Implant-supported dentures offer a practical, comfortable, and natural-feeling tooth replacement option for many patients. They are often a good choice for people who are missing all their teeth but still have a strong and robust jawbone. Implant-supported dentures use dental implants in the jaw to hold dentures in place that feel and function more like natural teeth than removable dentures.
Implant-supported dentures are available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. They are a durable and natural-looking option for replacing missing teeth. We are experienced with performing implant procedures and can help you get the best results from your dentures.
Take care of your missing teeth with implant-supported dentures by calling our office at (858) 748-2101 today to set up an appointment and learn more.
Candidates for implant supported dentures
For dentures, especially those replacing a full set of teeth, there are two common options: implant-supported and removable. As the names imply, the former use implants in the jawbone and are fixed in place whereas the latter can be taken out. According to the American Dental Association, implant-supported dentures are for patients who are in good oral health with enough bone density to support implants.
Many patients who choose implant-supported or fixed dentures report that they feel like natural teeth as they can eat and brush normally. Implant-supported dentures require a more extensive procedure for their placement. However, once they are in place, they can be a permanent* (see results note) solution to missing teeth with proper care. Additionally, they look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
“…implant supported dentures are for patients who are in good oral health with enough bone density to support implants.”
How to get implant supported dentures
To receive implant-supported dentures, you need to visit your dentist. If you go to a general dentist, he or she may suggest that you visit a practice that has experience placing implants, such as Oak Tree Dental. Choosing the right dentist to place your implants will help ensure good results from your dentures.
Your implant dentist will perform an examination and consultation to determine if implant-supported dentures are right for you. Dental implants require some jawbone for placement. So, people with deteriorated jaws may not be able to receive implants. However, as technology advances, dentists are increasingly able to strengthen and augment the jaw to allow implantation.
The implants are surgically placed in your jawbone. The dentures connect to these implants so that they stay firmly in place. The implantation may be done under sedation. While there may be a little discomfort, most people can return to their daily lives the next day following the procedure.
“The dentures connect to these implants so that they stay firmly in place.”
Types of implant supported dentures
There are two main systems for implant-supported dentures: bar-retained and ball-retained. In either case, the system is supported by several implants placed in the jaw. Additionally, the dentures typically are made of acrylic or porcelain and look like natural teeth. The main difference between the two types is how the dentures connect to the implants.
- Bar-Retained: In this setup, a metal bar follows the curve of the jaw. It is anchored to the mouth with the implants. The dentures connect to the bar to hold them in place.
- Ball-Retained: Ball-retained dentures, also called stud-attached dentures, more directly connect the implants to the dentures. A small attachment on each implant connects with a socket on the dentures. Typically, this attachment is ball-shaped, hence the name.
“The main difference between the two types is how the dentures connect to the implants.”
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Implant-supported dentures are a popular choice for teeth replacements. Oak Tree Dental is well-versed in their benefits and drawbacks and provides knowledgeable guidance to every patient. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are many benefits with implant-supported dentures, including:
- Comfortable: This type of denture is more comfortable than removable dentures. They stay in place more firmly. This means they will not rub against the inside of the mouth or cause sores in the same way that loose, removable dentures can.
- Natural-Looking: Implant-supported dentures look like natural teeth. So, a beautiful smile is achievable without looking like a set of dentures. This can be a significant confidence boost for many patients.
- Effective Tooth Replacements: We use our teeth for chewing and they also affect our speech. Fixed dentures are more similar to natural teeth in terms of function. So, patients who have them typically enjoy a greater quality of life.
- Support Bone Health: Removable dentures can harm the jawbone by pressing and rubbing against it constantly. Implant-supported dentures, conversely, are more firmly fixed. They interact with the jawbone much like natural teeth.
The disadvantages of implant-supported dentures include the need for prerequisite implant placement and recovery, the cost of both treatments, and the permanency of a fixed appliance. Patients must be sure that this is the type of treatment they want or the one that works best with their overall dental treatment plan.
“…there are many benefits with implant-supported dentures, including comfort, natural look and feel, effectiveness, and support.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. How do I get implant supported dentures?
Q. What are the differences between implant supported dentures and removable dentures?
Q. What are the types of implant supported dentures?
Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of implant supported dentures?
People also ask
Q. What does the implant recovery process look like?
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
Frequently asked questions about implant supported dentures
No, implant-supported dentures cannot be removed by patients. These dentures are a type of permanent* (see results note) appliance that require a dentist to place or remove them. They are much like your natural teeth, so they can stay in your mouth at all times.
Although single-tooth implants are a good treatment, it is not necessary when replacing a row of teeth. It is more cost-effective and requires a less invasive procedure to get implant-supported dentures. It is an equally effective but simpler treatment.
Typically, implant-supported dentures are connected to the mouth with between two and five implants. It is common for an entire row to attach to four implants. However, the number needed varies from case to case.
Implant-supported dentures are a permanent* (see results note) appliance. With proper care and regular check-ups, they can last a lifetime** (see results note). Your dentist will let you know if they need to be replaced.
With a skilled dentist, implants have a success rate of over 95%. Placement is a relatively simple procedure. However, it sometimes requires sedation and there are occasionally minor complications.
The American College of Prosthodontists suggests that you visit your dentist to determine which type of dentures is right for you. When visiting our office, our dentist will provide a consultation and exam. This initial evaluation will help inform the treatment plan.
Denture terminology
Call us today
Implant-supported dentures can replace your missing teeth in both form and function. They offer superior results for many patients compared to other replacement options. Call Oak Tree Dental at 858-748-2101 to set up an appointment and learn more.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient. *"Permanent" means fixed rather than removable. **"Lifetime" describes how long a restoration may last with good care; it is not a guarantee, and restorations can need repair or replacement.