Implant Dentures — Mesquite, TX
Combining the Convenience of Dentures with Dental Implants
With approximately 40 million American adults missing all their permanent teeth, today’s modern dentures are better than ever. Still, the temporary nature of these prosthetics often leaves a lot to be desired, especially when compared with the permanent stability of dental implants.
The great news is that now dentures can be combined with dental implants to provide optimal functionality, comfort, and longevity, all without having to replace each tooth with individual dental implants.
At Soliel Dental Mesquite, we are proud to place our patients’ dental implants in-office, with the assistance of high-resolution imaging with our I-CAT 3D Cone Beam Scanner.
What Are Implant Dentures?
Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements that are inserted into the jawbone to permanently replace missing teeth. Implant dentures combine the convenience of a single prosthetic for each arch with dental implants, so you can replace all your missing teeth on an arch with just a few dental implants instead of replacing each individually or dealing with traditional dentures.
The benefits of this method are that your smile is more lifelike, comfortable, and even functional than it would be with dentures that simply sit atop your gums. Depending on your unique needs and individual preferences, Dr. Vazquez and Dr. Aldana may recommend one of two types of implant dentures during your consultation.
Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
Fixed implant dentures are designed to stay firmly in place in your mouth and can only be removed by your dentist. Typically, these require four to six strategically placed and positioned dental implants in your jawbone and can permanently support a full denture. Many patients prefer this type because it allows them to forget they even have dentures, but they do require you to have more jawbone density.
Removable Implant Dentures
Removable implant dentures are sometimes referred to as “snap-on” dentures. While they still are firmly rooted in place via dental implants, removable implant dentures use clips or ball-sockets so the patient can easily remove them when needed. They do still need to be removed daily for cleaning, but they usually only require two to five dental implants.
The Implant Denture Procedure
At Soliel Dental Mesquite, we are proud to place dental implants in-office, so you needn’t worry about traveling from office to office to complete your treatment. Your implant denture journey begins first with a consultation with Dr. Vazquez or Dr. Aldana. At this time, you may be recommended to undergo some preliminary treatments to get your mouth and jaws healthy enough for surgery. Once these treatments are completed and your mouth is healed, you will be ready for dental implant surgery.
Following the surgical procedure, you will need to wait for six to nine months for your dental implants to successfully complete osseointegration with your jawbones. After this step, you will return for a second procedure to get your implant abutments, and following a shorter healing period, you will return for the final denture.
Though this is a bit more involved than simply getting a traditional denture, the benefits of implant dentures are well worth the time!
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
The great news is that most adults in good oral and overall health are excellent candidates for implant dentures, especially those who are tired of dealing with traditional dentures. During your consultation, we will review your specific needs and goals before explaining all your options and our recommendations.
To be a good candidate, you’ll need to be in good enough health to undergo minor surgery, and your smile will need to be free of any oral health issues like cavities or gum disease. You will also need to have enough jawbone density for your preferred type of implant denture.
If necessary, we’re happy to help you schedule a bone graft procedure or any other preliminary treatments required to get your mouth into optimal health.
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
While implant dentures do take more time and money initially than traditional dentures, they offer a wide range of benefits that removable prosthetics simply can’t touch, including:
- Jawbone stimulation helps preserve bone density.
- Greater biteforce allows you to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods and reduce your risk of malnutrition.
- Fixed implant dentures are easier to clean than traditional dentures and don’t need to be removed at night.
- Implant dentures won’t slip out when you’re speaking, chewing, or smiling like traditional dentures can.
- Because they do not sit on your gums, they will not cause gum sores or irritation like traditional dentures can.
- More affordable than replacing an entire arch of teeth with individual dental implants.
Implant Dentures FAQs
What Is an Implant Denture?
An implant denture is a type of prosthetic dental restoration designed to be anchored to several dental implants surgically inserted into the patient’s jawbone through the gum tissue. This allows the denture to exert maximum chewing power while giving it the stability it needs to last for several decades or more if it receives excellent care. Dental implants are typically crafted from titanium, a remarkably strong metal that has the astounding ability to bond with living bone tissue through the natural process of osseointegration, which gives implant dentures the sturdy foundation they need to work and feel just like real teeth.
Who Needs Implant Dentures?
Traditional dentures can be a fantastic way to address extensive tooth loss, but many patients find that these devices tend to slip and slide about on their gums when they speak or eat, which can make it difficult to communicate clearly or chew thoroughly. Traditional dentures typically last between three and ten years, and having to replace them frequently can become quite expensive. Implant dentures, on the other hand, are securely anchored to the jawbone so they can enjoy a strong and stable hold that allows them to function and feel exactly like real teeth, and they may last for life if they receive excellent care. These devices can be excellent options for patients who are frustrated with the limitations of traditional dentures or who wish to enjoy a more expansive diet that includes many tasty foods that can be difficult to chew with conventional restorations such as steak and corn-on-the-cob.
Can I Take Implant Dentures Out?
Most types of implant dentures are designed to remain securely fixed to the patient’s jaw at all times, so you should be unable to remove your appliance without the help of a qualified dentist such as Dr. Vazquez or Aldana. However, there are a few varieties that are designed to be removed by the patient for oral hygiene purposes, and our dentist will be happy to determine the best way to replace your lost teeth during your consultation at our office in Mesquite.
If your implant denture is intended to remain fixed in your mouth and you find that you are able to remove it on your own, please contact our office so we can schedule an appointment for repairs.
Is Receiving Dental Implants Painful?
Dental implants are placed through a specialized surgical process that is rendered painless with local anesthetics, and some patients may benefit from receiving sedation treatments to help them stay still and calm throughout the procedure. While you can expect some discomfort after receiving implants, this should be mild, temporary, and easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. We’ll also be sure to provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you avoid complications during the healing process.