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Learn About Dental Implant Dentures

A dental implant over-denture connects to cylinder-like configurations (called implants) that have been surgically implanted into the jawbone.

The dental implant denture appears like a traditional prosthesis. However, the part of the denture overlying the dental implants is modified to retain various semi-rigid attachments that receive dental implant extensions projecting above the gum. This arrangement helps keep a denture securely in place while eating, speaking, and during other oral activities, but still allows easy self-removal of the denture for cleaning purposes.

There are two phases to this process. The first is a surgical phase consisting of two stages, and the second is a prosthetic phase (making the implant denture).

The Surgical Phase of Dental Implants

1. Surgical Implant Insertion Stage

• Dental implants are completely inserted into precise preparations in the jawbone. While there are various dental implant configurations, they are essentially cylindrical in shape and made of pure titanium metal. After dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, gum tissue over the dental implant is closed with sutures, in most cases.
• While a minimum of two dental implants may be inserted for an acceptable outcome, a person may plan to receive three or more, depending upon individual needs and anatomical limitations. More dental implants will give additional support and retention to the dental implant denture.

2. Healing and Surgical Exposure Stage

• During healing, an existing or temporary denture may continue to be worn after adjustments have been made to adapt it to the surgical site. If the existing denture cannot be altered sufficiently, a provisional prosthesis should be fabricated.
• Dental implants are left undisturbed beneath gum tissue for at least several months as determined by the dentist. During this time, bone reorganizes and grows around the dental implant surface, anchoring it securely into the jaw (this is called osseointegration).
• At the end of the healing stage, the top of the dental implant is exposed by removing gum tissue directly over it. An extension that is then screwed into the exposed dental implant projects slightly above the gum tissue.
• After adjustments, an existing denture can be worn over an dental implant denture extension while the gum heals. However, the denture must be reshaped to conform to surgical site contours in order to avoid unnecessary pressure areas on the newly inserted extensions and the surgical area.

The Prosthetic Phase (Making the Dental Implant Dentures)

• A precision superstructure is fabricated and is screwed into the dental implant extensions. This superstructure may have various interface configurations, ranging from interconnecting metal bars to specially shaped singular extensions.
• A dental implant denture is fabricated with special provisions on the inside surface to receive various types of attachments (interlocks). Depending on the attachment, they interact in various ways with the superstructure. For example, a metal or plastic attachment may clip onto metal superstructure bars, a nylon receptacle may receive a specially configured dental implant extension, etc.
• The attachment/superstructure configuration helps to securely maintain a denture while eating and speaking, and still allows a person to comfortably and easily remove the prosthesis for cleaning purposes.

Essential Dental Implant Dentures Maintenance Needs

As might be expected, exemplary oral hygiene is essential to help prevent the development of disease around dental implant dentures that could cause their failure.

Implants, superstructure, attachments, and the over-denture must be checked and professionally maintained by a licensed dentist on a regular basis. Attachments often need periodic adjustment or replacement due to wear.

While the dental implant over-denture approach is complex and expensive, the value received by an individual usually far exceeds monetary considerations.

How Long Will Dental Implant Dentures Last?

Dental implant dentures may last for a lifetime (current reports show many dental implants lasting 20 years) or deteriorate in a few years. Many factors are involved that reduce the life expectancy of dental implants, such as oral hygiene, general health, habits such as smoking, grinding, etc. The superstructure or dental implant extensions may need to be replaced after five years. Depending on the dental implant system used, some parts may need to be replaced annually, or sooner, because of wear or deterioration. These time frames are generalities. The dental profession continues to strive for long-term durability of dental implant dentures.

by Joseph J. Massad, D.D.S.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Dry Mouth And The Denture Patient - Xerostomia

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth) and Wearing Dentures

To a great extent, dentures stay in place comfortably and in a stabilized manner by development of an intimate interface between denture surfaces and the soft tissues they rest upon. Presence of adequate amounts of saliva within this denture/tissue interface is essential. Without enough saliva, a denture will inadequately adhere to tissues, partly through loss of suction. In addition, tissues contacting a denture will become chafed and irritated without the lubricating effects of saliva.

Some Common Causes of Dry Mouth

• Medications: There are approximately 500 commonly prescribed medications that have xerostomia as a possible side effect, and this is a frequent cause of dryness.
• Aging: The amount of saliva produced by salivary glands lessens as a person ages.
li>Illnesses: Xerostomia is sometimes associated with certain illnesses or conditions such as chronic diarrhea, liver dysfunction, or Sjogren's syndrome.
• Radiation therapy: Radiotherapy that is used to treat some cancers may have reduced salivary gland function as a side effect.
• Habits: Chronic mouth breathing and inadequate fluid consumption often will cause dry mouth.

Approaches to Managing Dry Mouth

Before managing a persistent dry mouth, it is essential to first become aware of the problem, and then attempt to determine causation for the xerostomia. Sometimes the cause is easily eliminated, but in many instances, that is not possible, and the condition is persistent and often progressive. There are several approaches to managing dry mouth.

• Modify medications: If a certain medication is suspected of causing xerostomia, consultation with a person's physician may make it possible to use a different, but equally effective, drug that no longer causes dry mouth or causes it to a lesser degree. However, there often are not suitable alternatives for a particular person's individual problem. Under no circumstances should someone discontinue or attempt to change a medication without the explicit knowledge and approval of their physician -- to do otherwise may result in serious illness or death.
• Sialagogues: These are substances that stimulate the production of saliva. There are two important types of sialagogues. 1) Gustatory sialagogues such as sugar-free hard candies frequently will cause some increase in salivation, and citrus flavors such as lemon are sometimes more effective than others. While sugar-free, low-sticking gum has been suggested, the process of chewing gum could more easily irritate already poorly lubricated tissues by increasing denture movement. 2) Pharmaceutical sialagogues (called parasympathomimetic agents) sometimes improve salivation and must be prescribed by a person's physician if their health status allows such a consideration.
• Salivary substitutes: Salivary substitutes are commercially available solutions that help keep the mouth moist and more lubricated. These compounds usually must be applied frequently and they generally necessitate having a container of the substance nearby.
li>Water: Water is a salivary substitute and often is used in place of commercial salivary substitutes. Regularly moistening the mouth, and drinking increased amounts of water may both hydrate tissues and facilitate some increase in production of saliva in certain individuals. While increased intake of water is generally healthful, persons with certain medical conditions such as, but not limited to, congestive heart failure should first check with their physicians before significantly increasing their routine consumption of fluids.

Alternative Denture Therapy for Patients Suffering From Dry Mouth

Those patients who are not able to comfortably wear conventional dentures due to severe xerostomia might consider implant-supported dentures. If this course of treatment is pursued, intense oral hygiene practices are necessary to maintain healthy implants and avoid periodontal disease in the presence of reduced salivary production. A person should always consult with their dentist to determine which treatment is best for them.

by Joseph J. Massad, D.D.S.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.