tooth arrangement suitable for the patient's facial anatomy is fabricated in the laboratory. During the try-in appointments, the patient's speech function, chewing function, and aesthetic appearance are tested.

Delivery and Adaptation

In the final stage of the treatment, the denture is locked onto the implants in the mouth. The dentist instructs the patient on how to use, insert, remove, and clean the denture. Implant-supported removable dentures provide a safer and more comfortable usage experience from the moment they are first placed.

What is the Maintenance of Implant-Supported Removable Dentures and What is Their Lifespan?

The success of the implant-supported removable denture treatment and the patient's comfortable usage depend on whether the dentures are maintained correctly. Unlike traditional palate dentures, these prostheses require cleaning of both the implants and the dentures themselves. This maintenance is crucial both for preserving gum health and extending the lifespan of the denture.

How Should Implant-Supported Removable Dentures Be Maintained?

Implant-supported removable dentures should be removed and cleaned with water after every main meal. A cleaning brush and soft-bristled toothbrushes should be used. Instead of toothpaste, cleaners specially manufactured for dentures should be preferred. Otherwise, the denture surface may be scratched, and bacteria accumulation may occur. Denture cleaning tablets should be used a minimum of once or twice a week.

The person's oral cleanliness is as important as the cleaning of the dentures. After removing the denture, you should also clean your gums and tongue to prevent the accumulation of bacterial plaque in these areas. Otherwise, you run the risk of gum diseases.

What is the Lifespan of Implant-Supported Removable Dentures?

Implant-supported removable dentures can generally be used safely for a period of five to ten years. However, diligently performing maintenance procedures and attending regular dental check-ups every six months can extend the lifespan of these dentures.