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What Are Dentures Implants?
Denture implants, also known as implant-supported dentures, offer increased stability, improved function, and enhanced comfort. They are an excellent alternative to traditional dentures and can also complement treatments like full-mouth dental implants or all-on-4 dental implants. They eliminate concerns about dentures slipping out of place and enable improved biting and chewing strength.
Denture implants resemble traditional dentures but have special attachments on the fitting surface closest to the gums. Instead of resting directly on the gums, these special attachment clips are attached directly to special attachments on dental implants.
Several dental implants can securely hold a denture in place. These denture implants (also called overdentures) are supported by multiple implants rather than relying on the gums alone, unlike a single tooth implant or front tooth Implant, which replaces only one missing tooth.
An implant overdenture is removable, but some denture implants are fixed in place, and these are a type of hybrid denture that is permanently attached to the implants and can only be removed by a dentist.
Benefits of Denture Implants
Treatment can offer several benefits, which include:
- Greater stability, as the denture cannot move once clipped onto the implants.
- Increased chewing function compared to an ordinary denture, meaning you can confidently eat a wider choice of foods.
- Increased comfort, as an overdenture does not rest directly on your gums and is fully supported by the implants. Therefore, there is no risk of sore spots or gum irritation.
- The dental implants help preserve and protect the jawbone around them because they act like natural tooth roots, preventing jawbone resorption that occurs after tooth loss.
- Implant-supported dentures are designed to look natural, and we can use the highest quality denture teeth arranged to look like real teeth.
- An overdenture will support your facial muscles correctly, preventing facial features from collapsing inward.
- Implant-supported dentures are affordable since only a few implants are needed, and treatment is a long-lasting investment in your dental health.
Who Is a Candidate for Denture Implants?
Denture implants might be a good solution in the following situations, including:
- When all or most natural teeth are missing or failing.
- A conventional denture is tricky and uncomfortable to wear.
- You have good dental and overall health, and your jawbone is sufficiently strong to support the implants.
- You are a non-smoker or are willing to quit at least for the duration of treatment, and we would prefer for good.
The Denture Implant Procedure Step-By-Step
Below is a step-by-step guide of what to expect; however, everyone’s experience is slightly different, as your treatment is customized to meet your unique oral health needs.
Step One: Consultation & Diagnostics
A comprehensive dental exam helps identify if this treatment is right for you. We also review your medical history to ensure treatment is safe and appropriate and discuss your goals.
Diagnostics include digital dental X-rays and a cone beam CT scan, a 3D scan of your mouth and any remaining teeth, which allows us to plan treatment accurately.
Based on this information, we can determine the number of implants needed to support your denture and identify any additional treatments that may be required, such as tooth extraction or bone grafting.
Step Two: Treatment Planning
Your treatment is planned using specialized software, where we manipulate your 3D scan to identify exactly where each implant should be situated, as well as its depth and angulation. An important part of this process is to use computer modeling to design your implant denture, ensuring it functions properly while looking good.
Finally, we create a custom stent that is computer-generated and based on your treatment plan. We use this during your computer-guided surgery.
Step Three: Dental Implant Surgery
Since you will require several implants, we will almost certainly recommend sedation dentistry and have a qualified anesthesiologist on our team who can provide adequate and safe sedation and who will monitor you continuously during this procedure.
The surgical stent is used to guide our implant dentist, ensuring every implant is inserted in the right location.
Step Four: Healing and Recovery
Your new implants will need time to heal, allowing them to become securely fused in your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to complete.
During this time, we can provide a temporary restoration to ensure you can eat and talk comfortably and confidently. Sometimes we can attach temporary denture teeth soon after surgery, or if you have a full denture, we might be able to adapt it to wear while your implants heal.
Recovery after implant surgery should be relatively quick, but we will provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to care for your mouth while it heals, as well as advice on what to eat during the healing process.
We may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Any discomfort should be easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relief; if needed, we can prescribe something stronger.
Step Five: Fabricating and Attaching Your Final Denture
Once your implants have healed, you will return to our dental office so we can fabricate your final denture restoration and ensure it fits well in your mouth.
Follow-Up Care
Dental implants are simple to care for, but it’s essential to commit to a good oral care routine. Our friendly dental team will show you how to clean your implants and implant dentures. We strongly recommend regular checkups and hygiene appointments, during which we can monitor the condition of your implants and clean them professionally.
FAQs
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How Many Implants Are Needed for Denture Implants?
The number required depends on whether you need an upper or lower restoration. We will recommend the number of implants we know will provide great results based on our skill and experience.
Generally, upper teeth require a greater number of implants because the jawbone is naturally weaker and additional support is needed.
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Can I Eat Normally with Denture Implants?
Yes, you should be able to enjoy a wider variety of foods with denture implants compared to traditional dentures. You will find that your biting and chewing strength increases considerably.
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How Much Will an Overdenture Cost?
The price depends on several factors, including whether you require tooth extraction or bone grafting, as well as the type of sedation dentistry needed. It will also depend on whether you need a temporary restoration and the materials used to make your final set of teeth.
When you visit NYC Dentistry Center, we can provide you with a firm quotation based on your treatment plan. We can explain all the costs and how each stage will help you achieve your treatment goals.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096