How Does a Dental Implant Retained Denture Actually Work?
When we think of dentures, it’s not unusual to be met with the vision of teeth resting in a glass, but dental implant dentures are much different. A dental implants are suitable for people who have missing teeth in a particular area of the jaw but has the bone available to support an implant.
Dental Implants can be placed in the upper or lower jaw, although it’s more coming for implant retained dentures to be used on the lower jaw due to loss of gum support. 
What Type of Implant Dentures are Available?
When considering your options, you may hear about two different versions of implant retained dentures, and these are bar-retained and ball-retained dentures.
A bar-retained denture uses a thin metal bar that runs along the curve of the jaw and is attached to implants that have been placed in the jawbone. The dentures are held in place with the use of a clip or other attachment. These could be attached to the bar, the dentures or both.
Ball-returned dentures also referred to as stud attachments, is an implant in the jaw bone that holds a metal attachment. The attachments will the fit onto the denture, operating in the same way of a press stud, albeit with a more robust foundation.
Is a Dental Implant Denture Right for Me?
It’s common practice for your dental records to be reviewed in advance and it would be a requirement to have a CT scan to ensure that no nerves are damaged and that potential areas where the implants will be placed are healthy.
Dental Implant retained dentures are very popular, but they’re not for everyone. Before having any work undertaken, it’s important to have a consultation with an experienced dentist who will ensure whether dental implant dentures are right for you.
If you would like more information on Dental Implant Retained Dentures or would like to find out if you are suitable, simply fill out our Contact Form or call us on 01 2859067 for more information. Our team is happy to help.
Author: Dr Gerald O’Connor BDS NUI (hons)
Dr Gerald O’Connor is the principal dentist and owner of Killiney Dental. Dr O’Connor graduated with an honours dental degree from University College Cork in 1998. He has since worked as a general dental surgeon in the UK and Ireland and has over 20 years experience in the dental field, with a particular interest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Dr O’Connor is an active member of the Irish Dental Association, sitting on its Quality Patient Safety Committee, and is a Irish Dental Council registered dentist.