Modern-day complete and partial dentures are more lifelike than ever, but they still aren’t the most stable restorations. Our Sharon, MA implant dentist, Dr. Alla Agamov, offers a way to stabilize dentures for greater convenience and a better fit: implant-supported dentures. This tooth loss restoration option is available to patients who want to continue wearing dentures but crave the benefits of dental implants.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are denture restorations anchored in place by two to four dental implants. The implants keep your dentures in place while you eat, speak, and smile, but still allow you to enjoy your dentures.
Making and installing implant-supported dentures is commonly known as denture stabilization, as we can use your existing dentures for the process as well. The variety of options for implant-supported dentures means we have something to offer any patient dealing with tooth loss.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
- Stable – With the help of implants, your dentures will stay firmly in place so you can speak, chew, and smile without worry.
- Permanent – Your implants can last 20 years to a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and maintenance.
- Removable Options – Your implants will remain firmly in place, but certain denture restorations can be removed as needed. These removable options are known as overdentures.
- Affordable – Implant-supported dentures use a minimal number of implants and a singular denture or arch restoration, making them an affordable option for many patients.
- Regenerates Jawbone Density – Your implants will stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent loss of jawbone density (resorption) and rebuilding the jawbone.
- Improved Bite Function – Implants help restore more of your original bite force than traditional dentures alone, meaning better chewing and digestion and less chance of developing diabetes.
Our Denture Stabilization Options
Ball attachment implant-supported dentures use two implants to secure your denture restoration. The implants themselves are topped with O-ring abutment pieces, which makes snapping the denture into place and removing them incredibly easy. Additionally, ball attachments produce less pressure on the jawbone, which can prove useful for patients who have experienced extensive resorption.
Bar attachment implant-supported dentures feature two to four implants angled in a specific manner to increase load-bearing capacity. The implants are topped with a simple titanium bar bent to fit the shape of your dental arch. Once the bar is in place, the dentures are secured to the bar attachment. The bar provides extra stability, helping to eliminate the need for supplemental procedures like bone grafting.
Screw-retained implant-supported dentures are the most permanent option. Sometimes referred to as All-on-4 and full-arch restoration, screw-retained dentures can only be removed by a dental professional. This allows for unmatched support and easy maintenance. Simply brush and floss your teeth as normal to keep your restoration in peak condition.
The Denture Stabilization Process
Initial Consultation
As with any dental restoration, you’ll have an initial consultation with Dr. Agamov before you’re approved. Dr. Agamov will perform a thorough exam and X-rays, review your medical history, and ask about your smile goals. She’ll also determine if you need oral surgeries beforehand such as tooth extraction or bone grafting.
Your initial consultation will be a great time to ask Dr. Agamov any questions you may have about the process. If you’re feeling nervous about the process, we can offer sedation dentistry options.
Designing Your Dentures
If Dr. Agamov approves you for implant-supported dentures, we’ll take images and impressions of your jaws, gums, and any remaining teeth. These will be used as blueprints for your implant-supported dentures. If your current dentures are still in good shape, Dr. Agamov can use those as the restoration piece for your implants instead of making a new one.
Preparation
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may have to undergo supplemental procedures such as bone grafting, sinus lifting, and tooth extraction before your implant-supported dentures can be placed. Once any necessary supplemental procedures are completed, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to the soft tissues around the future surgical site. Then, she’ll make incisions into the gum tissue where the implants will be placed.
Implant Placement Surgery
The number of implants placed and how they’re placed will depend on which kind of denture stabilization you’re looking for. You’ll likely need to heal for at least three to six months while your implants fuse to your jawbone through osseointegration. Dr. Agamov will provide you with a temporary denture restoration in the meantime, so you don’t have to go toothless while you wait on your permanent restoration.
Denture Stabilization
When you return to our Sharon, MA dental office, Dr. Agamov will show you your denture restoration of choice and make sure it fits properly. Then, Dr. Agamov will secure the restoration using the proper abutment pieces. Once your denture is stable, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new smile.
You will consider this dental team as part of the family. A team you can trust! This team is the best
-Gary B.
FAQ
How much do implant-supported dentures cost?
The exact cost of your implant-supported dentures will depend on numerous factors, including the type of implant-supported dentures you receive, whether or not you require supplemental procedures like bone grafting, and your insurance coverage.
We encourage you to contact your insurance provider ahead of time to confirm with them which costs they can help you cover. If you’re struggling to afford your new implant dentures, we’re happy to help by providing financing options, including third-party financing through CareCredit.
How long do implant-supported dentures last?
The implants themselves will last 20 years to a lifetime, while the full arch restoration or overdentures will need to be replaced about every 15 to 20 years due to normal wear and tear.
To ensure the longevity of your implants and your denture restorations, you’ll also need to practice proper oral maintenance. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your implant dentist at least once every six months for regular dental exams.
How long does the denture stabilization process take?
The process of creating and installing your implant-supported dentures will take a matter of months. You’ll attend multiple appointments for steps such as denture design, denture placement, and any necessary supplemental procedures. Patients will receive a more accurate breakdown of the time their denture stabilization will take during their initial consultation.
Do implant-supported dentures hurt?
Placing your implants will be painless, as we’ll use anesthetic as needed to numb you beforehand. We can also offer sedation dentistry options to make you more comfortable and even more resistant to pain during your denture stabilization process.
Some minor discomfort is normal for about ten days after implant placement. Your implant dentist can give you medication to control any lingering discomfort.
Call Us Today For Implant-Supported Dentures Near You!
If you’re looking for an effective way to get the most out of your dentures, while enjoying the benefits of implants, then implant-supported dentures might be right for you. Implant dentist Dr. Agamov and the rest of our dental team offer denture stabilization to patients from Sharon and surrounding areas such as Stoughton, Foxborough, and Canton, MA.
Learn more about denture stabilization by dialing Dr. Agamov’s Sharon dental office. You can also request an appointment by clicking the button below, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly.