I can’t afford four to six implants to hold my lower denture, but will one implant work? My jawbone has shrunk significantly over the past 15 years that I have worn dentures. I know I will need a bone graft, but I cannot afford a bone graft and two dental implants. Could I find a dentist to place just one dental implant to support my denture? Thanks. Dora C.
Dora,
Thank you for contacting Dr. Thomas’ office in Sugar Land regarding a single dental implant to retain your denture.
Can You Get One Dental Implant for a Denture?
Getting one dental implant in the midline for a denture is possible, but most implant dentists worldwide prefer another approach. Still, researchers have published several studies on patient outcomes after receiving a single-implant overdenture. For example, a November 2022 article in The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry published results of a five-year follow-up on single-implant overdentures for thirty participants. Studies results included, but were not limited to, the following:
- The single-implant overdentures positively impacted patient satisfaction and oral-health-related quality of life.
- Replacement of the O-ring matrix was the most frequent maintenance event.
- Fourteen patients experienced twenty-one overdenture midline fractures.
- Three patients were dissatisfied with the single-implant overdenture and received additional implants.
What Are the Benefits of at Least Two Dental Implants for a Denture?
Implant overdenture
Most dental implant professionals worldwide agree that at least two dental implants are the standard of care for a lower denture. The benefits of two implants for a denture include the following:
- Increased retention – Two implants are more effective than one for stabilizing a denture.
- Decreased risk of midline overdenture fracture – Snapping a two-implant overdenture can reduce the risk of denture fracture.
- Jawbone preservation – Jawbone stimulation increases with the number of implants you receive.
Schedule an Implant Overdenture Consultation
If you want to stabilize a denture with dental implants, schedule a consultation with a dentist with advanced implant training. The dentist will explain your options and what you can expect.
Sugar Land, Texas, implant dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.