Complete Denture

Susan:
It sounds like money must be an issue, because you never had these other implants crowned. I'll try to be helpful.

I don't know that the implants you have need to be removed unless they are loose. Usually, especially with older implants, the exposed part of the implant is fastened in with a screw. So you should be able to have the exposed part of the implant unscrewed and removed, and then you could have a removable implant overdenture placed over that.

You need to understand, however, that this will be a removable denture that will be able to slide around and may be uncomfortable and hard to get used to. With the implants still in the bone, though, that will help prevent your bone from shrinking and will give a stronger foundation for the denture.

Another course would be to have more implants placed to take the place of your other missing teeth. This would be much more comfortable and functional for you, though it would cost more money and might be beyond your budget. Read our page about complete dentures for more information about what can be done.

Related information:

• What is the cost of dental implants?

• What are the advantages of dental implants as compared with a bridge or a removable cosmetic denture?

• What does it feel like to have these fixtures in my mouth?

• How will my new teeth look? Will people be able to tell that they're false teeth?

• Read a question from a person who had a missing tooth and a bridge to replace it. Then the teeth that the bridge was attached to broke, leaving her with nothing left to attach to. This issue points to one of the disadvantages of dental bridges. The doctor discusses dental implants vs bridges.

• A musician has a black triangle between his two front teeth, which causes funny sounds when he pronounces certain letters.

Black Triangle / Complete Denture / Tooth Replacement Options