It is possible to receive dental implants after wearing dentures, though the process requires a thorough evaluation and often preparatory procedures. A dental implant is a small, screw-shaped titanium fixture surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a natural tooth root. This fixture provides a stable, permanent anchor for a prosthetic tooth, bridge, or denture. Successfully transitioning from a removable denture to an implant-supported restoration depends significantly on the current condition of the patient’s jawbone and overall health.
Determining Eligibility
The main factor determining suitability for implants is the health and quantity of the jawbone, which must be dense enough to support the implant. A comprehensive assessment begins with a detailed medical history review, as systemic conditions can affect the body’s ability to heal and integrate the implant. Uncontrolled diabetes, for instance, can impair healing and increase infection risk, while heavy smoking can decrease the success rate.
To precisely evaluate the jaw structure, the clinician uses diagnostic tools, most notably Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans. This specialized 3D imaging provides a high-resolution view of the bone volume, density, and the exact location of vital structures like nerves and sinuses. The scan allows the dental professional to measure the available bone height and width to ensure the planned implant size will have a secure foundation. This diagnostic phase determines if the patient is ready for implant placement or if preparatory surgery is necessary.
Addressing Jawbone Deficiency
Long-term use of traditional dentures often leads to bone resorption, a reduction in jawbone volume. This occurs because tooth roots are no longer present to stimulate the bone, and the pressure of the denture resting on the gums accelerates bone breakdown. This lack of stimulation causes the bone, particularly in the lower jaw, to gradually shrink, which is why dentures that once fit snugly begin to feel loose over time.
If diagnostic scans reveal insufficient bone height or width, a bone grafting procedure is required to create a viable foundation for the implants. Bone grafting involves transplanting bone material to the deficient area, which acts as a scaffold to stimulate natural bone regeneration. Graft material sources vary, including autografts (bone taken from the patient’s own body), allografts (human donor bone), and xenografts (animal-derived bone).
In the upper jaw, a specialized procedure called a sinus lift may be necessary if the bone height beneath the maxillary sinus is too thin. This surgery gently raises the floor of the sinus cavity, and the resulting space is filled with bone graft material. The healing time for bone grafting or a sinus lift is considerable, typically requiring four to nine months before the jawbone is fully matured and strong enough to support implant placement.
Specific Implant Solutions
Once the jawbone is prepared, the patient can choose between two main categories of implant-supported restorations: a removable overdenture or a fixed full-arch bridge.
Removable Overdentures
Implant-supported overdentures are a cost-effective and less invasive option, typically secured by two to four implants per arch. The denture snaps onto the implants using specialized attachments, such as ball-and-socket connectors or a stabilizing bar, offering improved retention and stability compared to a traditional removable denture.
These overdentures still rest partially on the gum tissue, but the implants prevent them from shifting while speaking or eating. The patient can easily remove the prosthesis for cleaning, making oral hygiene straightforward. This solution is beneficial for patients with moderate bone loss who desire enhanced stability without extensive surgery.
Fixed Full-Arch Restorations
The second option is a fixed full-arch restoration, often referred to as All-on-4 or All-on-6, which is a non-removable prosthetic bridge. This restoration uses four to six strategically placed implants to permanently anchor a complete arch of teeth. The All-on-4 concept is designed to use the densest available bone, often by placing the rear implants at an angle, which allows patients with moderate bone loss to frequently avoid bone grafting.
This fixed bridge feels and functions most like natural teeth, restoring maximum chewing power and eliminating the need for daily removal. The All-on-6 technique provides two additional implants for increased stability and pressure distribution. The choice between a fixed or removable solution depends on the patient’s bone structure, budget, and preference for maintenance and function.
The Treatment Timeline
The transition from dentures to implants is a multi-stage process that requires patience, as the body needs time to heal and integrate the new structures. The initial phase involves assessment and preparatory surgery. If bone grafting or a sinus lift is required, the graft needs four to nine months to fully mature, making this pre-surgical healing the most variable part of the timeline.
Following any necessary grafting, the next step is the surgical placement of the implants into the jawbone. The titanium post must then fuse with the living bone tissue in a biological process called osseointegration, which typically takes three to six months. Osseointegration locks the implant securely in place, creating the stable anchor.
Throughout the healing phases, patients are often fitted with a temporary prosthetic to maintain function and aesthetics. For fixed full-arch procedures like All-on-4, a temporary bridge can sometimes be attached on the same day as the surgery. Once osseointegration is confirmed, the permanent, custom-designed restoration is fabricated and attached to the implants, completing the transition.