Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures, sometimes called anchored dentures or simply “implant dentures,” are an advanced reconstructive dentistry technique for patients with missing teeth. They are a modern alternative to traditional dentures, which in decades past were seen as the standard for tooth replacement. Traditional dentures helped millions of people improve chewing and speaking while restoring the appearance of their smile, but they had significant drawbacks. An ill-fitting denture could be very uncomfortable, moving and slipping along the gumline and requiring messy dental adhesives to stay in place. Our experienced dentist, Dr.Jimmy Wu, offers implant-supported dentures as an effective way to stabilize your dentures and yield a more natural and comfortable fit.

• What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
• Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
• Implant Denture Candidates
• Implant Dentures Options
• Implant Dentures Procedure
• Implant Denture Results
• Implant Denture Recovery
• Implant Dentures Care
• Implant Dentures Cost
• Implant Denture Alternatives
• Additional Implant Dentures FAQs

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures are custom denture appliances that are stabilized along the gums with dental implants. By adding a select number of dental implants to provide a denture with a more secure foundation, implant dentures are able to reduce many of the common problems often associated with traditional dentures and produce results that feel and function more like natural teeth.

What Are the Pros of Implant-Supported Dentures?

Full or partial dentures can be secured by dental implants, offering a functional and aesthetically pleasing option to replace missing teeth. Implant-supported dentures offer the following advantages:

• A more natural look and feel
• Significantly less risk of movement or slippage along the gums
• Durable, long-lasting results
• No adhesives or denture pastes are necessary
• Patients can eat, speak, and smile with ease
• Easy to care for
• Potential for wear on the gums is reduced

Are Implant Dentures Right for Me?

Implant dentures can often benefit patients who are seeking long-lasting results that offer more security than traditional dentures. Typically, ideal candidates for implant-supported dentures have an entire row of missing teeth on the upper and/or lower dental arch. Good candidates should have healthy gum tissue, adequate jawbone density in certain areas of the mouth in order to successfully accommodate the implants, and overall strong oral health. If you are unsatisfied with your current dentures or if you are looking to replace a full set of missing teeth without the need to utilize a dental implant for each tooth, implant dentures may be an option for consideration.

Dr. Wu will review all of the benefits that implant-supported dentures can provide during your one-on-one consultation. Patients who have multiple missing teeth and are not candidates for a full set of dental implants may qualify for implant-supported dentures. Dr. Wu will explain your options and help determine the best treatment for your needs.

What Are My Implant Dentures Options?

There are numerous ways that implant dentures can fulfill an individual’s unique needs and goals, and we offer a variety of options that can form the foundation for one’s customized treatment plan. Some of the advanced types of implant denture procedures available include:

All-On-4^®

If you have lost all of your teeth on the upper dental arch, the lower dental arch, or both arches, All-On-4^® implant dentures may be an ideal missing teeth replacement solution. The precise placement of four dental implants in the upper or lower arch, followed by the application of a custom denture, can replace full sets of missing teeth without the need for an implant for each and every missing tooth.

Learn more about All-On-4^® implant dentures.

All-On-6

All-On-6 implant dentures involve a procedure rooted in the same principle technique as
All-On-4^®; however, this version of the treatment utilizes two additional implants per arch. Some patients may require a bit of extra support for the denture in order to produce the best possible results. With that in mind, a total of six implants to enhance stability, rather than four, may be necessary in some cases. Dr. Wu will be able to determine whether All-On-4^® or All-On-6 is the better option for your needs once you are examined during the initial consultation.

Full Mouth Restoration

Implant dentures can be effective procedures for patients who require full mouth restoration. Also referred to as full mouth rehabilitation or full mouth reconstruction, this option can benefit patients who are missing all teeth on both the upper and lower dental arches by providing a full and complete restoration.

Learn more about full mouth restoration.

What Does the Implant-Supported Dentures Procedure Involve?

For patients who are missing teeth and looking for an option other than traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures may be the most ideal solution. First, you will need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wu at his La Mesa dental office. During the consultation, Dr. Wu will conduct a comprehensive examination of your mouth, including an assessment of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. Dr. Wu will then take x-rays of your oral structures to determine bone density in the area where the implant will be placed in order to ensure the jawbone can adequately support the implant. If you are a candidate, Dr. Wu will utilize state-of-the-art 3-D Cone Beam imaging technology that serves as a meticulously precise guide for implant placement, allowing for the most comfortable fit and natural-looking result possible. During the consultation, Dr. Wu will create a custom treatment plan, review procedure steps, and answer any questions you may have.

At the time of the procedure, Dr. Wu will place the dental implants in the precise areas where the teeth are missing. The implants must first adequately fuse to your jawbone, a process which can take a few months. During this time you may wear a temporary appliance to help you eat, chew, and speak normally. Once the implants have integrated to your jaw, Dr. Wu will fasten the dentures to the posts.

With implant-supported dentures, there is no need for pastes or adhesives, and the dentures should not slip along the gums. This treatment can also diminish the number of times food gets trapped within the dentures, and reduce the wear-and-tear traditional dentures can have on surrounding teeth. Your new implant-supported dentures can look and feel like a new set of teeth.

How Long Do Implant Denture Results Last?

With proper care and maintenance, implant-supported dentures can provide decades-long results. When the dental implant posts are fused to the jawbone, they create a strong foundation for the denture attachment, essentially offering much greater stability and security for the custom denture. Treatment outcomes can be further supported by a good at-home oral hygiene routine, including consistent maintenance of the teeth and gums, and visits to the dentist at least twice each year. Poor oral health can negatively affect the success and longevity of the implant-supported dentures, so it is very important to adhere to guidance and recommendations from your dental team.

Is There Downtime Required After the Implant Dentures Procedure?

Patients are advised to focus on rest in the days following the implant dentures procedure to promote and support the healing process. While recovery time may vary from patient to patient, swelling, tenderness, and mild discomfort are common and typically subside gradually. It’s important to adjust your diet to mainly liquids and soft foods that are not extremely hot or cold until the implant sites are healed. In addition, avoid vigorous physical activities for a while and keep up with a strong oral hygiene routine. You will be provided with specific aftercare instructions following your procedure.

How Do I Care for My Implant Dentures?

Care instructions for your implant dentures will ultimately depend on the type of implant dentures you receive. In many cases, they can be cleaned and cared for through daily oral hygiene routines. If your implant dentures require additional maintenance, our dentist will supply you with detailed instructions that can allow you to keep your gums healthy and extend the life of the custom denture for as long as possible.

How Much Do Implant-Supported Dentures Cost?

Each of our procedures for implant supported dentures is unique to our patients; therefore, the cost will vary. Choosing an experienced dentist who uses high-quality materials is important to obtaining optimal results. Some of the other factors that can determine the cost of the procedure include:

• The degree and extent of the procedure
• Whether full or partial dentures are needed
• Additional dental work that needs to be completed
• The cost of any requested sedation

A member of Dr. Wu’s team can review all costs during your consultation before you decide to move forward with this procedure. Our experienced office staff can also work with you to navigate any potential insurance benefits for certain treatments and talk with you about dental financing options and payment methods. Ultimately, we want to provide you with the oral care you need to benefit your health and improve your smile.

Are There Alternatives to Implant Dentures?

Smile restoration can be achieved through a variety of advanced treatments. While implant-supported dentures or fixed dentures can restore a full arch of missing teeth, alternative treatments may be preferred for patients with certain conditions. At Sutra Dental Spa, we offer CEREC^® dental bridges that are designed to replace multiple missing teeth that are right next to each other, but with natural teeth surrounding the gap. A bridge consists of dental crowns and artificial teeth that “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth for natural-looking and durable results. CEREC^® is an in-office milling system that utilizes state-of-the-art 3D imaging software and on-site manufacturing to provide custom dental bridges in a single appointment. This option may work for patients who do not have the sufficient jawbone density needed for implant-supported dentures. Additionally, dental implants are a common restoration for individuals who are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth. Dr. Wu can explore the options with you during your initial consultation and help you determine whether an alternative treatment may present an ideal solution.

Additional Implant Dentures Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do implant-supported dentures hurt?

Many of our patients tell us that implant-supported dentures are no more uncomfortable than other dental procedures they have experienced. A local anesthetic applied to the treatment area should minimize discomfort during the procedure. Dr. Wu also offers advanced sedation dentistry techniques to help patients who have dental anxiety feel more relaxed throughout the treatment.

What can I expect from my implant-supported dentures?

Implant-supported dentures allow patients to replace missing teeth with results that look, feel, and function more like natural teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, this option provides a denture prosthesis with a solid, stable base of support. By attaching dentures to strategically placed dental implants, the risk of an ill-fitting denture or movement along the gumline is substantially reduced. Implant-supported dentures can also improve speaking and chewing, as well as enhance the look of your smile with beautiful results.

Are there possible complications with implant-supported dentures?

As with any surgery, there is a certain degree of risk involved. However, choosing an experienced dentist with extensive experience can limit these chances. Dr. Wu also utilizes state-of-the-art surgical implant guidance technology to ensure the most accurate placement possible, which can serve to minimize the potential for certain complications. Dr. Wu will review all risks and benefits of implant-supported dentures with you during your initial consultation.

If you would like to learn more, please contact our office. We can answer any questions you may have about implant supported dentures and schedule your consultation with Dr. Wu.