What is the experience of the dentist placing your dental implant?

Did you know that the placement of dental implants is not taught to dentists at university and they have to undergo further training to learn how to do this? At Perth Dental Implant Centre, our principle dentist, Dr. David Norcross, has completed extensive further training in dental implants and our clinic is dedicated to performing dental implant treatments. When done well, dental implants can be a very successful treatment, but when done incorrectly the results can be catastrophic. It’s important that your dentist has the right qualifications & experience.

What dental implant is being used in your mouth?

There are hundreds of different manufacturers of dental implants which differ in cost and quality. Some of the implants used overseas are not licensed for use in Australia and some can even be low-quality copies.

Will I need a temporary tooth while the dental implant heals?

There may be a period of time when we need to leave the dental implant to heal before we can make the final tooth/teeth. We’re able to provide you with a number of different temporary tooth options with different costs.

What are the sedation options if I’m nervous or have a complex procedure?

Many of our patients have dental implants placed following a simple local anaesthetic injection. However, some patients would prefer to sleep through the procedure. We can perform any tooth extraction and/or implant placement under IV sedation or full general anaesthetic. For those with private health insurance hospital cover, the cost of the anaesthetist and hospital will be fully covered (no gap). You may just have a hospital excess to pay depending on your policy. For those without private health insurance, we have very competitive rates for IV sedation with our visiting GP anaesthetist, some of which may be covered by Medicare.

What is involved in the new keyhole method?

A new way we are placing dental implants is using computer guided 3D printed guides. This allows us to place dental implants using “keyhole” surgery. This can make the process much less invasive, quicker and safer.

How much does a dental implant cost and why is there such a variety in cost?

Dental implants are not just something we can pluck off a shelf in a shop that have a fixed price. In the same way that your teeth are unique to you, we have to develop a dental implant plan that perfectly meets your needs, both financially and to give you the very best possible result for the long term. This means that the process and the time that it takes will vary from person to person. Therefore, it can be very difficult for us to provide an “off the shelf” cost. We need to see you in person to assess those factors to then be able to provide you with an appropriate cost.

Is your missing tooth at the front of your mouth or the back of your mouth?

The amount and quality of bone into which we can place a dental implant is different in each part of the mouth. For example, the bone at the front of the mouth can be much thinner which means a more complex treatment may be required to achieve a successful result. Teeth at the front of the mouth may be much more visible when the patient smiles which can also make the treatment more complex. At the back of the mouth there may be more available bone and less need for an aesthetic outcome, making the treatment far simpler. Following a 3D bone scan we can fully assess your circumstances and come up with a unique treatment plan for the best results.

Do you need a 3D bone scan to assess if you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant?

To accurately check if you have enough bone available to place dental implants, we take a detailed 3D xray known as a CBCT scan. This is similar to a CT scan but with a much lower dose of radiation. This shows us exactly how much bone you have and where vital structures such as nerves, the sinuses and other tooth roots are. We can then ensure that when placing the implant there is no risk of the implant damaging these structures. We believe that a dental implant should not be placed without first carefully assessing a 3D bone scan. At the Perth Dental Implant Centre, we have in-house 3D scanners at both of our clinics and can tell you on the day of your consultation, saving you time and money.

What to Expect with Implant-Retained Dentures

Implant-Retained Dentures vs Fixed Full Mouth Dental Implants

December 5, 2022

3 minute read

Modern dentures look and feel more natural than those of the past, but many people still struggle with dentures moving, rubbing or limiting the foods they can enjoy. If you’re looking for a more secure, long-term solution, dental implants can provide greater stability, comfort and confidence.

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, our preferred approach for replacing a full arch of missing or failing teeth is fixed full mouth dental implants, including All-on-4® treatment. For some clients, implant-retained dentures may still be a suitable alternative depending on budget, anatomy and treatment goals.

What are implant-retained dentures?

Implant-retained dentures (also called overdentures) are removable dentures that are secured using dental implants rather than relying on suction or denture adhesives.

The denture clips on to special attachments connected to implants placed in the jawbone. This helps improve retention and stability compared to conventional dentures.

In the lower jaw, two or more implants may be used with ball or bar attachments. In the upper jaw, four or more implants are often recommended due to softer bone quality.

Like traditional dentures, implant-retained dentures can replace a full arch of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. However, unlike fixed full mouth dental implants, they still need to be removed daily for cleaning and maintenance.

Fixed full mouth dental implants: the preferred solution

For patients seeking the closest alternative to natural teeth, fixed full mouth dental implants are generally considered the preferred solution for full arch tooth replacement.

This treatment involves securing a fixed bridge to multiple dental implants, creating a stable, non-removable set of teeth. Treatments is commonly known as full arch or mouth dental implants, and includes the well-known All-on-4® method.

Benefits of fixed full mouth dental implants may include:

Teeth that are fixed in place and do not need to be removed overnight
Improved comfort and chewing strength
Greater confidence when eating and speaking
No denture adhesives or loose-fitting dentures
Better support for facial structure and jawbone health
A more natural feel compared to removable dentures
Easier day-to-day maintenance
Long-lasting zirconia bridge options

For many clients, fixed teeth can significantly improve function and aesthetics compared to removable dentures.

Want more information on fixed or removable teeth? Contact our team today.

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When are implant-retained dentures suitable?

While fixed teeth are generally preferred, implant-retained dentures may still be appropriate in some situations, including:

Clients who already wear dentures and want improved stability
Clients wanting increased retention without a full fixed bridge

Implant-retained dentures may provide lip support, improve comfort, and reduce movement compared to conventional dentures, but they still function as a removable appliance.

Implant-retained dentures vs fixed teeth

Advantages of implant-retained dentures

Compared to conventional dentures, implant-retained dentures may offer:

Improved stability
Reduced rubbing and gum irritation
Less movement while eating or speaking
No need for denture glue
Better chewing ability
Improved confidence

Limitations compared to fixed full mouth dental implants

Compared to fixed implant bridges or All-on-4®, implant-retained dentures have several limitations:

Must be removed daily for cleaning
Usually removed overnight
Acrylic teeth are more prone to wear, staining and chipping
May require more frequent maintenance and replacement
Less natural feel than fixed teeth
Less chewing efficiency
Require a denture to be worn during healing
Longer overall treatment process in some cases

Acrylic implant-retained dentures may last approximately 2 to 5 years before replacement or significant maintenance is needed. In comparison, zirconia full arch implant bridges may last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care and maintenance.

What's involved in treatment?

The treatment process varies depending on whether you choose implant-retained dentures or fixed full mouth dental implants, however both involve several key stages. During your initial consultation, your dentist will explain what's involved at each step of the process.

What’s involved in the treatment process? — Implant-retained denture process involves two-stage surgery and several appointments.

1. Consultation and treatment planning

Your consultation includes a comprehensive assessment to determine your suitability for dental implants.

Your dentist may:

Examine your teeth and gums
Take diagnostic scans and radiographs
Review your medical history
Discuss treatment options and costs
Assess bone volume and implant suitability

If you have gum disease, failing teeth or bone loss, these issues may need to be addressed before treatment proceeds.

Your dentist will create a treatment plan detailing the procedure along with a price estimate and discuss sedation options and payment plans. If you don’t have enough jaw bone to support dental implants, your dentist may discuss bone grafting or alternative solutions with you.

2. Implant placement

Your dentist will then schedule your implant surgery. This is a procedure that involves making an incision in the gum and placing implants in the jaw bone. The gum is then sealed with dissolvable stiches and your jaw left to heal.

If you need to have any remaining teeth or unhealthy bone extracted, this is done at the same time your dental implants are placed.

3. Healing phase

Unlike full mouth dental implants where you have new teeth fitted within 24 hours of surgery, implant-retained dentures require a 3 to 6 month healing period to allow your dental implants to fuse with your jaw bone. During this time, you will wear a full denture that rests in your mouth.

Your dentist may recommend not wearing a denture for the first 1 to 2 weeks to aid with healing. After this time, your dentist will check that your denture fits comfortably, making adjustments if needed.

When dental implants have bonded with your jaw, a minor procedure will be carried out to expose the top of the implants and place titanium healing caps. The gum will then be left to heal around the implants for around 3 weeks.

4. Abutments fitted

Once your gum has healed, the healing caps will be replaced with abutments on which your dentures will attach. Your dentist will take new impressions of your mouth that may be used to create a new denture.

5. Denture fitting and adjustment

When your dentures are ready, your dentist will check that they fit securely to the implant abutments and feel comfortable in your mouth. Regular check-up and cleans alongside daily hygiene, and occasional repairs and replacements are required once treatment is complete.

How does the process differ from full mouth dental implants?

Once your dental implants are placed into the jawbone, a custom milled acrylic full arch bridge is fitted the following day, allowing for immediate function and aesthetics.

Over the next three to four months, your implants heal and integrate with the jawbone before your long-term fixed zirconia bridge is fitted. When you are ready for your final bridge, our dental technician will carefully design the fit, function and appearance to ensure optimal comfort, stability and aesthetics.

Depending on your individual needs and preferences, you may also choose to wear your acrylic bridge for longer before upgrading to a zirconia bridge. Our acrylic bridges include a 12-month warranty.

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Living with fixed full mouth dental implants

Fixed implant bridges are designed to look and function similarly to natural teeth. Patients often report improved confidence, comfort and ability to eat a wider range of foods.

Unlike removable dentures, fixed teeth remain in place and are cleaned similarly to natural teeth using brushing, flossing aids and professional maintenance appointments.

Routine dental reviews and professional cleans remain important for maintaining long-term implant health.

How long do teeth last?

Acrylic implant-retained dentures may last between 2 to 5 years on average or longer with proper care before needing to be replaced. In comparison, a fixed zirconia implant bridge or All-on-4® dental implants may last between 10 to 15 years or longer.

Over a 30-year lifespan, this converts to replacing acrylic teeth between 6 to 15 times compared to a zirconia bridge that might require replacing 2 to 3 times. This comparison excludes any repairs needed as a result of accidental damage.

Which option is right for you?

Every client is different. The most suitable treatment depends on factors such as:

Jawbone quality and volume
Existing denture use
Budget
Lifestyle preferences
Long-term treatment goals

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we typically recommend fixed full mouth dental implants wherever clinically appropriate due to the improved comfort, function and longevity they can provide.

For clients who are not suitable for dental implants, traditional dentures are the only option. However, advanced techniques in implant dentistry allow most clients with healthy jawbone to assess the many benefits of fixed teeth with dental implants.

Book a free implant consultation in Perth

If you want to explore your options for replacing missing or failing teeth, contact Perth Dental Implant Centre to arrange a consultation.

Our experienced implant team has been providing advanced full arch dental implant treatment since 2009, including fixed teeth solutions such as All-on-4® and zirconia full mouth dental implants.

Call our team on 1300 108 133 to book.

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References

https://www.healthline.com/health/snap-in-dentures

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We provide high-quality treatment at competitive prices with our highly experienced dentists. Find out if dental implants are right for you. Book your free consult & 3D scan today. T&Cs apply.

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