What is an Overimplantation prosthesis?

An overdenture, also known as an implant-supported denture, is a type of dental restoration that relies on dental implants anchored into the jawbone. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gums, an overdenture uses implants as a solid foundation, providing better stability, comfort, and functionality. This type of denture can be used to replace a few teeth (partial denture) or all of the teeth in a jaw (complete denture), and it is designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth.

How is an Overimplantation Prosthesis made?

The manufacturing of an implant prosthesis follows several key steps to ensure a precise fit, optimal comfort, and maximum functionality:

Assessment and Planning: The first step involves a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s oral health, including x-rays or CBCT scans to assess bone density and nerve position. This helps in precisely planning the location of the implants.

Implant Placement: Titanium dental implants are surgically inserted into the jaw bone during an outpatient procedure. Healing time is then necessary to allow the bone to integrate with the implants, a process known as osseointegration.

Manufacturing of the Prosthesis:

Taking Impressions: After osseointegration, precise impressions of the mouth and implants are taken to create a working model.

Denture Design: Based on the impressions, the denture is designed to fit perfectly in the patient’s mouth, with particular attention to occlusion (the way the upper and lower teeth meet), l aesthetics, and function.

Manufacturing: The denture is manufactured using high-quality materials that mimic the appearance of natural teeth, such as porcelain or advanced composite.

Attachment of the Prosthesis: Once the prosthesis has been manufactured, it is attached to the implants by special clips or screws, ensuring increased stability and safety compared to traditional prostheses.

Adjustments and Follow-up: Adjustments may be necessary to ensure optimal comfort and functionality of the prosthesis. Follow-up visits are also important to monitor the health of the implants and denture.

Advantages of the Implanto-Mounted Prosthesis

Implant-supported prostheses, or implant-supported prostheses, offer many advantages over traditional dental prostheses, including:

Stability and Comfort: Implants provide a solid foundation, which reduces denture movement and increases comfort when chewing and speaking.

Bone Preservation: The presence of implants helps stimulate the jaw bone, reducing bone resorption and preserving facial structure.

Better Functionality: Patients can eat a wider range of foods with fewer restrictions thanks to the increased stability of the dentures.

Improved Aesthetics: Implant-supported dentures are designed to closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth, providing a superior aesthetic result.

Durability: With proper care, implant-supported dentures can last for many years, or even a lifetime.

Oral Health: Do not require grinding of adjacent teeth, unlike traditional bridges, thus preserving the health of remaining natural teeth.

How Is Implant Prosthesis Surgery Performed?

Implant prosthesis surgery takes place in several stages:

Assessment and Planning: A comprehensive examination, including x-rays or CBCT scans, is performed to assess jaw health and plan implant placement.

Implant Placement: Under local anesthesia or sedation, titanium implants are inserted into the jawbone. Healing time is necessary to allow the integration of the implants into the bone.

Healing Period: The healing phase, or osseointegration, generally lasts a few months, during which the implants bond to the jawbone.

Placement of the Prosthesis: After healing, impressions are taken to make the prosthesis which will be attached to the implants. Once ready, the prosthesis is attached to the implants with special fasteners or screwed directly onto the implants.

Adjustments and Aftercare: Adjustments may be necessary to ensure a perfect fit. Regular follow-up visits are important to maintain the health of the implants and prosthesis.

Types of Overimplantation Prostheses

There are different types of prostheses on implants, adapted to the specific needs of patients:

Fixed Full Dentures: Designed for edentulous patients, these dentures are permanently attached to four or more implants and can only be removed by a professional.

Fixed Partial Dentures: For patients missing multiple teeth, these dentures replace missing teeth and are attached to two or more implants.

Overdentures: A removable denture that attaches to implants via special retention systems, providing more stability than a traditional denture.

Immediate Dentures: Placed on the same day as tooth extraction and implantation, providing a temporary solution while the implants heal and integrate into the bone.

Maintenance and Cleaning of Implant Prostheses

The maintenance and cleaning of implant prostheses is crucial for their durability and for maintaining good oral health. Here are some recommendations:

Daily Brushing: Use a soft toothbrush to clean dentures and implants, as well as surrounding soft tissues, at least twice daily.

Using Specialty Floss: Dental floss specifically designed for implants, such as super floss or interdental brushes, can help clean hard-to-reach spaces around implants.

Antibacterial Rinse: An antibacterial mouth rinse may be recommended to help control plaque and bacteria around implants.

Regular Visits to the Dentist: Regular professional check-ups and cleanings are essential to monitor the health of implants and dentures, as well as to carry out professional scaling if necessary.

Durability and Lifespan of Implant Prostheses

Implant-supported dentures are designed to be a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. Their durability depends on several factors:

Dental Implants: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime. The long-term success rate of dental implants is very high.

Dentures: The lifespan of dentures themselves can vary depending on the material used, but they can generally last 10 to 15 years or more with proper maintenance.

Oral Hygiene and Care: Good oral hygiene and regular care are essential to maximize the durability of implant prostheses.

Risks linked to Overimplantation Prostheses

Although implant-supported dentures offer many benefits, there are risks to consider:

Implant Failure: Although rare, it is possible that the implant may not properly integrate with the bone, requiring its removal.

Infections: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection. Good hygiene and appropriate post-operative care can minimize this risk.

Prosthetic Problems: Prosthetics may need adjustments or repairs over time. Materials can wear or break under the force of chewing.

Maintenance: Implant-supported dentures require a commitment to rigorous oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings.

Does an Over-Implant Denture Cause Pain?

Fitting an overdenture involves surgery to insert the implants into the jaw, which can result in some post-operative pain and discomfort. However, most patients report that the pain is manageable with pain medication prescribed by their dentist or surgeon. Once the initial healing period has passed and the implants have integrated into the bone, pain should decrease significantly. The dentures themselves, once attached to the implants, generally do not cause pain and are often more comfortable than traditional dentures due to their increased stability.

Real User Reviews on Implant Prostheses

User reviews of implant prostheses are generally positive, highlighting several advantages:

Improved Quality of Life: Many users report significant improvement in their ability to eat, speak and smile, which increases their self-confidence and overall well-being.

Comfort and Stability: Users appreciate the comfort and stability of implant-supported dentures, which do not slip or cause irritation to the gums as traditional dentures can do.

Natural Appearance: Patients are often satisfied with the natural appearance of their implant dentures, which can be difficult to distinguish from natural teeth.

Maintenance: Some users mention the need for good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist to maintain the health of implants and dentures.

However, some users may report disadvantages, such as the high cost and length of the treatment process, which includes the osseointegration period of the implants.

Implant Prosthetics Prices 2024

In 2024, the cost of implant dentures can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the number of implants needed, the type of denture (partial or complete), the materials used, and the complexity of the procedure. Here is a general cost estimate:

Single Implant: The cost per implant, including the crown, can vary from 1,000 to 3,000 euros or more.

Partial Dentures on Implants: To replace several teeth, the cost can range from 3,500 to 10,000 euros, depending on the number of implants and prosthetic teeth.

Complete Dentures on Implants: Complete solutions can cost between 7,000 and 30,000 euros for one jaw, depending on the need for additional procedures and the type of fixation system used.