Implant Overdentures
IMPLANT OVERDENTURES
WHAT ARE OVERDENTURES?
Overdentures are removable dentures that are secured over implants. They can be used as replacements for your missing upper and/or lower teeth. Overdentures are attached to your implants with special fittings to make them secure, stable, and comfortable, and eliminate the need for dental adhesives. You can remove your overdentures at night to cleanse them, making them an easily maintained, affordable solution for missing teeth. Upper implant overdentures eliminate the plastic section that covers the palate in traditional dentures so your palate is free to experience the tastes and textures of food that would otherwise be lost with traditional dentures.
HOW DO IMPLANT OVERDENTURES WORK?
With implant overdentures, your oral surgeon places two to four root forms with a variety of specialized attachments in your jawbone. A second step is necessary to uncover the implants and cement attachments. These temporary healing caps, along with various connecting devices allow multiple crowns to attach to the implants and complete the foundation on which your new teeth will be placed. Your gums will be allowed to heal for a month following this procedure.
Depending upon how many implants have been placed, the connecting device that will hold your new teeth can be tightened down on the implant, or it may be a clipped to a metal bar or a ball shaped anchor from which a denture can be firmly snapped into place.
Dr. Matthew Hilmi, at Mid-Hudson Oral and Maxillofacial Practice, PC has helped create implant overdentures for many patients for nearly two decades. The success rate and satisfaction of his patients is remarkable.
BENEFITS OF IMPLANT OVERDENTURES
You can enjoy the foods you love again due to improved chewing.
You will avoid the embarrassment of dentures slipping while you speak.
They are more comfortable than traditional dentures.
They are far more affordable than individual implants replacing all your teeth.
Jawbone shrinkage is prevented.
They are more natural looking and easier to maintain than traditional dentures.
After receiving your implants, you will have to wait several weeks while your jawbone heals around the forms before your overdentures are attached. However, during this time you will be provided with a temporary teeth replacement (transitional denture) which will be worn over the implant sites.
CANDIDATES FOR OVERDENTURES
To decide if overdentures are an option for you, we must first determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Dr. Matthew Hilmi will perform a complete evaluation of your mouth and general health to determine if implant overdentures are the best treatment option for you. There are some contra-indicators to consider, however:
Smoking greatly increases the risk of periodontitis or gum disease, thus, increasing surgical risk. If we have had teeth extracted, the amount of bone in our jaws can decrease rapidly. Thus, there are many patients who do not have enough bone volume in their jaws to support the dental implants. For some of these patients, bone grafts can sometimes be successfully employed to achieve the necessary result. The gum tissues must be in good condition to receive dental implants. Severely diseased or damaged gums cannot support implants. There must be an adequate bone volume, and over time, bone volume is lost. This is natural during the aging process.
Dr. Matthew Hilmi will assess whether you are a suitable candidate for bone augmentation or grafting. There are also some medical conditions and medications which would preclude someone from any sort of major surgery or put them at increased risk. Any relevant medical conditions and medications need to be made known to your oral surgeon during your initial consultation.
Although overdentures are safe, remember it does involve a surgical process that is prone to infection and inflammation. However, with proper oral hygiene, most patients will not experience any postoperative problems. If you would like to learn more about this exciting treatment option contact Mid-Hudson Oral and Maxillofacial Practice, PC. 845-340-1962
