Bar attachment denture is a restorative implant procedure in which patients receive permanent fully functioning sets of prosthetic teeth (dentures) during one office procedure. The bar attachment denture process incorporates a complete dental prosthesis which is secured in place within the jaw, typically with only four dental implants (All-On-4), or in some cases, six implants may need to be used (All-On-6). Because the bar attachment denture utilizes angled back implants to avoid anatomically deficient areas of bone, there is no need to rebuild the jaw with bone grafting surgery. By using fewer dental implants, the bar attachment denture procedure saves the patient money, as well as time.
Those considered to be good candidates for a bar attachment denture include:
- Patients who currently wear dentures
- Patients whose teeth are in poor condition and will be lost or need to be pulled in the future
Recipients should be in good general health with minimal jawbone deterioration.
Bar Attachment Denture Vs. Traditional Denture
Bar attachment denture is completely revolutionizing the full arch replacement process. No longer do patients need to have traditional removable dentures with messy adhesives and food restrictions when they need total teeth replacement. Because the bar attachment denture is a permanent set of prosthetic teeth, advantages over traditional removable dentures include:
- No need to remove at night
- Brush and clean just like your natural teeth
- No sticky or messy adhesives
- Improved enjoyment of food/ no food restrictions
- Feels natural and comfortable/ no slipping
- No gagging
- Prevents jawbone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing
- Enhances facial appearance by retaining jawbone (no sunken cheeks)
Bar Attachment Denture Vs. Traditional Implants
Bar attachment denture implant procedure is designed to successfully replace a full arch of teeth through the use of only four implants. Replacing an entire arch with traditional implants typically requires five to eight implants. The angular placement of the bar attachment denture implants increases the stability of the prosthesis because it is utilizing your jawbone’s natural support.
Other benefits of the bar attachment denture include:
- No bone grafting
- Cost effective (lower cost for less implants)
- Faster treatment time (traditional implant procedures often require 18 months)
- Expedited healing time
The Bar Attachment Denture Process
The bar attachment denture dental implant process begins with a thorough oral evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. You may have an additional consultation in order for your surgeon to collect all of the information needed to plan your surgery, such as x-rays, impressions, and photographs. A specialized CT scan will be taken to create a 3-dimensional model of your jawbone. This model is used in conjunction with an innovative virtual reality software program which enables your surgeon to plan the precise placement of your implants without you having to be present.
The use of this technology results in:
- More accuracy in implant placement
- Less time in a doctor’s office
- Easy collaboration between the surgeon and restorative dentist
The prosthesis is completely fabricated before you arrive for surgery so that you can leave on the day of your surgery with a full set of new teeth.
During the bar attachment procedure, you will be sedated or, if necessary, general anesthesia will be used. Through the use of computer guided surgery, the implants are placed in an arthroscopic fashion and no flap reflection is required.
Your bar attachment denture procedure can be performed during one visit, during which teeth may be extracted (if needed) and the implants will be placed, as well as a complete set of temporary teeth which look and feel like natural teeth. These long-term provisional teeth, which are comprised of acrylic resin, place less stress on your new implants and gums, enabling your jawbone to heal and the implants to stabilize.
After the procedure, it is important to follow all post-surgical instructions. Short-term recovery from the bar attachment denture procedure is usually minimal and many patients are able to resume most activities the following day.
Complete healing time typically lasts about six months, during which you should exercise caution with eating, as not to interfere with implant stabilization. You will need to eat semi-solid foods that can be easily cut with a fork and avoid foods that have to be torn with the front teeth, such as apples.
Once stabilization and healing are complete, you will return for the placement of your permanent bar attachment denture. Your final prosthesis will consist of a full set of porcelain or acrylic teeth on a titanium frame, allowing you to partake in any foods you choose. This secondary procedure in the bar attachment denture process is generally a simple and often painless appointment involving the removal of some screws and subsequent placement of the new fixed prosthesis.
Success Rates for Bar Attachment Dentures
Success rates for bar attachment denture dental implants are documented at over 98% for lower arches and 97% for upper arches. With the bar attachment denture procedure being implemented so successfully, patients can smile with confidence, knowing that they have a permanent solution for teeth replacement.
If you are currently wearing traditional dentures or have been advised by your dentist that you are at risk of becoming edentulous, contact our office for an evaluation to find out if bar attachment denture is the right choice for you.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with a doctor at Pacific Oral Surgery, please submit an online appointment request or call one of our Pacific Oral Surgery offices located in Ventura, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley.
Our team of oral, maxillofacial and dental implant surgeons, Dr. James Jacobs, Dr. John Webb, and Dr. Sebastian Carlson, welcomes you to our Pacific Oral Surgery practice.
