Long-term denture wearers find that even if their dentures have been fitted carefully to their gums, or relined to fit again, jawbone loss continues to make it hard to keep them in place. Like any bone, the jawbone requires stimulation in order to remain healthy. In the case of the jawbone, much-needed stimulation is supplied from the chewing forces of natural teeth. Unlike dental implants which are incorporated into the jawbone, conventional dentures simply sit on the gums, being unable to prevent bone loss and absorption.

Poorly fitting and loose dentures can cause mouth sores and constant irritation, not to mention slippage and certain diet restrictions. Dentures do not restore more than 10% of your normal chewing power, meaning any hard or chewy foods are off limits. However, many patients who have lost most or all their teeth opt for dentures because they are much cheaper than dental implants. What if we told you that you can now combine both treatments at the fraction of the cost and regain your confidence to face everyday life back?

At Farnham Road Dental Practice in Guilford, we are here to help with your loose and unstable dentures. Modern dentistry has made it entirely possible to use a small number of dental implants (usually 2-4) to stabilise your denture, restoring its firmness and comfort. This way you can have a full set of functional teeth at a lower cost than a mouthful of individual dental implants or implant-supported bridges.

How denture stabilisation works

Stabilising your dentures with dental implants involves a minor surgical procedure, carried out under either local anaesthetic or sedation.

Our experienced dentists will plan your dental implants prior to your surgery, meaning that a full arch of teeth can be supported by between two and four dental implants. Once your dental implants are implanted into your jawbone, a healing period will follow, during which you may continue wearing your regular dentures. Once the dental implants fuse with the jawbone, your new dentures will be attached with special clasps on top of your dental implants.

Denture stabilisation with dental implants is ideal for full upper or lower dentures, although modern techniques also allow us to look at improving partial dentures as well.

Good care at home and regular visits to your dentist, will ensure the health and longevity of your implant-supported dentures.