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implant reconstruction:
creation of
implant assisted
dentures
This is
where it really gets interesting and creative! Many times, due to amount of
remaining
bone tissues in the jaws, the need for support of the tissues of the face, or just the
desire to minimize the investment in a reconstruction, the placement of 6 to 8 implants
may not be the recommended approach. To address these situations, we can place from
2 to 5 implants in the jaw, and then create a "Super Denture". Your final
prosthesis is still, technically, a denture, but it behaves and functions (during chewing,
speaking, singing, etc.) quite differently. Your new prosthesis clips firmly;
very firmly, to an implant supported retention structure. You are able to
take your prosthesis in and out; but when it's in, it can hold far tighter than any
conventional denture, and even tighter than most partial dentures! |
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Once we
have carefully designed your case and determined the ideal implant positions and
angulations, the first step involves placing of the implants by your surgeon. Once
the implants are placed, we provide you with a cushioned denture, made new, or made from
your existing denture. During the bone bonding phase, which typically lasts 3 months
in your lower jaw and 6 months in your upper jaw, you continue to wear your denture(s) as
you normally have. |
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After the period of bone bonding is completed, a second, very minor surgery is performed to
attach connectors, called "abutments", to the implants. With the abutments
in place, we usually create a custom gold / platinum casting in the shape of a bar that
fits with precision to your abutments. This bar attaches to your abutments by means
of gold screws. In order for your reconstruction to function properly over the
years, the bar must fit absolutely perfectly. Once we are satisfied that we have a
perfect fit, we create your Enhanced Denture, which has matching clips or snaps (or
both) that are precision fitted to your gold bar. Even though it is removable, your
completed reconstruction is "U"-shaped and has no metal or acrylic covering the
roof of your mouth or interfering with your tongue. Many upper denture wearers who
want a return to the natural feeling, and greatly improved taste sensations, of an
"open palate" choose this approach to enhance their quality of life. |
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Your
new teeth are firmly attached to your gold bar by means of the hidden clips and snaps.
They stay in your mouth, just like real teeth, during your day to day activities.
At night, you can remove them for cleaning. Since your teeth are supported by
bone anchored implants, it's up to you whether or not you wish to sleep with them in or
out. When you are wearing them, your teeth are comfortably attached to your jaw, and
provide you with an incredibly improved quality of life for your enjoyment! |
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By the way, there is a relatively economical way to make a "Super
Denture". After careful planning, we place two implants in the areas where your
"eye teeth" used to be. After the period of bone bonding, we attach simple
gold snaps to the implants (instead of the traditional abutments), and create a denture
(or sometimes, even modify your existing denture) which has matching snap fittings
underneath. While this approach still allows some of the forces of chewing to put
pressure on your gum tissues (like a regular denture), it does very effectively anchor
down what used to be a loose denture. This is an ideal way to go if you want to make
the smallest investment possible, while putting a final end to the discomfort and
embarrassment of a lower denture which never seems to fit and is always "flopping
around". Please note that this approach is only appropriate for your lower jaw. |
If you're interested in looking in to your possibilities for replacing all the
teeth (or your current denture) in your upper or lower jaw with this type of implant
reconstruction, feel free to give us a call for your consultation. As always, if you
are able to bring your own X-Rays, initial consultation is complimentary. If you do need us to take X-Rays for you, we will take as few as possible
in order to provide you with an informed recommendation for your implant care. |
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