Implant supported dentures
Dentures have come a long way!
If you’re missing several teeth from your top or bottom jaw, you’re probably having trouble eating normally. Removable dentures (false teeth) are a tried and trusted solution but they’re relatively high-maintenance compared to implant supported dentures.
Implant supported dentures are held in place by several titanium screw implants. The dental implants which support the denture become a permanent fixture within your jawbone and the dentures simply snap on and off.
What are the advantages of implant supported dentures?
- They look good – our high quality implant supported dentures look just like natural teeth
- They’re comfortable
- They’re functional because they’re firmly secured, making it easier to talk and to eat an unrestricted diet.
- They help you retain a youthful appearance. Bones are similar to muscles; if you don’t stimulate them they shrink. When your jaw bones shrink, it can give you a shrunken, prematurely-aged appearance. Implant supported dentures help to prevent loss of bone and jaw muscle.
Planning for implant supported denture surgery
As part of planning your procedure, Dr van Mourik will take cone beam x-ray and scan it into a computer to generate a precise 3D model. He will then use virtual surgical planning to assess your anatomy as well as the amount and quality of bone. This may involve making a customised computer-generated guide for the surgery.
Where the surgery is performed
Implant supported denture surgery can be done in a private hospital under general anaesthetic or in Dr van Mourik’s private rooms under intravenous (IV) sedation and/or local anaesthetic. For safety reasons Dr van Mourik always uses an anaesthetist who is a specially trained medical doctor to perform his general anaesthetic and intravenous sedation.
How implant supported denture surgery is performed
You need to have a reasonable amount of bone for implant supported dentures, otherwise you may first need to have some bone grafts to strengthen your jaw bone.
The procedure to place the titanium screws in your gum takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your surgery. Your gums are opened, the implant screws are inserted into your jaw bone and your gums are then sutured.
Depending on the type of denture you’ve chosen, Dr van Mourik may offer you a temporary denture to wear while the implant screws fuse with the bone.
Once the implants have integrated with the jaw bone, Dr van Mourik will work closely with a restorative dentist who will make the final denture.
Recovery after having implant supported denture surgery
Day surgery: If you’ve general anaesthetic or IV sedation you will require someone to assist you get home. If done under local anaesthetic, you can drive home yourself.
Pain management: Most people are surprised to find that pain is minimal. Normal painkillers such as Nurofen® and Panadol® are usually all you’ll need. An icepack can help reduce any swelling or pain.
Work/School: Most people return to work one day after their implant surgery, while a few have to take more than a day or two off.
Stitches: Disolving stitches are used in most cases. They gradually dissolve over 1-2 weeks.
Diet: Soft food diet for 1-2 days after surgery. By 1-2 weeks after surgery you’ll most likely be eating and drinking normally.
Follow up: Dr van Mourik will want to see you after your surgery to monitor your healing.
Dr Van Mourik will give you detailed post-operative instructions during your initial consultation. To maximise your chance of making a quick recovery without complications, please pay careful attention to these instructions. General information can be found on the Post-op and Patient Care page.
Implant supported denture cost
Medicare will reimburse you for part of your initial consultation.
Dr van Mourik will give you a written quote for the cost of your dental implant surgery at the initial consultation. We’ll help you make applicable Medicare and private health insurance claims so that you’ll know how much of the cost will be covered.
If the performed under general anaesthetic or IV sedation, we’ll give you contact details for the anaesthetist so you can obtain their fee schedule. Medicare and private health insurance will cover part of the anaesthetist’s costs.
Dr van Mourik is a highly experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He explains things clearly and he’s a good listener, so do ask him questions about your implant supported denture surgery and tell him about any concerns you have — he’ll take the time to answer and manage your concerns sensitively.
(02) 9416 4809
admin@kristianvanmourik.com.au
Suite 5, 12 Tryon Rd, Lindfield 2070, NSW
Suite 104, 568 Oxford St, Bondi Junction 2022, NSW