Implant-Supported Dentures by the Experts

An overdenture is a type of dental prosthesis that is designed to fit over the remaining natural teeth or dental implants. It is a removable denture that provides improved stability and retention compared to conventional complete dentures, which rest on the gums and rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place.

In short, an implant-retained overdenture is a removable dental prosthesis. This denture solution is secured by the patient’s remaining oral tissues. The placement of two implants on your bottom arch can greatly improve denture retention and stability, allowing you to have improved function compared to conventional dentures.

This prosthesis still rests on your natural gum tissue but is held in place by the two implants. When the denture implant needs to be cleaned, you can remove the fixture and clean underneath the denture.

If you have existing teeth, the implants can be placed at the time of the extraction. The implants then heal for four months prior to attaching the final denture to the implants. During this healing period, you will continue to wear your existing denture as a temporary solution, or a new interim denture can be made specifically for this healing period.

For a more permanent solution, you may consider implant-supported fixed dentures. These dentures differ from their snap-in counterparts because they are not designed to be removable. The placement of a minimum of four implants on the lower arch and six on the upper arch for the fabrication of a fixed-hybrid denture will allow the patient to regain all the function of having natural teeth.

This prosthesis is screwed into the implants and is not removable by the patient.

If the patient has remaining natural teeth on the lower arch, we can place implants at the time of extraction, and in certain cases, we can attach the denture to the implants on the day of surgery. This procedure ensures the patient is never without teeth.

On the upper arch, some cases allow for the placement of implants at the time of extraction of teeth and attachment of the denture to the implants. However, other cases may require a staged approach and would require the patient to wear a conventional denture during the healing phase.

Patient implant bridges (PIB) can be either fixed or removable. The doctors at Oak Family Dental provide services for patient removable implant bridges. The removable option is often preferred by patients because the bridge can be removed for regular cleanings.

The PRIB provides excellent retention and function while still allowing the patient to be able to remove it to clean around the implants. Patients also report an improved eating experience. This implant-supported denture does not cover the palate or the roof of the mouth where many taste buds are located.

This implant-supported prosthesis for the upper arch requires the placement of a minimum of five implants. After the placement of implants, the patient will heal for four months prior to the fabrication of the final prosthesis.

It’s important to pursue some form of tooth replacement if you have missing teeth. When you leave gaps in your smile, your remaining natural teeth can begin to move, drifting into the open spaces in your gums.

When your teeth move out of place, it can cause bite problems, leading to jaw and facial pain, difficulty with chewing and talking, and other issues. Implant-supported dentures fill the gaps left by missing teeth, providing patients with a comfortable feel and natural look while helping them preserve their oral health.

A dental implant also offers patients a unique benefit that other tooth replacement options do not. Dental implants act similarly to a natural tooth’s root, actually growing into the jaw bone, which gives the jaw bone needed stimulation. The jaw bone stimulation provided by dental implants encourages healthy bone growth, which is a benefit you won’t receive from other tooth replacement solutions.

Additionally, implant-supported dentures give patients outstanding stability, so they can socialize freely without wondering if their tooth replacement is going to come loose, shift, or fall out. If you’ve been considering dentures but are afraid they won’t be stable enough, implant-supported dentures may be a perfect choice.

Implant-supported dentures are an ideal, long-lasting solution for missing teeth for many of our patients. If you believe implant-supported dentures are right for you, we can schedule a consultation for you with one of our knowledgeable dentists. We are always happy to discuss your needs and evaluate your situation to help you make the best decision for your oral health and lifestyle.

In addition to improving your oral health, tooth replacements can also help patients boost their self-confidence and alter the appearance of their smile. Unfortunately, many people with missing teeth avoid smiling or talking due to embarrassment. After receiving your dentures, you will likely want to share your beautiful smile with everyone around you. We want all our patients to enjoy healthy, complete smiles, so if you have any questions about tooth replacement, please just reach out.

Just like your natural teeth, implant-supported dentures require regular cleaning. To get the most out of your tooth replacement solution, you’ll need to show them proper attention and care.

Patients can remove some types of dentures for cleaning while others stay in the patient’s mouth permanently. If you have a removable denture, like an implant-retained overdenture, you can remove it for your oral hygiene routine, cleaning underneath it.

Your dentures themselves will also need to be cleaned. If your dentures aren’t removable, you should carefully clean them along with the rest of your teeth. Patients should focus on making sure the gum line is thoroughly cleaned when cleaning around fixed dentures.

It’s also important to visit our dental office at least twice a year for a dental cleaning and exam. During a regularly scheduled dental appointment, we can check on your dentures and adjust for comfort and fit if necessary. We can also help you clean your dentures and offer thorough, personalized advice on home care.

With proper attention and oral hygiene, implant-supported dentures present a long-lasting solution for patients who want a new, complete set of teeth.

Dentures can transform your smile and your life, but there are lots of options from which you can choose. Your Oak Family Dental dentist can help you find affordable dentures and implants that suit your needs.

Schedule your appointment with Oak Family Dental in Metairie or Mandeville. We would love to assist you in your journey to a healthier smile.