Implant-supported dentures: the best solution for edentulism? 
The dental implant consists of a screw fixed in the alveolar bone of the jaws. It replaces the dental root and serves as a support for the prosthesis, which replaces the tooth. There are different types of prostheses on implants, allowing to recover a functional and aesthetic dentition.
Contenus
The different types of fixed and semi-fixed denutures on implants
If you are missing one or more teeth, your dentist will first evaluate the condition of your teeth to select the type of implant-supported prosthesis that is best for you. He will also examine the thickness of your alveolar bone to determine if it is possible to place the implant or if a bone graft will be required first.
The unitary implant
The single-tooth implant is used to replace a missing tooth. It is used when the tooth was too decayed to keep its root to support the prosthesis.
Once the implant is placed, and after the necessary healing time, a single crown is then attached to it.
Multiple implants
If several teeth need to be replaced, or even the entire dentition, the dentist can place multiple implants. The number is determined by the configuration of the teeth to be replaced, as well as the condition of the alveolar bone. Multiple implants guarantee the stability of the prosthesis.
The weaker your bone appears to be, the more implants you will need in order to better distribute the forces exerted on the prosthesis. For a complete set of teeth, the dentist can use up to 6 implants for the lower jaw and 8 implants for the upper jaw.
Dental bridge on implants
The implant-supported bridge allows for the replacement of several teeth at the same time. In its traditional version, the bridge is attached to the natural teeth adjacent to the missing tooth and includes 3 dental crowns. However, there are also complete bridges on implants that can replace the entire dentition.
The screw-retained prosthesis on implants
The screw-retained prosthesis is a prosthesis placed on 6 implants and comprising 12 to 14 dental crowns . It is also called “bridge on stilts” or “branemark bridge” and allows to replace the whole dental arch.
This type of prosthesis is particularly stable and offers a natural aesthetic result.
Stabilized prosthesis on implants
The stabilized prosthesis on implants is a semi-fixed prosthesis that is clipped to 4 dental implants using “snap buttons” or a “dolder bar”. It is the ideal alternative to dentures.
The implant-supported prosthesis must be removed every night for cleaning and includes a small false palate and a small false gum. It is nevertheless very stable and has a natural appearance.
The all-on-4® implant
The all-on-4® implant is a recently developed technology that allows a complete prosthesis (lower or upper) to be supported on only 4 implants. It is therefore used on patients with one or both jaws completely edentulous. The advantage of the all-on-4® implant is that it is compatible with a thin bone volume, thus avoiding bone grafts.
The stability of this technique is due to the placement of the two posterior implants at a 45° angle in the jawbone. In addition, the prostheses are placed on the same day as the implants, which avoids a long period of convalescence before regaining full dentition.
Finally, the cost appears to be lower than other techniques because of the one-visit placement and the reduced number of implants.
The steps of the installation of dental prostheses on implants
Except for the placement of an all-on-4® implant, it takes several months to place the implant and then the prosthesis. The time required for healing must be taken into account if one or more teeth have to be removed, and then the osseointegration period, which is necessary after the implant has been placed.
Preparation of the jaw
The tooth or teeth that need to be replaced are pulled by the dentist. It is then necessary to wait 3 months for the gum to heal. If the pulled teeth are visible, the dentist will have taken your impressions beforehand, in order to make a temporary prosthesis that will prevent you from having a toothless smile.
X-rays and fingerprints
The dentist will see you to perform panoramic x-rays to ensure that you are eligible for implant-supported dentures. Your alveolar bone must be strong enough. If not, the practitioner will schedule a session to perform a bone graft.
The dentist takes advantage of this appointment to make impressions that will be used by the prosthetist to make your prosthesis. He also takes the color of the adjacent teeth, so that the prosthesis looks natural.
The placement of the implants
The implants are placed by a specialized dental surgeon. He makes an incision on the surface of the gum, and then drills into the bone with a miniature drill. He then places the implant, covered with a small cap that prevents the gum from closing over the implant. The operation is performed under local anesthesia and is absolutely painless.
Osseointegration, i.e. the reconstitution of the bone that will bond to the implant, takes between three and six months.
The fitting of the prostheses
The last appointment only takes a few minutes. After checking that osseointegration has taken place, the dentist screws an abutment into each implant after removing the small cap, and then fixes the prostheses with a special adhesive.
What is the price of prostheses on implants?
It is difficult to give an average price for implant-supported prostheses because it depends on many factors such as the location of the dental office, the reputation of the dentist, but also the materials chosen and the additional procedures.
Nevertheless, here is a table showing the average prices of certain prostheses on implants:
| Type of prosthesis on implant | Average price in France |
| Single implant + crown | About 2000€. |
| 3-tooth bridge on implants | Approximately 5000€. |
| Full ceramic bridge on implants | Approximately 16 000€. |
| Screw-retained prosthesis on implants | Approximately 14 000€. |
| Stabilized prosthesis on implants | About 8000€. |
The advantages of implant-supported prostheses
Implant-supported prostheses allow you to have complete, stable, efficient and aesthetic teeth. Your chewing function will be intact, as well as your natural speech which can be affected when you are missing teeth.
In addition to its discretion, the implant-supported prosthesis is not felt in the mouth because it replaces your teeth identically, without the need for clasps or false palates that are used to attach removable prostheses and that can prove to be embarrassing.
Since the implant is made of titanium and is biocompatible, there is no risk of the prosthesis being rejected. This is a long-term solution because the implant is designed to last a lifetime. If you break your prosthesis, it is replaced.
Unlike traditional bridgework, implant-supported dentures keep the adjacent teeth alive and unchanged, which is always preferable.
With fixed dentures, you won't lose your false teeth, no matter what. In the event of a shock or during chewing, removable prostheses may come off and leave you toothless. This means you can eat whatever you want, without having to be wary of foods that are too hard or too sticky (like caramel), which make you fear the worst with a removable denture.
The prosthesis replaces your teeth identically, so you maintain impeccable oral hygiene. You should continue to brush your teeth after every meal to take care of your natural teeth and gums and not let food get on your dentures. There is no risk of food debris getting stuck in the attachments or the false palate as with a removable prosthesis.
The disadvantages of implant-supported prostheses
The cost of implant-supported prostheses is high, and reimbursement is only for the crowns, not the titanium implant. You can ask for a quote from several dentists to make comparisons and ask different mutual insurance companies to choose the most advantageous one.
We also provide you with a free mutual insurance comparison tool so that you can access the most interesting contracts for dental implants:
Regarding the price of prostheses on implants, it is impossible to determine an average cost, because the criteria are numerous:
- number of teeth to be replaced ;
- number of teeth to be extracted and consequently number of sessions required ;
- need for one or more bone grafts beforehand;
- number of implants to be placed ;
- size of the prosthesis(es).
One can also object that the delay is quite long, but you are betting on the long term, with a permanent and reliable prosthesis.
Here is an interesting video, which summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of prostheses on implants:
Contraindications to the installation of prostheses on implants
Most patients are eligible for implant-supported prostheses. However, the dentist may advise against it if you have certain particularities: cardiovascular disease, severe allergies, immunodepressive or autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, cancer in progress, smoking, drug addiction, pregnancy, diabetes, etc.
Conclusion
Implant-supported prostheses, whether partial or complete, are very interesting solutions when several teeth are missing. They allow the patient to regain the full functionality of their mouth, as well as the aesthetics of their natural teeth.
Prostheses on implants : FAQ
How long does an implant-supported prosthesis last?
The lifespan of an implant-supported prosthesis depends on the material chosen for the prosthesis, oral hygiene and the patient's specific behaviors (bruxism, onychophagy, etc.). Nevertheless, it can be estimated that a denture can last about 10 years before it needs to be replaced.
Can a prosthesis on implants be removed?
Fixed implant-supported dentures such as dental bridges or screw-retained dentures cannot be removed by the patient. In the case of removable prostheses or stabilized (clipped) prostheses, the patient will have to remove them every day to clean them.
How to pay less for a dental implant prosthesis?
In France, dental prostheses on implants are very expensive, but it is possible to go abroad to have a dental prosthesis on implant at much more interesting rates.