Dental implant insertion

Dental implants are inserted into a prepared area of the jawbone. Usually, dental implants are made from titanium and are cylindrical in shape. Titanium is used as it has the unique property of being able to fuse with natural bone, providing a permanent root replacement.

Implants are inserted under local anaesthetic. Once the implant is inserted, the surrounding tissue is sutured closed. Usually, a minimum of two implants are needed for an over-denture, although some patients may receive three or four dental implants, depending on anatomical restrictions and the patient’s needs. The more implants are inserted, the more support the over-denture will have.

Implant healing

When the dental implant is healing, which normally takes several months, the patient can wear an existing denture, although it may have to be adapted to accommodate the healing implant. If this is not possible, a temporary denture can be fabricated.

As the dental implant heals, the bone grows around it and eventually fuses to the titanium, which securely anchors it to the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration. Once the implant has healed, the dentist will remove the gum tissue above it, exposing the implant, and allowing an extension to be screwed into it, to which the over-denture can be affixed.

Making the over-denture

A precise and secure base is first fabricated and screwed into the dental implant. This is used to accommodate the over-denture and consists of either interconnecting metal bars or shaped extensions. The over-denture is then fabricated in a similar way to conventional dentures, except the over-denture has special attachments on the inside surface, which are used to clip on to the base attached to the dental implant.

This attachment on the over-denture ensures the final prosthetic is highly secure and won’t need adhesives or cement. It remains secure while eating and speaking, but can still be unclipped and removed for cleaning and sleeping.

Maintaining an over-denture

As with other dental treatments, by far the most important aspect of maintenance for an over-denture is good oral hygiene, which will prevent gum disease and other problems that could lead to the failure of the implant.

A dentist should regularly check the implant, the attached base and the over-denture itself, to ensure they are all fitting together well and that there are no problems. Sometimes, the dentist may need to make periodic adjustments due to wear or changes in the gum tissue.

While over-dentures and dental implants costs more than having a regular denture fitted, patients that go through the process find the security and confidence of an over-denture far exceeds the additional cost and complexity of the treatment.