Implant Retained Dentures Yarmouth, ME

Replace all missing teeth or a number of missing teeth with one restoration

Missing teeth leads to a decrease in function, aesthetics and phonetics.  Depending on which teeth are missing, a conventional

partial denture may be beneficial in restoring all three to a patient.  In cases where a patient is missing teeth and will require a

complete denture, or in cases where a conventional partial will not meaningfully restore the patient to form and function, an 

implant retained complete or partial denture is a more cost effective way to replace a number of teeth.  Implant retained dentures

have better retention than their conventional counterparts which makes them better able to improve a patient’s function and 

phonetics.  Dr Russo will examine your mouth and discuss all of your treatment options.  From there you will decide which option

fits your treatment goals.

Considerations for implant retained dentures:

See Dr Russo first for your consultation

Dr Russo is a restorative dentist.  His goal is to restore your smile from both a functional and aesthetic standpoint.  The site 

for each implant prescribed is carefully determined by your individual anatomy and functional needs.  The best way to achieve

a predictable result is to have Dr Russo be the coordinator of your care between himself and an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist.

Removable vs fixed implant retained denture for the edentulous maxilla and mandible

When a patient has no teeth remaining in the upper or lower jaw or the existing teeth are terminal and require extraction, an implant denture may be a treatment choice available.  There are two types of “dentures” commonly prescribed – removable or fixed. 

A fixed denture is referred to as a “hybrid“.  It is fabricated from ceramic that is gum and tooth colored.  It is held in place buy prosthetic screws that the patient cannot remove (fixed).  In the upper jaw it has a “horse shoe” design, therefore the palate is exposed.  

A removable implant retained denture is a denture that “snaps” over implant abutments.  It is removable by the patient and requires to be removed daily when going to sleep.  In the upper jaw it covers the palate/roof of the mouth and is fabricated from acrylic. 

Considerations when selecting prosthetic that is right for you:

Benefits of a fixed implant denture:

• replaces the entire arch of teeth on 4 or more implants 
• not removable by the patient
• phonetics and taste are minimally affected as palate is exposed
• can consume harder foods without damage to the prosthetic (fabricated from ceramic)

Benefits of a removable implant denture:

• Replaces the entire arch of teeth on 3 or more implants
• removable by patient (a benefit for dental hygiene)
• can function on substantial foods such as chicken, steak, steamed vegetables (very hard foods such as nuts may damage teeth on the prosthetic, which can be repaired) (fabricated from acrylic).

Implant benefits

• Improved confidence
• Stability during eating
• Bone and gum preservation
• Improved dental hygiene
• Superior esthetics
• Nutritional benefits