Implant-supported dentures—also called implant dentures, anchored dentures, and All-on-4®—are a revolutionary dental solution for patients in need of full-arch replacement. Treatment entails anchoring a custom denture prosthetic to a few precisely placed dental implants. By anchoring the dentures to dental implants, implant-supported dentures offer superior stability over traditional removable dentures, reducing concerns about slipping or shifting during eating or speaking. They can also help safeguard a patient’s long-term oral health, as the implant posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone resorption.
Our Blaine dentists have helped countless patients restore their smiles with implant-supported dentures. Patients who have made the transition from traditional dentures to implant dentures often remark on the enhanced comfort and convenience they provide, as well as their more natural appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures can provide many advantages for individuals that need to replace full arches of missing or failing teeth. They can also provide an ideal solution for those who might be interested in an alternative to traditional dentures. Some of the key benefits of implant dentures typically include:
- A secure, long-lasting, fixed-in-place restorative dentistry solution
- Stronger support to chew and speak properly
- Preservation of healthy jawbone density
- Easier care with daily brushing and flossing
- Increased oral comfort and quality of life
- An improved smile and confidence
Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures tend to deliver a more natural-looking result as they are designed to mimic the dental area from root to tooth. Additionally, implant dentures do not require any pastes or adhesives to stay in place and clear the risk of any potential denture slippage.
Am I a Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
In general, ideal candidates for implant-supported dentures are those in need of full arch replacement who desire an alternative to traditional removable dentures. Many of our patients at Legacy Dental Care choose to switch from removable dentures to implant dentures for the enhanced comfort, convenience, and aesthetic appeal.
As is the case with all implant procedures, patients will need sufficient jawbone density to support the implants. That said, many patients who are not candidates for a full mouth of dental implants can be good candidates for implant dentures. Your dentists can assess the state of your jawbone using advanced x-ray and imaging techniques. From there, a few select dental implants—usually between 2 and 8 per arch—can be precisely located to ensure optimal stability and durability.
For the greatest likelihood of implant success, our dentists recommend that patients either be non-smokers or be willing to quit smoking during the implant treatment process.
What Does the Implant-Supported Dentures Procedure Entail?
The first step in the implant-supported denture treatment process is a thorough oral examination, including imaging and x-rays. From there, your dentist will formulate a personalized treatment plan, including how many individual implant posts are needed and the optimal placement locations. Your dentists can also determine whether additional treatments—such as extraction of any remaining teeth or bone grafting—will be necessary.
During implant surgery, the designated number of implant posts—typically between 2 and 8 per arch—will be precisely inserted into the jawbone. Over the next few months, the implants will fuse with the jaw, becoming a permanent part of the mouth. This part of the process is known as the “osseointegration” period. Once osseointegration is complete, a permanent overdenture will be securely attached to the implant posts for a beautiful, functional, and natural-looking smile restoration.
What Is Recovery Like After Getting Implant Dentures?
Following implant surgery, patients usually experience some degree of swelling, tenderness, sensitivity, and discomfort, which should subside gradually over time. Generally, patients are advised to plan for a few days of rest at home to allow the surgical sites time to heal without interruption. That said, patients with more sedentary jobs may be able to return to work within just 1-2 days, depending on individual comfort and preferences.
During the initial healing process (which typically lasts about 1-2 weeks), patients should consume a liquid and soft-food diet and avoid any extremely hot or cold foods and beverages that may impact the implant areas. It is also very important to practice good oral hygiene to keep the mouth clean and avoid any complications due to bacteria and infections. Additionally, patients will be instructed to avoid strenuous activities for a certain amount of time, depending on the particulars of their surgical plan and rate of healing. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to guide you through the recovery process and support a safe, successful implantation.
Another key component of safeguarding the success of any implant procedure is to avoid smoking before and after implantation. Your dentist can provide more detailed instructions and timelines during your consultation.
How Much Do Implant-Supported Dentures Cost?
Implant denture treatment is a highly customized process, and the final cost can vary on a case-by-base basis. Factors that can influence price include how many implant posts are needed to support the denture, the materials used to craft the denture prosthetic, and whether any additional procedures are needed, such as a bone graft.
During the consultation process, your dentist will discuss the details of the proposed treatment plan with you in-depth, and our team can provide you with a comprehensive price quote.
Interested in learning more about implant-supported dentures? Contact Legacy Dental Care today to schedule an appointment.