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Implant Dentures

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What Are Implant Dentures?

Implant dentures, also called implant-supported or implant-anchored dentures, are dentures secured in place by dental implants. This innovative solution for replacing all of the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw offers reliable, stable, and aesthetically pleasing results that surpass the functionality of removable dentures. Secure dentures can help you smile, chew, speak, and laugh comfortably, without worrying that your dentures may slip or fall out. The custom implant dentures we offer at Restorative and Implant Dentistry of Bayside are created using high-quality materials from local laboratories.

What Are the Pros of Implant Dentures?

For individuals who are good candidates for dental implants, implant-supported dentures can provide an outstanding alternative to removable dentures. The many advantages of implant dentures can include:

If you are curious about how implant dentures can transform the function and esthetics of your smile, we encourage you to contact our practice to schedule a consultation with prosthodontist Sameet Sheth, DDS to explore your options.

What Are My Tooth Replacement Options with Implant Dentures?

Depending upon the patient’s unique needs, there are several tooth replacement options available with implant dentures. Implant dentures can be used to replace the upper arch, the lower arch, or both full arches of missing teeth. For patients who have one or two natural teeth remaining, these teeth can be extracted in order to facilitate replacement with an implant denture and rejuvenate the smile. The implant denture techniques used by Dr. Sheth include:

All-on-4® or All-on-6

All-on-4® is a specific implant denture technique that uses four strategically placed dental implants to secure each denture in place. Two dental implants are placed on either side of the arch toward the front; two additional implants are then placed on either side toward the rear of the mouth and angled posteriorly to optimize support for the denture. This placement allows the implant denture to snap securely into place. Some patients who are not good candidates for a full set of single-tooth implants due to insufficient jawbone density choose All-on-4® as an alternative option that can provide many benefits. In some cases, patients are better suited for the “All-on-6” technique. The All-on-6 implant denture option is a modified version of the All-on-4® technique that utilizes six dental implants per arch rather than four to create more support for the denture.

Learn more about All-on-4® implant dentures.

Full Mouth Restoration

When a patient needs both the upper and lower arches of teeth replaced, full mouth restoration can be achieved with implant dentures. If the All-on-4® technique is used, the patient will receive a total of eight dental implants. Twelve total dental implants are needed for patients who would better benefit from All-on-6.

During the consultation process, Dr. Sheth will perform an oral exam, review your medical history, discuss your individual goals, and help you decide which implant denture option can best suit your needs. For each and every implant denture patient, Dr. Sheth creates highly customized treatment plans designed to provide long-lasting, natural-looking, and functional results.

How Is the Implant Dentures Procedure Performed?

To begin the process of restoring your smile with dental implant-supported dentures, you will have a consultation with Dr. Sheth to evaluate your oral health, review your medical history, and determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. If you are in good health and have sufficient jawbone support, then Dr. Sheth will use a 3-dimensional scan of your mouth to develop a plan for where and how to place the dental implants you will require. The number of implants will depend on your unique oral structure and the type of implant dentures that Dr. Sheth recommends. Dr. Sheth will explain his treatment plan step-by-step so that you have a clear understanding of how the procedure will take place. He may recommend periodontal treatments to improve your gingival health and/or build bone structure prior to implant surgery.

During surgery, Dr. Sheth will use surgical guides to place dental implants in the precise locations mapped out during treatment planning. Once this is complete, the jawbone and tissue will be allowed to heal until the bone has integrated to the implants. This process typically takes approximately two to six months, but can take longer in some situations. When the implants are fully healed, Dr. Sheth will make proper impressions and records for creating your custom implant dentures. With meticulous work, the position of your occlusion (bite), the esthetics, and your speech capabilities are carefully tested and verified at a try-in appointment prior to the delivery of your new smile.

What Implant Dentures Results Can I Expect?

Patients who have received implant dentures are generally very pleased with the results they achieve. Many who previously wore removable dentures are thrilled with the functionality of their implant dentures and enjoy the added confidence and freedom they provide. As a prosthodontist with extensive dental implant experience, Dr. Sheth strives to provide his implant patients with the highest level of care and remarkable results at each stage of the procedure.

What Are the Alternatives to Implant Dentures?

If you are not the best candidate for implant dentures, or if you are simply interested in exploring alternatives to implant dentures that may be more ideal for your needs and goals, Dr. Sheth offers several other missing teeth replacement options. For full teeth replacement on the upper and/or lower dental arch, a traditional denture may be worthy of consideration. While a more conventional denture prosthesis does not have the benefit of the support provided by dental implants, a well-fitted denture can still offer patients effective replacement of missing teeth. A denture that has been customized for each patient’s unique oral anatomy can yield excellent results and enhance both function and aesthetics. If you are missing just a few teeth in an isolated area of the mouth and would like to avoid dental implants for replacement, a standard dental bridge may be recommended. Dental bridges utilize natural-looking artificial teeth to cover the space left by the missing teeth. These artificial teeth are held securely in place with custom dental crowns placed on the existing teeth surrounding the gap. The result is a “bridge” that replaces the missing teeth without requiring pastes or other adhesives to keep it secure.

Once you have been examined and Dr. Sheth has talked with you about your goals, he will be happy to answer any questions you have about potential alternatives to implant dentures that may be right for your needs.

How Much Do Implant Dentures Cost?

There are many variables that can impact the total cost of your implant dentures. As a result, there is no set cost for the procedure. At the end of your initial consultation, Dr. Sheth will give you an estimated price for your implant dentures based upon your customized treatment plan. Factors that can affect the cost of implant dentures include the number of implants placed, the materials used to create the dentures, laboratory costs to manufacture your restorations, and whether bone grafts are required to augment jawbone density prior to the procedure.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions On Implant Dentures

Do implant dentures hurt?

Many of our patients do not experience excessive levels of discomfort during the implant dentures procedure. The areas where the dental implants are placed will be numbed with a local anesthetic beforehand, and this is usually all that is necessary to ensure patients do not feel pain during the treatment. For individuals who are particularly anxious about the potential for discomfort while the procedure is performed, Dr. Sheth offers a number of sedation dentistry options that can help patients feel more relaxed and at ease throughout the treatment.

How many implants will I need for my implant-supported dentures?

Once your initial dental exam is performed and advanced x-rays have been taken, Dr. Sheth will be able to assess the number of implants necessary for the best possible stabilization of the custom denture. The total number of implants required is dependent on various factors unique to each patient, including jawbone density in specific areas of the mouth and the type of implants being utilized. Ultimately, the goal is to provide the number of implants that offers the best possible chance at securely anchoring the denture and providing the most comfortable fit.

What can I eat with implant-supported dentures?

When compared to traditional dentures that are not supported by dental implants, implant dentures allow patients to eat more of the foods they enjoy without as many restrictions. It’s still important to be cautious when eating foods that are particularly hard or “gooey,” but the fact that the denture is secured by dental implants makes it less likely that certain types of food will cause the denture to become displaced. Many patients who have implant dentures also find that they are able to bite down with greater force than a traditional denture would allow. Our team will give you an information packet on how to care for your implant dentures while eating certain foods.

Are implant dentures covered by insurance?

In many cases, insurance companies categorize implant dentures as an elective dental care procedure, and therefore do not provide coverage for this treatment. However, some insurance plans may offer at least partial coverage, so it is worth checking to make sure. A member of our staff can assist you with determining whether your insurance policy offers coverage for implant dentures.

How long do implant-supported dentures last?

With the proper care, implant dentures may last a lifetime for many patients. Since dental implants are designed to fuse to the jawbone and become a part of the mouth, they can serve to support a custom denture for many years to come.

Contact Restorative and Implant Dentistry of Bayside

For more information about dental implant-supported dentures, please contact our office to connect with a knowledgeable member of our team.