Dental implants are small posts made of medical-grade titanium. When they are surgically inserted into the jawbone, they bond with the surrounding tissue. As a result, they are able to act as prosthetic tooth roots. They can support crowns, bridges, and dentures.
There are different types of implant dentures. Depending on the details of your case, we may recommend that you receive either a fixed denture or a removable one.
Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
These are permanently affixed to the implants that support them; they can only be removed with the assistance of a dental professional. Many patients like this option because they want to enjoy the convenience of having their teeth in their mouth 24/7. However, fixed implant dentures typically require more posts and therefore greater jawbone density than their removable counterparts.
Removable Implant Dentures
A full removable implant denture can usually be supported by 2 – 5 dental implants. These prosthetics simply snap onto and off of small attachments on top of the dental implants, which allows for easy oral hygiene and maintenance. This option is popular among patients who have lost some bone density in their jaw.