Pros & Cons of Dentures on Implants

Do you have a missing or lost tooth? Are you self-conscious of your smile? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you might be interested in what cosmetic dentistry can do for you. 

Nobody wants to be self-conscious about their smile, and there are several options available to help you fix it. One of these options is implant-supported dentures. Dental implants replace both lost teeth and tooth roots and can give you your smile back.

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of dentures on implants and how to tell if they’re the right option for you. 

What are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Usually, dentures rest on the gums, but an implant-supported denture is a denture made to attach to a dental implant. This allows the denture to fit more securely in the mouth. 

Simply put, a dental implant is a tooth-root replacement. They are made of titanium metal and are inserted into the jawbone to replace the natural tooth’s root. Once you have a dental implant, your dentist can attach dentures to these artificial roots.

Who Should Get Implant-Supported Dentures?

We recommend implant-supported dentures for anyone who does not have enough teeth in the jaw to support a regular denture. Many people experience tooth loss for a multitude of reasons, including: 

• Trauma or injury to the mouth
• Tooth decay 
• Gum disease
• Poor nutrition 

If you have missing teeth, you may be a good candidate for implant-supported dentures if:

• You have enough bone in the jaw to support the implants
• You’re okay with removing the dentures for sleeping and cleaning
• You’re okay spending more money on a more permanent solution

How Do They Work?

There are two types of implant-supported dentures: Ball-retained and bar-retained.

Both of these types of dentures are:

• Made with an acrylic base to match the look of your gums
• Have acrylic or porcelain teeth attached to them to resemble your natural teeth
• Require a minimum of two implants 

Bar-Retained Dentures

Bar-retained dentures are a type of implant that relies on a bar that follows the curve of the jaw. Your dentist will attach the bar to two to five implants. Your practitioner will then make you a denture that fits over this bar.

Ball-Retained Dentures 

Ball-retained dentures, or stud-attachment dentures, work similarly to bar-retained dentures, but instead of a bar, the attachments on the implants are ball-shaped. Each of the implants in the jaw holds a metal attachment which fits in another attachment on the denture. 

The Procedure: Everything You Need to Know   

Implant-supported dentures require several steps:

• Consultation
• First surgery
• Second surgery
• Denture Insertion

To assess whether or not implant-supported dentures are right for you, your dentist or oral surgeon will recommend a consultation so that they can examine your teeth and jaw. 

If your care provider recommends implant-supported dentures, you can expect the following:

• First, your dentist or oral surgeon will perform a surgery to place the implants into your jaw. They do this by cutting into your gum and drilling holes in the jaw bone to insert the implants.
• After a healing stage of 3 to 6 months, your care provider will perform a second surgery to attach the abutment. An abutment is where the dentures will eventually connect to the implant. 
• When your mouth is completely healed from the second surgery, your dentist will fit you with dentures attached to the abutments. 

What are the Benefits of Dentures on Implants?

Although more costly, the benefits of implant-supported dentures outweigh other treatment options such as regular dentures. Some of the pros of implant-supported dentures include: 

• They are sturdy and don’t need adhesive
• They function more like natural teeth
• They are easy to clean and take care of 
• The procedure preserves gum tissue and bone
• Implants may help to prevent jawbone tissue loss since
• There is no adjustment period as there is with regular dentures
• Implants can last an entire lifetime if they are taken care of properly
• Implants may prevent tooth movement 
• Implants look and feel like natural teeth

What are the Cons of Dentures on Implants? 

With any medical procedure, there are risks involved. Any oral surgery can lead to complications.

Additional cons specific to implant-supported dentures include: 

• They can be expensive, with single implants costing up to $4,000 per tooth.
• Implants require surgery to install 
• There is a long healing process associated with the procedure 

The Takeaway

At the end of the day, your dentist is your best resource to help you decide what treatment option is best for you and your oral health. Some things you should remember about implant-supported dentures are:

• You can start with dentures and eventually progress to implants
• They are a more permanent solution compared to regular dentures
• They are a considerable time and financial investment 

Regardless of which treatment option you think is right for you, consult with your dentist. If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding implant-supported dentures, contact us today!