Implant-Supported Dentures
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are a state-of-the-art solution for patients needing a full-arch teeth replacement. The advanced treatment option involves a custom-made denture that is attached to a set of dental implants. Since the restoration is anchored to the jawbone via implant posts, patients can expect a more secure teeth replacement option compared to conventional dentures. Implant-supported dentures can replace the upper and/or lower sets of teeth, depending on the patient’s unique needs. More details about the solution can be found in the following sections:
What Are the Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures?
Whether you are replacing traditional dentures or receiving a full-arch teeth replacement for the first time, implant-supported dentures offer patients a wide range of benefits, such as:
- Secure foundation for dentures, preventing possible movement along the gums
- Improved chewing ability that allows you to eat your favorite foods again
- Easier maintenance, since there is no need for messy adhesives or pastes
- Reduction of jawbone recession that can occur over time
- Natural-looking results that are custom-made for your mouth
Implant-Supported Dentures vs. Conventional Dentures
Each effective in their own way, both conventional dentures and implant-supported dentures are favorable options for patients with full arches of missing or severely damaged teeth. However, there are significant differences between these two types of dentures that are important when it comes to deciding which solution is best for your dental and lifestyle needs.
Implant-supported dentures are widely recognized for their enhanced comfort, stability, and aesthetics. Since they are anchored securely in place using dental implants, patients typically report greater confidence when speaking and eating, with no fear of their dentures slipping or falling out. Furthermore, since they are firmly affixed within the mouth, implant dentures can also be cared for much like natural teeth—requiring no adhesives or overnight soaking.
One of the major benefits of implant dentures is their ability to help preserve jawbone structure. Since implants are inserted through the gums and into the jaw, they stimulate the underlying bone and tissues, preventing them from being resorbed by the body in the aftermath of tooth loss. Over time, this helps preserve jaw strength, facial shape, and overall oral health.
By contrast, conventional dentures are designed to be removable. They are custom-fitted to rest securely over a patient’s gums, held in place by suction and/or a dental adhesive. For many people, traditional dentures can provide an effective and economical solution to tooth loss, restoring smile function and aesthetics. However, since they do not stimulate the jawbone, conventional dentures cannot prevent bone resorption. If the fit begins to deteriorate over time as a result of changes to oral or facial structures, the dentures can be relined for added comfort and security.
Our team of highly skilled dentists are here to help you determine the most effective teeth replacement option based on your personal candidacy and esthetic goals. We welcome any questions and will be happy to help you schedule a consultation.
What Can I Expect in the Implant-Supported Denture Procedure?
The implant-supported denture procedure involves an in-depth planning process to ensure you receive the best possible outcome. Once you are considered a good candidate, Dr. Andrew Skasko will work closely with a periodontist or oral surgeon to plan the details of your procedure. The first step of the process is the placement of your series of dental implants. After these have been put into the optimal positions in the jawbone, you will receive a custom temporary restoration.
Throughout the following one to three months, the dental implants will gradually fuse to the surrounding bone, becoming a permanent part of your mouth. At this point Dr. Skasko can complete your implant-supported denture with the final restoration. He will perform a facial analysis and design your denture using our advanced smile design technology, with the goal of providing the most natural appearance and comfortable fit. This software generates a digital mockup of your teeth, which allows you to “try on” your results and make any changes you would like to see.
Once the design has been finalized, Dr. Skasko will send this information to laboratory technicians for the fabrication of your denture. You will then return to our office for the final step of your procedure, obtaining the custom restoration to complete your new smile.
What is Recovery Like After Getting Implant-Supported Dentures?
Before your final denture restoration can be placed, your implant posts will need time to successfully fuse with your jawbone. A temporary denture can be worn during this time so that you do not have to go without teeth. During the first few days after the implants are placed, you may experience swelling, tenderness, sensitivity, and numbness at the implantation site(s) as your gums heal and adjust to the permanent posts. Discomfort can usually be eased with over-the-counter pain medication and adequate rest. Our dentists also recommend consuming primarily soft foods and avoiding strenuous activity for at least the first few days.
By the time your final denture prosthesis is placed, your implants should be fully fused with the jawbone and there should be little to no additional recovery period needed.
How Do I Clean My Implant-Supported Dentures?
Cleaning implant dentures involves similar oral hygiene routines as caring for natural teeth. In particular, brushing and flossing at least twice daily removes bacteria, plaque, and food particles. This helps to protect your mouth from harmful buildup that can cause gum disease and other oral infections. We also recommend twice-yearly dental visits so that your dentist can professionally clean your dentures and assess their condition. Additionally, to extend the lifespan of your dentures, it is best to avoid eating particularly chewy or sticky foods, biting down on hard candy or ice, smoking, and teeth grinding, which can all be damaging to your prosthetic.
How Long Do Implant-Supported Dentures Last?
Once the dental implant posts successfully fuse with the jawbone, they are considered a permanent part of your mouth, serving as a strong, supportive base for your dentures. With sufficient oral care and maintenance, implant-supported dentures can last for 15 to 20 years—and in some cases, even longer. If the time comes for the dentures to be replaced, a new set of dentures can usually be anchored using the existing implant posts, so no additional surgery should be required.
Are Implant-Supported Dentures Safe?
Implant-supported dentures are generally considered to be a safe treatment that can actually help enhance a patient’s oral health, especially when performed by a qualified cosmetic dentist. During your initial consultation, your dentist can assess the state of your oral health and determine whether you possess adequate jawbone density to support the requisite number of implants to anchor a denture. This helps to ensure the best possible chance of a safe and successful dental implant surgery. The team at Elite Dental is committed to providing the best care for our patients, and you can rest assured that we make your safety and satisfaction our top priorities.
How Much Do Implant-Supported Dentures Cost?
As with every treatment offered at Elite Dental, implant-supported dentures are highly customized to the needs of each individual. This is why there is not one fixed cost for the procedure. How much you can expect to pay will ultimately depend upon a combination of factors. This includes the number of implants, restoration material, experience of your oral surgeon and dentist, geographic location of the practices, and dental technicians involved. Dr. Skasko will discuss your treatment plan in detail to help you understand every component that is involved and the associated fees. Should you be interested, our team can also discuss possible dental financing options you can utilize to make the total cost of implant-supported dentures more affordable for your budget.
If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Skasko, please contact our office. We look forward to meeting you and helping your dream smile become a reality!