Implant Retained Dentures

If you live in the Carlisle, PA area and need denture sets, call Dr. Killian today. As part of our full line of dental services offered, implant retained dentures are performed in our office.

This type of denture offers more stability than traditional dentures, because the set clips to attachments that have been surgically implanted into your jaw. Traditional dentures, on the other hand, rely solely on suction to the gum, giving them the tendency to slip and slide.

Since traditional dentures usually sit securely in the upper jaw and less likely to lose suction, implant retained dentures are commonly offered for the lower jaw where suction is not as strong. If possible, implants are placed in the front of the jaw since there is often more sufficient bone in the front of the jaw than the back, even after long-term tooth loss. Your front jaw also contains fewer nerves than the back, so you have more room for implants.

Are Implant Dentures Right for You?

With traditional sets of "false teeth", the piece rests on the gums and is held in place by suction. If the suction seal breaks, the denture base moves, which affects chewing and speech. Implant dentures, in contrast, clip to attachments that have been surgically implanted in the jawbone.

Implants have a number of advantages. Because the implants provide better stability than suction-based denture sets, implant denture wearers don't need to worry about denture sets falling out. Implants also prevent jawbone deterioration, another common and serious side effect of missing teeth.

To be a candidate for implant retained dentures, you must have sufficient jawbone mass to support between two and five dental implants. If you lack the bone mass needed for implants, other dental services, such as traditional or partial dentures, may be better for you.

Types of Denture Attachments

Implant retained dentures are available in two forms: bar retained and ball retained. Both types of dentures require at least two jaw implants.

Bar retained denture implants clip onto a metal bar that curves along the jaw, and then the denture base attaches securely onto the clip. Ball retained partial implant dentures; on the other hand, use ball shaped clips on the implants that attach into sockets on the dentures.

Implant Surgery and Dental Services

Before you receive the surgery necessary for implant retained dentures, Dr. Killian takes impressions and measurements of your mouth. These measurements are used to create a temporary denture set you can use during the next few months until your implants are ready.

You'll need two surgical appointments for a set of implant retained dentures. During the first appointment, the dental implants are installed into the jaw under the gums. After the implants are installed, it will take two to three months for the area to fully heal and the implants to properly fuse to the surrounding bone.

On the second appointment, Dr. Killian exposes the implants and you receive your permanent implant retained denture set. You'll most likely need a few follow-up appointments to adjust the dentures so they sit as comfortably as possible.

Caring for Dental Implants

Implant retained dentures need cleaning every day and should be taken out when you sleep. The gums and implants also require daily cleaning. Dr. Killian will thoroughly review with you all aspects of oral hygiene and denture cleaning.

In addition to proper cleaning, you should also avoid hard or sticky foods, which can damage delicate parts of the denture. Even though you'll find you can eat a wider variety of foods with implant dentures than a traditional denture set, hard or sticky foods should still be avoided.

Dental Services in Carlisle, PA

Dr Killian offers professional dental service to Carlisle, PA and the surrounding areas. Whether you need denture care, root canals or cosmetic dentistry, our office has the experience and training you need and the friendly atmosphere you want.