Regular readers of our blog will know that from time to time we highlight the treatment of a patient who’s undergone cosmetic or restorative dentistry work.
In this post today we look at the use of dental implants to retain a denture for a patient at our Glasgow dental clinic.
This 45 year old patient presented wishing to improve the stability and aesthetics of her upper arch.
BEFORE – the patient’s smile pre
treatment and dental implant surgery
– BEFORE – the patient’s smile pre treatment and
dental implant surgery
The patient was suffering from generalised adult periodontal disease, with advanced bone loss around the upper teeth leading to tooth mobility, splaying, tooth rotation, poor aesthetics and functional instability.
EASY TO MAINTAIN
The patient wished an improvement in the look and function of the teeth but required a solution that was easy to maintain and clean going forwards.
As part of the smile makeover process the patient underwent extensive examination and at all times was appraised of what was happening and a detailed treatment plan was given.
A decision was made to remove the failing upper teeth and allow the bone to heal. A conventional denture was placed immediately after these extractions and after adequate healing, four implants were placed in the upper arch and allowed to heal.
After healing of the implants, a milled bar with locators was fitted to the implants and this was then used to retain an upper denture firmly in position. This solution allowed a very stable upper denture even in function, with vastly improved aesthetics. As the denture is removable, both the denture and the bar/implants are ease to clean and maintain.
AFTER – An aesthetically and functionally
improved smile
– AFTER – An aesthetically and functionally
improved smile
MORE NATURAL FEEL
This bar gives great support and retention to the denture and as a result of this, the denture extent/coverage can be reduced meaning that the upper denture does not cover the palate allowing a more natural feel in the final result. The total treatment time for this case was 10 months.
Should you have any questions about this post or the use of dental implants to retain dentures then please contact our clinic on 0141 339 7579 for more information.
