Implant-Retained Dentures – Jupiter, FL
Secure New Teeth
When an entire arch of teeth is missing, most patients will naturally think of getting dentures that will let them continue to speak clearly and eat a wide variety of meals. Traditional dentures might slip on occasion, especially if the shape of your jawbone changes; luckily, at South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we can make your new smile more secure with implant-retained dentures. Contact our office today to ask about this procedure if you or a loved one might be facing life without teeth soon.
Why Choose South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for Implant-Retained Dentures?
- Board-Certified Oral Surgeons Who Are Available 24/7
- Stronger, More Secure Replacement Teeth
- Dental Insurance Accepted and Maximized
How Do Implant-Retained Dentures Work?
Traditionally, dentures use suction to stay in place on your gums; in some cases, you might also need to use denture adhesive. However, modern dentists can use dental implants to add some stability to your false teeth.
Dental implants are titanium posts that sit in the jaw; they fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Four to eight implants can support an entire arch of teeth. The dentures are permanently secured to the implants so that you’ll never have to worry about them slipping out of place.
Am I a Candidate for Implant-Retained Dentures?
We’ll need to examine your mouth and take your overall health into account before we decide whether you’re a candidate to receive implant-retained dentures. We’ll specifically need to consider:
- Extent of Tooth Loss: Implant-retained dentures are for patients who have lost all or most of the teeth in their upper or lower jaw.
- Bone Loss: Has your jawbone started to deteriorate? You might need bone grafts before you can get dental implants.
- Oral Health: If you have gum disease, your dental implants might not integrate with your mouth correctly and could fail. Thus, any existing infections need to be treated first.
- Smoking: Cigarettes hinder your mouth’s ability to heal, putting your dental implants at risk. Smokers might still be candidates for the surgery if they stop using tobacco before and after the procedure.
The Implant-Retained Denture Process
After bone grafting, periodontal therapy and any other preparations are complete, we’ll schedule your implant placement surgery. This is where the implant posts are surgically placed in your jaw. After that, we’ll need to wait a few months for osseointegration to take place. Once the implants are ready, we can attach your new dentures.
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
In addition to the improved stability, there are several advantages to getting implant-retained dentures:
- Functionality: The support that implants provide will make your dentures stronger and thus able to withstand more biting force. You’ll be able to enjoy a wider variety of foods than you would with traditional false teeth.
- Appearances: Since the implants are hidden from view and anchor the dentures to the gums, your new smile will look far more natural.
- No Bone Loss: Dental implants will stop your jawbone from deteriorating, a common side-effect of missing teeth that can cause traditional dentures to come loose.
Implant Dentures FAQs
Our team hopes to help you enjoy all of the benefits of dental implant dentures in Jupiter. Before you get started on your tooth replacement journey, however, you may be eager to know more about the road ahead. To help you out, we have compiled a list of some frequently asked questions about this treatment, along with candid answers. If you would like more explanation on anything you discover here, feel free to give us a call — we look forward to speaking with you!
How Long Do Implant Dentures Last?
The exact lifespan of your prosthetic is difficult to predict. The implants that support your denture will likely last for decades — perhaps even a whole lifetime. Your prosthetic teeth may not last quite that long; after all, they will begin to show wear and tear after consistent use. However, you can expect your denture to last much longer than a traditional, non-implant one. This is largely because dental implants preserve the jawbone, meaning that its shape will not change over time and your denture will retain its fit. Our team will give you detailed instructions to help your implant denture stand the test of time.
Can I Get Implant Dentures if I Smoke?
Candidacy for dental implant procedures, including implant dentures, is determined on an individual basis. When you come in for your consultation, your implant denture dentist in Jupiter or your oral surgeon will consider a range of factors, including whether or not you smoke, before determining which type of tooth replacement is right for you. Some other relevant factors include your overall health, your oral hygiene habits, and the state of your jawbone.
Of course, if you smoke, it is in your best interests to quit. Tobacco use can slow down your body’s healing process after oral surgery and increase the risk of dental implant failure. If you are struggling to kit the habit, your primary care practitioner may be able to offer practical help.
Do Implant Dentures Feel Natural?
Yes, implant dentures feel natural. After you adapt to using your prosthetic, you can expect it to feel like a normal extension of your body. At first, though, it may feel strange in your mouth, particularly if it has been a while since you had teeth. Most patients adjust fairly quickly to their new prosthetic and are able to use it with confidence after just a few weeks to a few months.
How Soon after Tooth Extractions Can I Get Implant Dentures?
If you get All-on-4 dentures, you can get a temporary set of artificial teeth on the same day as your tooth extractions and your dental implant surgery. In more traditional implant denture cases, a waiting period of around six months is usually necessary before implants can be placed. This allows the bone to heal, and it can give time for any bone grafts to integrate with the surrounding tissue. After the implants are placed, it may be another few months before you get your implant denture.