Implant-supported dentures offer an effective alternative for individuals who desire a stable, long-lasting replacement for missing teeth. Combining the benefits of traditional dentures and dental implants improves comfort, oral function, and confidence in your smile.
At Legacy Surgery, we specialize in providing this advanced solution to patients who may not be suitable candidates for conventional dental implants. We look forward to helping you change your life with implant-supported dentures.
What are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are a type of overdenture, meaning the device rests on top of two or more dental implants. These dentures differ from traditional dentures in that they attach to the implant fixtures, offering greater stability and security. Depending on your specific needs, they can be used for an entire or partial arch.
Implant-supported dentures are often more cost-effective than traditional dental implants, making them a popular choice for many patients. Same-day options are also available for added convenience. Just imagine getting new teeth in a single visit right after extractions!
The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures have several benefits, including:
- Improved oral health: By supporting the denture with implants, bone loss is minimized, and facial structure is preserved.
- Greater stability: Traditional removable dentures can slip or move around in the mouth, leading to discomfort and difficulty eating. Implant-supported dentures stay firmly in place, allowing for a more effective bite.
- Long-term solution: With proper care, implant-supported dentures can last a lifetime, making them a permanent solution for extensive tooth loss.
- Improved quality of life: Denture wearers often struggle with the inconvenience and discomfort of removable dentures. Implant-supported dentures eliminate these issues, leading to a higher quality of life for patients.
- Natural appearance: These dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth and blend seamlessly with any remaining natural teeth.
Types of Implant-Supported Dentures
Several types of dentures can be attached to dental implants, including:
- Bar-retained dentures: A thin metal bar is attached to the implants, and the denture clips onto this bar.
- Ball-retained dentures: Implants have ball-shaped attachments that fit into corresponding sockets on the denture, allowing for a more secure attachment.
- Screw-retained dentures: The implant fixtures have screws that attach directly to the base of the denture, providing greater stability.
The Implant Placement and Healing Process
You will first have a thorough consultation with our team to get started. Dr. Kesecker will perform an oral exam and take a digital scan. He will then develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and goals.
Our treatment coordinator will go over the plan with you and answer any questions you have before scheduling the implant placement surgery.
The Implant Placement Surgery
Implant-supported denture surgery is typically performed in multiple stages.
- Dr. Kesecker will inject local anesthetic to the treatment area and, if necessary, sedate the patient through IV.
- An incision will be made in the gum to expose the bone for implant placement. Precision tools will drill holes in the bone to accommodate titanium posts, which will be securely inserted. If the bone structure is insufficient, bone grafting may be performed before implant placement.
- After the implants are placed, the gums are stitched together, and a healing denture may be placed over the surgical site. This allows for osseointegration, where the implants fuse with the jawbone over several months. Temporary dentures can be worn during this time for oral functionality and appearance.
- After the osseointegration process is complete, which usually takes about 3 to 6 months, a second minor surgery may be required to attach abutments (connector pieces) to the implants. These abutments protrude through the gum line and will serve as the attachment points for the final denture.
- The final stage involves taking detailed impressions of your mouth to create a denture that fits precisely and comfortably over the implants. Once crafted, the new denture is securely attached to the abutments.
The Healing Process
Most patients can expect the initial healing phase to last a few weeks. Full osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the jawbone, can take several months. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene during the healing period.
Our team will provide you with detailed post-care instructions after your surgery, but here are a few helpful tips so you know what to expect:
- Use ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication to manage discomfort.
- Avoid strenuous activities that disrupt healing, such as heavy lifting or intense exercise.
- Eat a mashed fork diet (soft food diet). If you can’t mash it with a plastic fork, then you should not eat it during the healing period.
- Gently brush around the implant sites with a soft toothbrush.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
After healing, your custom-made implant-supported denture will be attached to the implants, giving you a beautiful, functional smile.
Proper Care for Implant-Supported Dentures
Caring for your implant-supported dentures is similar to caring for natural teeth:
- Brush and floss regularly to keep the implant fixtures and dentures clean. You may want to consider using a Waterpik to ensure the area is clean and free of debris.
- Have regular dental check-ups and cleanings to monitor the health of your implants and make any necessary adjustments.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are an excellent option for individuals who have lost most or all of their teeth and want a permanent solution. They can be especially beneficial for those who:
- struggle with traditional removable dentures
- have been told they have too much bone loss for traditional dental implants
- are in good overall health and do not have any medical conditions that may interfere with the healing process
- are willing to commit to proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups
Why Choose Legacy Surgery?
At Legacy Surgery, we are dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and delivering high-quality results. For a lasting bright smile, Dr. Kesecker offers several effective implant solutions. When you choose Legacy Surgery, you are getting:
- Expertise and Training: Dr. Kesecker is board-certified and is highly experienced in implant dentistry. He stays up-to-date on the latest techniques and technology because he is passionate about changing patient’s lives with the best possible care.
- State-of-the-Art Surgical Center: We use the most advanced technology available. Legacy Surgery is one of only a few offices in the area that use a cone beam scanner, which allows us to diagnose and plan your treatment in just one visit!
- Patient-Centered Care: We prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction, and our team goes above and beyond to create a positive, stress-free patient experience. Our mission is to make outstanding dental care available to as many people as possible by making it affordable and efficient.
The Best Implant-Supported Dentures in Harrisonburg, VA
When you choose an experienced oral surgeon for your implant-supported dentures, you’re making the best decision for your dental health.
Our commitment is to help our patients achieve a beautiful and functional smile. With Dr. Keseckers’ extensive experience performing countless successful implant surgeries, you are in capable hands.
If you live in the Shenandoah Valley and want to learn more about implant-supported dentures, schedule a consultation with our treatment coordinator today! Call (540) 437-1230 for our Harrisonburg location or (540) 213-8750 for our Staunton location if you are searching for an ‘oral surgeon near me.’
FAQ
How long do implant-supported dentures last?
Implant-supported dentures are considered a long-term, permanent solution. With proper care and regular dental check-ups, they can last for decades. However, due to normal wear and tear, the denture may need to be replaced or adjusted over time.
Is there an age limit for getting implant-supported dentures?
No, there is no specific age limit for getting implant-supported dentures. As long as you are in good overall health and do not have any underlying medical conditions that may interfere with the healing process, you may be a candidate for this procedure.
Can you sleep with implant-supported dentures?
If your denture is not fixed, you should remove it while sleeping to allow your mouth and implants to rest. However, some individuals choose to wear them while sleeping for added comfort or medical reasons. Discuss this with your oral surgeon before making a decision.
What are the disadvantages of implant-supported dentures?
The main disadvantage of implant-supported dentures is the cost. They can be more expensive than traditional removable dentures. However, many patients find that the long-term benefits and improved quality of life make it a worthwhile investment.