Implant-Retained Dentures
In Lansing, Ann Arbor and Brighton, Michigan

There are a number of drawbacks associated with wearing traditional dentures.

What’s the solution?

Implant-retained dentures are becoming the solution for many of our patients in the Lansing area. In this technique, our experienced cosmetic dentists use a special drill to implant prosthetic posts into the jawbone. Once the bone and gum tissue has healed, the posts are fully integrated into the bone and can be used to fasten the dentures into place. Even under rigorous circumstances, such as chewing nuts or candy, the dentures should not shift out of position.

A regular denture:

tends to fit less firmly in the mouth

An implant-supported denture:

Implant-supported dentures usually are made for the lower jaw because regular dentures tend to be less stable there. Usually, a regular denture made to fit an upper jaw is quite stable on its own and doesn't need the extra support offered by implants. However, you can receive an implant-supported denture in either the upper or lower jaw.

You can remove an implant-supported denture easily. Some people prefer to have fixed (permanent) crown and bridgework in their mouths that can't be removed. Your dentist will consider your particular needs and preferences when suggesting fixed or removable options.

How Does It Work?

Two types of implant supported dentures exist, and both are made of acrylic and porcelain:

The Implant Process

Dental implants placed for the purpose of denture support are always placed in the front of the mouth. This area tends to have more bone support and fewer nerves to work around. The dental implant completion time frame depends on many factors and is at least five to seven months. It is usually a two-surgery process.

First surgery: Placement of the implant

A small incision is made in the gum, and a hole drilled in the bone. The implant is carefully placed, and stitches close the incision. After this surgery, you should not wear your temporary denture for a few weeks, and avoid putting pressure on the sutured area. Your dentist will schedule an appointment to check that the area is healing properly. After this it will be three to six months before your next appointment, to allow the dental implant and bone to fuse together.

Second surgery: Attachment of abutment

This surgery exposes the top of the implant so an attachment piece (abutment) can be secured to the top.  The abutment allows the tissues to heal correctly, and also serves as the support for the dental crown.

Denture Try-In

The denture will be tried in for the first time and checked for proper fit and positioning.

Bar secured to implant with screws

If the denture frame and metal bar or ball attachments fit correctly, a wax impression will be made of the whole area, including the neighboring teeth, and sent to the lab. The ball or bar attachments will be attached more securely and a final appointment scheduled for your denture delivery.

Fitting side (inside) of the denture showing the attachments

Your permanent denture will be clipped or snapped onto the bar or ball attachments, and you will be instructed on how to remove it for cleaning.

The denture is being seated on the implants and bar

Cleaning Your Implant-Supported Denture

You should remove your denture at least twice a day to brush and soak it. This will help prevent any bacterial infections from developing beneath it. Schedule dental visits at least twice a year so your dentist can inspect the gum tissue beneath the dentures, and examine the stability of the implants. The clip or attachments holding the denture to the implants will need to be replaced once a year.

What can you expect from your implant-supported denture?

A denture supported by implants is more secure than a regular one and will allow you to speak and chew more easily. You will be able to eat many things that you were never able to eat before. However, avoiding sticky or hard foods is a must.  These foods can damage your denture.

After having this procedure done, many denture wearers wish they had done it years before. It gives them back a sense of freedom they had believed was lost and restores their normal chewing ability. It truly is an advance in cosmetic dentistry that has improved the lives of thousands.

" The dental procedures we specialize in enhance our
patients' look and their quality of life! "

If you are located in the Lansing, Michigan area and are interested in finding out more about implant retained dentures, there's no time to lose! Contact us today to find out how we can help you leave the trouble of traditional dentures behind you forever!