Implant-supported dentures are an excellent option for patients who have lost many teeth. They perform more like natural teeth than traditional dentures.
What are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are similar to the traditional full-arch variety in covering the gums. However, the implant-retained or supported dentures are secured to the jaw by titanium posts that are placed in the jawbone.
Advantages of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures hold much better than traditional dentures. They work like your natural teeth, and you can eat almost any food. The palate coverage of the denture can be reduced or eliminated giving you a more natural feel and better ability to taste your food.
Implant-supported dentures come in removable and fixed varieties. As few as two to four implants anchor them in the mouth. Removable dentures can be snapped into the implants for stability and removed for cleaning. Fixed dentures are removed only by your dentist for cleaning and general maintenance.
The All-on-4® or Teeth in a Day® treatment allows the dentist to extract the teeth, place the implants, and secure the non-removable dentures onto the implants in one day. This process saves you valuable time spent waiting between steps.
Implant-supported dentures are more affordable than a complete set of single-tooth implants. They are convenient to wear and clean. Fixed dentures can be cared for inside the mouth, and removable varieties need the same care as regular dentures.
Getting Implant-Supported Dentures
The process of getting implant-supported dentures is relatively simple. First, the dentist will meet with you and assess what you need, taking impressions and determining the desired look of your new teeth.
Next, the dentist will extract the remaining teeth. Unless you are getting Teeth in a Day, you must let your gums heal for two to four months before implant surgery. If you have any mouth infections, you must also clear those.
When the gums are ready, it is time to place the implants. Generally, dentists place between four to six implants to anchor an entire arch of dentures.
Are Implant-Supported Dentures Right for You?
You may want to know if you are a good candidate for implant-supported dentures. Consult these guidelines:
- Implant-supported dentures may suit you if you have many missing or problem teeth. If you only have a few missing teeth, you could get an implant-supported bridge.
- You should have healthy gums and good overall health. If you have gum disease, ensure your dentist helps you address this before implant surgery.
- Your bone volume needs to be adequate for implant placement. If you have weaker areas in your jaw, you may be able to get a bone graft to help. Your jaw may need bone grafts if it has been a long time since you had a tooth extracted.
- Avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
- You must meet medical standards.
The Price Range for Implant-Supported Dentures in Monmouth County, NJ
In Monmouth County, implant-supported dentures are available for a starting cost of approximately $17,000 per arch, going up to $35,000. This price may seem expensive, but it is far quicker and more economical than getting a full mouth of individual implants.
Frequently Asked Questions about Implant-Supported Dentures
Can you leave in implant-supported dentures?
Removable implant dentures must be taken out for cleaning daily which is critical for long-term success of your replacement teeth. Fixed dentures do not come out.
How long do implant-supported dentures last?
The implants may last a lifetime, but the dentures need replacement every 7 to 15 years.
Does food get underneath implant dentures?
Food may get under the implant dentures which is why regular cleaning is important.. You may want to skip eating foods with small, hard particles, such as nuts and seeds.
How do you clean implant-supported dentures?
For fixed dentures, clean them just like your natural teeth. For removable dentures, care for them as you would ordinary dentures. Brush them with a non-abrasive toothpaste, soak them with denture tablets.
Don't neglect cleaning your gums as well as the dentures. Even though you have dentures, you still need to care for your oral health.
Making the Decision to Get Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures can help you regain function and improve your oral health. They can be a beneficial and affordable choice for patients who miss many teeth.
If you have questions about implant-supported dentures or want to set up a consultation, contact Progressive Periodontics & Implant Dentistry today.