Implant dentures – A long-term solution for tooth loss in a comfortable setting

Our dentists will not know for sure until after we evaluate your mouth (including existing teeth) and jawbone. In general, these dentures may be a life-changing treatment for patients who are missing multiple or all of their teeth in the upper or lower dental arch. A complete set of dentures may be recommended for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth in both dental arches. Patients should be in good health and have existing medical conditions under control. Sufficiently healthy gums and jawbone density are also important for healing and the success of implant procedures. As needed, our dentists may recommend additional procedures to resolve challenges to your getting implants. Patients should also be committed to good aftercare, as well as home care and regular professional visits on an ongoing basis.

The exact steps and their timing vary depending on your needs. However, all patients should generally expect an initial consultation and exam at our office. Our doctors also use things like advanced imaging to develop an effective treatment plan. Implants are strategically positioned in a way that corresponds with your specific plan. We can discuss options to keep you comfortable and relaxed during the process of implant placement. After the implants are placed, we wait for the bone and implants to naturally fuse together. Impressions or models of your mouth are made, and your bite is recorded, so this information may be used by our lab to make your denture. Throughout this process, there will be opportunities to “try-in” and fine-tune the denture. It’s also important to adhere to instructions for follow-up and “maintenance” as advised by our team.

All dental implants are designed as long-term solutions. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. The denture itself may still be subject to wear and tear. During routine appointments, our dentists evaluate the condition of the prosthetic as well as the tissues around your implant. The idea is to identify problems promptly and intervene before they turn into bigger issues. The lifespan of your dentures depends on variables such as how well you take care of the appliance and your gums; your general health; personal habits (such as teeth grinding or smoking); and regular professional care.

Our team will provide you with clear instructions on care for your mouth following implant surgery as well as care for your denture over the longer term. The specific steps involved can vary based on the type of denture appliance that you have; for instance, removable dentures that snap onto implants will require daily removal, cleaning, and soaking. For both removable and fixed (non-removable) implant dentures, it is crucial to clean the tissues around the implants carefully. We can recommend special floss and brushes to assist with cleaning. While artificial components of teeth do not decay like natural tooth structure, the tissues around them are vulnerable to a gum disease-like condition. The inflammation and infection associated with this condition can degrade the supportive tissues around the implant and put your new teeth at risk.