How Long do Implant Retained Dentures Last?
Implant retained dentures are excellent alternatives to both traditional dentures and full dental implants. Effectively a hybrid between these two very different forms of tooth replacement technology, implant retained dentures are a thinner, more streamlined and comfortable denture that snap on to a small number of dental implants, creating a stable and easily removable appliance that is as easy to clean as it is to wear. Not only are they more comfortable, more attractive, and less cumbersome than traditional dentures when it comes to eating and enjoying food and beverages, they are also highly durable, lasting up to fifteen years when properly planned and cared for.
Planning and Procedures for Implant Retained Dentures
After thorough consultations have been undertaken with your dentist, you will begin the process of installing the dental implants that will hold the dentures in place. Typically, there are four to six dental implants that hold an upper arch in place, and two to four dental implants to hold a lower arch in place. While it may initially seem appealing to plan for a lower number of dental implants, as this will require fewer surgical sites, it is important to note that the more dental implants you have holding your dentures in place, the more stable they will be. Furthermore, this gives you some peace of mind for future eventualities; if one dental implant should fail down the road due to bone loss or some other unforeseen issue or problem, your dentures will continue to function as they should if you have planned carefully and opted for a larger number of implants.
The installation of the dental implants is a somewhat timely process. First, dental implant fixtures have to be installed into the jawbone itself. Once they have healed, they will serve as the deep structural support of the dental implant, much like the roots of your teeth themselves. The healing process can vary anywhere from four to seven months, during which time you may be able to wear any existing dentures you may have. If you don’t currently have dentures, your dentist may be able to make a temporary set for you to wear during the healing process.
Placing and Maintaining Implant Retained Dentures
Once the implant fixtures have integrated with the jawbone in a process referred to as osseointegration, your dentist will either attach an abutment to the dental implant fixture or switch out any healing cuffs or temporary abutments that may have been used with permanent abutments. These are the small post-like structures protruding from the gumline that your dentures will snap on and off of.
Once your new dentures have been placed, they should last for well over a decade with proper care and maintenance. In addition to daily cleaning, you should also visit your dentist every six months for regular check-ups. At this time your implants and dentures will be carefully inspected to ensure proper functioning. Every few years, you might consider replacing the small nylon rings that facilitate the dentures snapping on and off the dental implants. Other than that, simple oral hygiene is all that’s required to keep your mouth healthy and happy and your dentures operating as they should.