Removable Implant Supported Prosthetics

What Are Implant Supported Removable Prosthetics?

An implant-supported removable prosthetic, also known as an overdenture, is a full or partial denture that is anchored to dental implants but can be easily taken out by the wearer. It combines the convenience of a removable denture with the superior stability and security of dental implants.

How do removable prosthetics work?

The process for getting a removable implant-supported prosthetic involves several key steps: 

  1. Implant placement: A surgeon places a small number of titanium implants into the jawbone, usually two to four per arch. These implants act as anchors.

  2. Healing period: The implants fuse with the jawbone over several months through a process called osseointegration.

  3. Attachment: After healing, attachments are connected to the implants. These can be ball attachments, locator attachments, or a metal bar that the denture clips onto.

  4. Prosthetic attachment: The custom-made denture, which has corresponding clips or housings, "snaps" securely onto the attachments. 

What are the benefits over traditional dentures?

  • Enhanced stability: Unlike traditional dentures that rely on suction or adhesive and can slip, implant-supported overdentures are held firmly in place. This provides greater confidence when speaking, laughing, and eating.

  • Improved chewing power: The strong anchor points allow for significantly greater chewing force, enabling patients to eat a wider variety of foods.

  • Preservation of jawbone: The implants stimulate the jawbone, which helps prevent bone loss and the sunken facial appearance often associated with missing teeth.

  • Easy maintenance: Because the denture can be removed, it is easy to clean thoroughly. Both the prosthetic and the gums can be brushed and cared for outside the mouth.

  • Increased comfort: Removable implant-supported dentures are less bulky than traditional upper dentures because they do not need to cover the entire palate, which allows for better tasting of food.

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