Implant-Supported Dentures
in Rochester, NY
What are implant-supported dentures?
An Implant-supported denture is an oral appliance that replaces missing teeth in one or both jaws. They are also referred to as implant-retained dentures, or implant-supported overdentures. Implant-supported dentures may be used when a person has no teeth but still has enough bone to support dental implants. These types of dentures are anchored onto dental implants which are secured firmly into the jawbone. Once the dental implants are placed and have healed, the dentures can be attached to them. Implant dentures are more secure than conventional dentures.
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Implant Dentures Improve Function, Look Natural and Boosts Self-confidence
The health of your jawbone, your medical history, and your personal preferences will determine which type of implant dentures are right for you. If you have any questions about tooth replacement and the various types of implant-supported dentures, please contact our office and set up an appointment.
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What are my choices for implant-supported dentures?​​
There are three types of implant-supported dentures. These options differ based on how they are secured, the number of implants required, and whether they can be removed by the patient.
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1. Implant-Supported Complete Lower Overdentures (Retained by Two Implants)
This complete lower denture is attached to two permanent implants which are anchored in the jawbone. Patients can remove the denture at will for cleaning or sleeping and place it back when ready to use. The main benefit of this type of lower complete denture is the added retention provided by the two implants.
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Why are Two-Implant Lower Overdentures Recommended?
In 2002, a group of experts from around the world met to discuss the proper restorability for edentulous patients (those with complete loss of all their natural teeth) and published the McGill Consensus Statement on Overdentures*. It was noted that patients found the lower complete denture with two implants to be more stable than a regular denture without implants. This statement strongly recommended that the two-implant overdenture is the new minimal standard of care for the edentulous mandible.​
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This complete lower denture is attached to two permanent implants which are anchored in the jawbone. Patients can remove the denture at will for cleaning or sleeping and place it back when ready to use. The main benefit of this type of lower complete denture is the added retention provided by the two implants.
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2. Implant-Supported Complete Upper Dentures Overdentures (Retained by Four Implants)​​​​
This type of implant denture has an attachment mechanism that attaches it to the implants to hold it in place. It can attach directly to the implants or attach to a bar that is anchored to the implants. A complete upper overdenture retained by four implants also provides patients with the ability to remove it at will to clean it and allow their gums to rest.
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This is a complete upper denture that has an open palate design and is retained by four implants. There are many benefits of this prosthesis due to the open palate design. The most significant benefit of having an open palate prosthesis is that patients can enjoy the taste of foods more fully, as the palate has numerous taste buds.​​​
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3. Implant-Supported Removable Partial Dentures (Upper or Lower)​
Implant-Supported Partial DenturesThese types of partial dentures are attached to implants for added retention and are also removable. These types of dentures ‘snap on’ to dental implants in your jawbone. The benefits of implant-supported partial dentures are added retention, and the absence of metal clasps that are on conventional partial dentures which can often show. It is still necessary to remove them for cleaning, maintenance, and at bedtime as you would with conventional partial dentures.
*The McGill Consensus Statement Conclusion
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“The evidence currently available suggests that the restoration of the edentulous mandible with a conventional denture is no longer the most appropriate first choice prosthodontic treatment. There is now overwhelming evidence that a 2-implant overdenture should become the first choice of treatment for the edentulous mandible.”​
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Important Takeaways from the McGill Statement​
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Survival of titanium implants in the anterior region of the lower jaw is very high.
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Implants reduce the rate of resorption of bone in the anterior mandible.
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Mandibular two-implant overdentures have been shown superior to conventional dentures in many clinical trials.
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Participants are significantly more satisfied with two-implant overdentures than with new conventional dentures.
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Patients find the two-implant overdentures significantly more stable, providing better chewing of various food and being more comfortable to speak.
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Patients rate their quality of life significantly better with mandibular two-implant overdentures than with conventional dentures.
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More and more evidence show that people who receive mandibular two-implant overdentures modify and improve their diet, while those who wear new conventional dentures do not. Such improvements may have strong positive impact on general health, particularly for senior adults who are vulnerable to malnutrition. ​​
What are the advantages of getting overdentures compared to conventional dentures?
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There are many overall benefits of getting dental implants if you are considering replacing missing teeth. If you are contemplating whether to choose implants over conventional dentures, here are some of the most significant advantages of implant-supported dentures:
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Prevention of Bone Loss – A common problem with conventional dentures is bone loss, which can give patients significant aesthetic changes over time (e.g., the appearance of the patient’s facial features collapsing inwards). On the other hand, implant-supported dentures can help preserve your jawbone structure. When you chew and bite, the force travels through the implants and into the bone, which mimics the stimulation of natural tooth roots. This stimulation encourages the jawbone to renew and regenerate itself, which can help prevent bone deterioration.
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Increased Stability and Retention – Conventional dentures rest above the gum and are held in place by the force of suction. At times, when the suction is not sufficient, an adhesive may be needed. Implant-supported overdentures snap onto dental implants and provide far more stability than conventional dentures.
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Improved Nutrition – Implants help dentures become more stable, which means you can eat a wider variety of foods—including more fruits and vegetables which can contribute to your overall health.
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Attractive Appearance – Implant-supported dentures look like natural teeth. Patients smile with more confidence knowing that their dentures are secure and stable.
Who is a good candidate for implant-supported dentures?
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Candidates for implant dentures typically have lost most or all teeth, possess adequate jawbone density to support implants, and maintain overall health sufficient for surgery. It is important for individuals to practice good oral hygiene, avoid tobacco use, and understand the procedure and recovery process. A thorough dental and medical assessment is conducted to determine eligibility. Read below to learn more:
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You are missing several or all upper or lower teeth.
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A good candidate has enough healthy bone in their jaw.
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You want to improve the function of your teeth and appearance of your smile.
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If you want to improve the retention and stability of your dentures, you be a good candidate for implant-supported dentures.
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You prefer an open palate with your upper denture to enable you to enjoy the taste of food and have the ability to feel the upper palate.
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If you are considering replacing missing teeth with implant-supported dentures and unsure whether or not you are a good candidate, contact us and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.
What is the process for getting implant-supported dentures?
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The process of getting implant dentures will involve several visits to our dental prosthdontics practice in Rochester, NY, over a period of time. Below are the steps that Dr. Kuyunov and his team will follow to enhance your smile.
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Step 1 – Initial Visit: During your first consultation, Dr. Kuyunov will meet with you to understand your goals and desires, assess your oral health, and review your medical history. He will explain the various treatment options available and address any questions you may have. Additionally, a special imaging technique known as Cone Beam CT (CBCT) will be performed, providing a three-dimensional view that aids Dr. Kuyunov in evaluating the structural integrity of your bone and the likelihood of successful dental implants.
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​​​Note: In most cases, when creating a treatment plan for implants for patients who have no teeth, an acceptable denture will be required as a diagnostic guide. This could be an existing denture, or a newly fabricated denture. The denture indicates where teeth belong in space and where implants should be placed.
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​​​Step 2 – Implant Placement Surgery: Once we have an acceptable denture as a guide, your implant surgery will be scheduled. Your surgery will take place in a safe and comfortable environment and every effort will be taken to make the procedure as easy and comfortable for you as possible. Once the implants are placed, the denture will be modified to fit over the implants.
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Step 3 – Healing Period: The implants will require a healing period of three to four months to properly integrate with the bone. During this time, known as osseointegration, your natural bone grows towards and bonds with the implants. In the meantime, you will wear your modified denture. Once the attachment between the bone and implants is confirmed to be adequate, the implants can be utilized to secure the denture.
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Step 4 – Attaching Dentures to the Implants – During this visit, the attachments are placed on the implants and the denture will be attached to the implants. The attachments to overdentures have two parts. One part connects to implants, and the other part connects to the denture. Both parts connect to each other in a ‘male–female’ orientation.
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Dr. Kuyunov will attach your existing dentures to the implants or if needed, fabricate new dentures for you that will attach to the implants. The steps for overdenture fabrication are similar to those used for conventional denture fabrication. Dr. Kuyunov will ensure that you leave with a beautiful, natural smile, along with proper speech and function.
Interested in implant-supported dentures to replace missing teeth?
Visit Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester
At Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester, NY, implant dentures are an important part of our practice’s focus. If you are interested in replacing missing teeth and are considering implant-supported dentures, you can rest assured that Dr. Kuyunov and his professional staff will do all they can to make the process as comfortable as possible. Call us today at 585-471-5689 to make that appointment! Or, click the link below to email us.
