Dental implants can now be used to support removable dentures.

Denture wearers have long suffered the embarrassment, pain and inconvenience of loose or ill-fitting dentures. Some patients who have been without their own natural teeth for many years have had changes in the jaw bones that make it impossible to have dentures that can stay in the mouth with any security. This is especially true for the lower jaw.

Today, it is considered the standard of care to have at least two dental implants inserted into the jawbone in order to support a denture. (See fig.’s 1 and 2) This is called an Implant-Supported Over-Denture. The implants are placed into the jawbone and then snap-like anchors are inserted into the implants and into the denture. Once attached, the denture snaps firmly into place in the mouth but can still be removed by the patient for cleaning.

This technique has truly changed people’s lives. Research has proven that denture patients who have had implants added in order to support their dentures are much more likely to be well nourished and far more apt to be socially active.

Confidence levels soar and emotional health is restored by this simple and relatively inexpensive procedure.