Dental implant prosthetics is becoming more mandatory “program” of restorative dentistry, no matter what dental prostheses are fixed on implants: removable dentures, overdentures, non-removable dentures. It is, primarily, the possibility during the process of implant supported restoration to avoid bone atrophy, which usually occurs under bridges if the load transmission from crowns on bone by means of an implant is not restored. Their capacity of stimulating bone growth and their comfortable use make dental implant prosthetics very popular.
However, there are situations when both the implantologist and orthopedist recommend to choose implant-supported overdentures, i.e. to go further and place a removable denture design on implants. What kinds of situations are these? When will it be convenient for the patient to have removed or fixed denture designs?
Dental implant-retained overdentures differ from permanent dental restoration, primarily, by their lower cost as it is enough to place only several implants, despite the restoration of the whole dentition. They are distinguished from removable dentures by the enhanced comfort during use and replacement. It is explained by the fact that they are fixed on a strong dental cement so that they will be able to be removed only by the doctor if they are necessary to be replaced.
They are supported by implants and, according to the dentist, fixed to them and retainers by means of metal lugs or cement, as well as micro locking mechanism. They have a plate shape in the form of a plastic artificial gum, which is attached to the teeth and implants with the special screws.
Dental implant-retained overdentures are often used to restore the entire dentition on four implants placed in anterior part of the mandible. This low cost version of dental prosthetics, which provides the convenience and aesthetics, this dental prosthesis does not shift in the mouth, rub gums, fall out and does not interfere with speech, as it is reliably fixed.
So, the indications for this implant-retained restoration are:
– Defect at the site of several teeth in the dentition;
– Fully edentulous;
– The need for dental implant procedure on both the upper and lower jaws;
– Contraindications for placing of fixed dentures;
– Absence of abutment teeth;
– Contraindications for placing of removable dentures.
There are also some disadvantages when using these dental designs. The first is the complexity of the manufacturing and placing, sometimes the aesthetic result may not be perfect, and most important thing is that these dentures require regular examination and “care” by the dentist in charge.
The patient’s care includes regularly cleaning of teeth and dentures using a toothbrush and a thorough cleaning of the interdental spaces and hard to reach places. It is necessary to rinse the mouth after each meal. A visit to the dentist should be at least twice a year for professional care that prolongs their service life and maintains health and beauty of a smile for a long time.