Implant Supported Dentures

If you need dentures, you might be wondering about your options for implant-supported dentures which are much different than the traditional dentures that you might see people wearing.

When you have implant-supported dentures, the dentures will be directly anchored to your jawbone with the use of dental implants. This allows you to speak and chew much easier than you would be able to do with other kinds of dentures.

How Do Implant Supported Dentures Work?

An implant-supported denture usually covers more than one tooth at once. It’s an oral appliance that is similar to regular dentures, but it will attach to the jawbone rather than being removable. It will not just sit on top of your gums like other dentures so it’s much better and more stable. You find that you can chew, speak, and eat with ease.

Can I Wear Implant Supported Dentures?

Not everyone can wear implant-supported dentures, so you will need to ask your Orem dentist if it’s the right choice for you. Most of the time a dentist in Orem will recommend implant-supported dentures if you are missing all or most of your teeth. If you are missing just a few teeth, you might be able to get partial implant-supported dentures, but you will need to review with a dentist if this is a possibility for you or not.

You also need to have enough bone in your jaw to be able to hold the implants. The dentist will need to check your jawbone and see the density and volume of the bones you have. If you do not have enough bone, you might be able to get dental bone grafts. Your Orem dentist will be able to tell you which is the best option for you, and they will be able to give you the support you need.

Can I Remove Implant-Supported Dentures?

Most people opt for permanent implant-supported dentures which means they will not come out. There are removable options if you prefer. Your dentist will review the pros and cons of each so you can decide which one might work better for you. Which one you choose also depends on your medical history and the health of the bones in your jaw.

Fixed Implant Supported Dentures

A fixed implant-supported denture will attach to the jawbone permanently. You will not be able to remove it by yourself at home, but the dentist can remove it if you have an issue or need maintenance on it.

Keep in mind if you do this option, you will just brush the dentures like you would normal teeth. You will not remove them and brush them. Make sure you use a good toothbrush and floss just like you would with normal teeth. You can also use special cleaning tools to clean under them very well if you need to. The dentist will tell you if you need special tools or equipment for your dentures.

Removable Implant Supported Dentures

This type of denture works more like traditional dentures, but it still attaches to the jawbone. It will snap into place and fit very securely so you can still eat and chew with them in. You will remove them when you go to clean them though such as in the morning and night when you brush and floss.

The Process of Implant Supported Dentures

The process will take a few days or weeks and will be done in several steps. Exactly how long the process will take depends on your situation as some people need more work than others.

Removing Decay

Before the implant process can begin, all the parts of the teeth that are decayed or damaged will need to be removed. This is also when bone grafting takes place if you need it. Most of the time, there is a healing period of a few weeks before the dental implants are placed. You will be given temporary healing dentures during this time while you wait until you get the real dentures.

Dental Implant Placement

During this time, our Orem dentist will begin to place the dental implants in your mouth. Keep in mind it can take up to 6 months for the dentures to actually fuse completely with the jawbone. You will still be wearing your healing dentures during this time.

Taking Dental Impressions

As the dental implants are healing, the dentist will take impressions to send to a lab. At the lab, they will make you the perfect dentures that fit securely and perfectly into your mouth. Once the impressions come back from the lab, the dentist will attach the custom dentures to your implants. Your dentist will also take the time to show you how to clean the dentures so you can go home and be confident.

Benefits of Implant Supported Dentures

When you have implant-supported dentures, there are many advantages including:

  • They are more stable than traditional dentures
  • They help prevent loss of bone density and volume since the mouth will think they are normal teeth and will keep the nerves in the jaw stimulated
  • They look more like natural teeth
  • They restore the appearance of your mouth
  • They are easier to clean which improves your oral health
  • They last much longer than traditional dentures

Risks of Implant Supported Dentures

There are a few risks with implant-supported dentures, but they are usually not common. They can include:

  • Infection
  • Injuries to the mouth if not placed correctly
  • Holes in the sinus membranes which is called sinus perforation
  • Nerve damage

If you are contemplating whether implant-supported dentures are right for you, come into our Orem dentist office today or give us a call to schedule a consultation. Here at Gentle Dental Arts, we provide family and cosmetic dentistry services.

Our dentist has over 25 years of experience so we can give you all the details you need to know about implant-supported dentures as well as give you advice on the procedure that is best for you.