How do dental implants compare to other dental restoration options?

Unlike other restorations, dental implants are anchored within the jawbone to replace tooth structures above and below the gum line. As such, dental bridges and dentures can’t prevent jawbone degradation like implant posts. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of a natural tooth with implants, never having to worry about special maintenance.

Can implants be used for dentures?

Implants can help patients missing all of their natural teeth in the lower or upper jaws who have difficulty wearing a traditional denture. Our implant dentist can provide implant-supported dentures that won’t need removal for maintenance, mealtimes, or overnight. This denture appliance won’t slip or slide as you speak and chew for a comfortable fit.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of dental implants?

Some insurance companies may cover a portion of your dental implant treatment cost. We recommend contacting your provider to better understand your plan’s benefits. We’re proud to offer an in-house dental savings plan to help patients receive the dental care they need without breaking the bank. Call our Willoughby Hills office at (440) 210-0999 to learn more.

Who’s not a good candidate for dental implants?

While most patients are good candidates for dental implants, Dr. Wallace may recommend a supplemental procedure for patients who: Grind or clench their teeth (bruxism). Have pre-existing conditions such as gum disease, diabetes, cancer, or alcoholism. Lack sufficient jawbone density. Use tobacco products. Take medications such as steroids or immune system suppressants.

Implant Supported Dentures in Willoughby Hills, OH

Implant-Supported Dentures Could Be the Best Choice for Your Smile

Implant-supported dentures combine the security of dental implants with the convenience of dentures. This innovative solution offered by our skilled Willoughby Hills, OH dentist, Dr. Phillip Wallace, provides a stable, natural-feeling alternative to traditional dentures, allowing for improved comfort, functionality, and aesthetics. With advancements in dental technology, these dentures offer a long-term solution for those struggling with missing teeth.

To learn more about this effective way to restore your smile, contact our Willoughby Hills dental office today by calling (440) 210-0999.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures, also known as overdentures, are anchored to the jawbone using dental implants. A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the final denture itself. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, an abutment is placed on top of the implant. The abutment attaches the denture to the implant, providing a secure and stable fit.

There are two types:

Bar-retained
Ball-retained

In a bar-retained implant-supported denture, a thin metal bar attaches to the implant abutments, and the denture snaps onto the bar. In a ball-retained implant-supported denture, each abutment has a ball-shaped connector, and the denture has a corresponding socket that snaps onto the ball.

Supported dentures replace missing teeth, up to an entire arch either in the upper or lower jaw. They’re typically recommended for people who have lost all or most of their natural teeth and have adequate jawbone density to support the implant. Unlike traditional dentures, which are secured to the gums using adhesives, implant-supported dentures don’t rely on the gums for support.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

Replacing your missing teeth with implant-supported dentures provides multiple benefits, including:

Improved stability and security: Because dental implants are anchored to the jawbone, the dentures don’t rely on the gums for support, making them more stable and secure than traditional dentures. This means that people who wear them can speak and smile with confidence, knowing that their dentures won’t slip and slide around.
Preservation of the jawbone: When natural teeth are lost, the jawbone shrinks, which can cause the face to appear sunken and aged. However, with the help of an implant-supported denture, you can preserve the jawbone’s integrity.
Improved quality of life: An implant-supported denture can help improve the quality of life for patients who have lost their natural teeth. They can restore the ability to eat a wide range of foods, speak clearly, and smile confidently, which can greatly improve self-esteem and well-being.
Long-lasting: Implant-supported dentures can last for many years, sometimes even a lifetime, with the right dental care and maintenance.
Natural-looking: These dentures look like natural teeth.
Easy maintenance: They’re easy to maintain and clean, just like natural teeth.

Cons

While there are many benefits to implant dentures, there are some potential drawbacks patients should know:

Cost: They can be expensive, with costs ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
Surgical procedure: These dentures require dental implant surgery to place the implant posts, which can be invasive and require recovery time.
Not suitable for everyone: Not all individuals are candidates. People who suffer bone loss may require bone grafting before implant placement, and people with certain systemic health conditions may not be good candidates.
Temporary discomfort: There may be some temporary discomfort or pain associated with the implant surgery and the healing process.
Risk of implant failure: Although rare, there’s a risk of implant failure, which can occur if the dental implant doesn’t fuse properly during the healing phase.

The Implant-Supported Dentures Process

Since dental implants support these dentures, patients will undergo oral surgery. The entire process can take anywhere between three and nine months to complete. Patients will experience the following:

Initial Appointment: You’ll schedule your first appointment so our Willoughby Hills dentist can evaluate your oral health, discuss your dental history, and determine if implant dentures are the best solution for your needs.
Procedure: Dr. Wallace will make a small incision into your gums and place the implant posts. Once all the needed posts are placed, they’ll close your incision with sutures and you’ll be sent home to begin the healing process.
Healing: Over three to six months, the posts will naturally fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This is necessary to provide a stable foundation for your denture restoration.
Placing Your Dentures: Once you have fully healed, you’ll return to our Willoughby Hills dental office. The dentist will attach your custom dentures to the implants, providing you with a new, beautiful smile.

Are You a Candidate?

To qualify for implant-supported dentures, individuals need to have adequate jawbone density to support dental implants. If the jawbone isn’t dense enough, a bone grafting procedure may be required before we can place a traditional denture over the implant. Ideal candidates for implant-supported dentures should also be in good overall health and shouldn’t have any systemic conditions that would make them a poor candidate for implant surgery.

To find out more about your candidacy, contact our Willoughby Hills dentist today. They’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your smile goals, and provide the best options for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Implant-supported dentures can last for many years, sometimes even a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance. You can increase the longevity of your restoration as long as you follow a rigorous at-home oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist twice a year for checkups.

It’s common to experience minor discomfort or pain after the implant procedure and during the healing process. However, any discomfort should be manageable with cold compresses or over-the-counter pain medications. Most people find that the benefits of these dentures far outweigh any temporary discomfort.

Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are permanently anchored to the jawbone and aren’t removable. Only a qualified dentist can remove the restoration. Please don’t remove the restoration yourself, as this can cause serious damage.

Restore Your Smile with Implant-supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures offer a robust and aesthetically pleasing option for replacing missing teeth. By anchoring dentures with implants, you gain enhanced stability and a more natural appearance. Schedule a consultation at our Willoughby Hills, MI dental office by calling (440) 210-0999 to find out how this advanced solution can restore your smile and confidence.