Getting implants

Regarding going without teeth; With my regular size implants, they were placed at the time of the extractions and covered, them my immediates were put right in. I never went without teeth. I did wait about 6 months and they were uncovered and then later loaded, but still under my denture. Once my permanent denture was made, about 10 months from extractions, I was able to fully utilize my implants.

I have two full size implants in the top and two in the bottom. The two in the bottom do hold down my bottom dentures, but it is not a perfect fit. It is, however, much better than it was before. With my temporaries, I had to literally create a reline with adhesive because my bottoms would not stay in place. I have had some issues with the little plastic O rings inside of the implant wearing out after just a few months. When this happened, the denture rubbed my gum and I had to use adhesive again.  The other thing with implants is they are not standardized in their style and size. I have one right now that needs to be tightened now, but my regular dentist who makes adjustments to my dentures does not have the right type of "adjuster" for my implant. Most dentists recommend a minimum of 4 on the top and 4 on the bottom. I was told that 2 on top and 2 on bottom would hold, but it is not like the hold of 4. I think that my dentures should fit well without implants and they should only be added support, not be the only real support.  The implants push the denture up and there is constant rocking due to the space between the gum tissue and the denture.  I don't know if this would be remedied with  more implants on top.  Bottom line is that yes, implants do help, but you need to get the right kind, right amount and most of all a good fitting denture to start with.

Although I do not have a lower denture and, therefore, I do not have an implant supported lower denture, I do have six implants in my lower jaw (three on each side that anchor my back teeth) that are covered with crowns that are porcelain fused to gold.  In addition, in the course of researching and discussing with my dentist the possibility of getting an implant supported upper denture, I have learned a great deal about implant supported lower dentures (since most implant supported dentures are lower ones given that suction provides stability for upper dentures).  Although you should do your own online research on this topic, I note the following:

1.  Given that bone in the lower jaw is denser, implants in the lower jaw "take" (which, in dental parlance, means "integrate" with existing bone) quite easily and can be used to support crowns, bridges or dentures (which, in dental parlance, means "loaded") after less time.  Although I may not have enough upper bone to support implants, I have had no problems with my lower bone supporting implants (and I have had them for at least seven years). I am really happy with them and grateful that I have them.

2.  There are two kinds of implants -- regular ones that are surgically placed and allowed a period of time to integrate before being loaded with the waiting period being four to six months and with a minor surgery required to "uncover" them (by placing an abutment into the implant which is submerged below the gum) prior to loading them -- and mini ones that are placed with less invasive surgery and loaded immediately.  Whether a patient can have successful mini implants depends upon the quality of his or her bone.  Some dentists and oral surgeons (mine included) believe that regular implants are stronger and longer lasting and, therefore, recommend them over mini implants.  Although having regular implants surgically placed is not a total breeze, the procedure and the recovery following it are not bad at all but do involve some pain, swelling and facial bruising.

3.  A drawback to getting regular implants to support a denture is that, for at least a short time after they are surgically placed (and, perhaps, again, after they are uncovered), the patient cannot wear his or her denture.  I don't know about you, but I don't go out without my teeth and I don't spend much time at home without my teeth.

4.  There is a risk (which, absent certain conditions or factors, and especially in the lower jaw, is small) that the implants will fail to integrate and that surgery will be required to remove them.

5.  Most people who have gotten an implant supported lower denture are extremely happy (because the floating stops) and believe that the end result justifies both the process and the cost.

6.  Getting implants will stop further bone deterioration.

I think you should discuss with your dentist (and, perhaps, with an oral surgeon too) whether you are a good candidate for successful lower implants (as well as the cost and process of getting them and either having your lower denture modified to accommodate them or getting a new lower denture). Sometimes, a cat scan is required to determine this.

I hope this helps!

I'm Karen, the Fixodent Community Manager.  I know this must be extremely frustrating.  If your gums are still healing from your extractions, future adjustments and/or relines may provide for a better fit.  Also, it takes time for the muscles of your cheeks, lips and tongue to learn to keep your lower denture in place.  Still, dental implants are an option, as they are fixed solidly in the bone.  Keep in mind that dental implants require surgical procedures which usually include a small amount of discomfort, and it can take some time for the implants to heal in the bone.

Does anyone have dental implants?  If so, please post to let us know your experiences.  We'd love to hear from you!

Thanks!

^Karen