Implant-Supported Dentures

Perhaps you are facing the extraction of your remaining teeth or have been coping with the discomfort of removable dentures for far too long. Either way, the option of implant-retained dentures offers you hope for a smile that is beautiful, comfortable, and secure.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Many patients find removable dentures uncomfortable or unstable. Fortunately, implant-retained dentures provide a solution to these concerns. Each set is secured through the use of anywhere between two and eight implant fixtures embedded surgically in the jawbone. This provides the stability missing from traditional dentures. And since the implants keep these dentures from sliding around, they allow patients comfort and confidence that just aren't possible with removable dentures.

In addition to their desirable look and feel, implant-retained dentures are beneficial in that they actually preserve the quality of your jawbone. When your teeth are missing, over time, due to a process called bone resorption, your jawbone will shrink as its minerals get disintegrated for use elsewhere in the body. The absence of teeth signals to the body that the bone that was supporting them is no longer needed. If you've been told by your dentist that you have limited bone quantity, this process is already underway. But the good news is that receiving dental implants can stop bone resorption from continuing any further. Bone resorption that is not interrupted will inevitably lead to a condition known as facial collapse, which causes the bite to collapse, the face to shrink, and the chin to shrivel.

At Park Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we use the power of dental implants to offer you implant-supported dentures, fixed implant dentures, and implant bridges. We are also able to support dentures with mini implants for our cost-conscious patients.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant overdentures are sets of artificial teeth in synthetic gums. Essentially, they are traditional dentures that are retained in the jaw by implants. What distinguishes implant overdentures from other implant-retained options is that they attach to the implants through snaps. This allows you to remove them at home and reattach them again at your convenience.

Fixed Implant Dentures

Like an implant overdenture, a fixed implant denture is a synthetic replacement of a full arch of teeth, including some gum tissue. This type of denture is called “fixed” because it is not removable at home, unlike an implant overdenture. This makes it more secure. The most common type of fixed implant denture is  known as a hybrid implant denture. It is securely and permanently affixed to the jaw through dental implants, as shown in the photograph at right. People who have hybrid implant dentures often tell us that it feels like they have their own natural teeth back.

Implant Bridge

An implant bridge is a beautiful way to restore a full set of teeth on your natural gums. It consists of a number of porcelain or ceramic crowns placed on dental implants with additional artificial teeth suspended between them. No gum tissue is replaced. You can also replace just a few teeth with an implant bridge.

Mini Implants

When cost is a concern, mini implants offer a way to experience some of the benefits of implant-retained dentures at a fraction of the price. As you can see in the image at right, mini implants have a much smaller diameter than traditional dental implants. This allows for a more simple and less expensive surgery as well as a shorter healing time. While a single mini implant is not strong enough to support a single tooth, a set of mini implants can be used to stabilize an entire denture. Mini implants do not provide the level of stability or degree of comfort that traditional implants do. But they do provide an economical way to retain your denture while also preventing bone resorption.

Am I a Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?

The good news is that the majority of patients are candidates for dental implants. Just to be sure, we'll review your medical history before your initial exam. You do need to have enough jawbone structure to support the implants, but don't worry if you don't. At Park Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we have two ways to help you get implant-supported dentures when there has been significant bone loss. One option is bone grafting to increase your jawbone density and quantity. For your utmost comfort and care, you can receive bone grafting right here in our facility with our very own dentists. If you have limited bone quantity but would prefer to avoid bone grafting, we have another option for you. We can use a special implant technique called All-on-4, which involves embedding the implant fixtures at various angles in order to make the best use of the thickness of bone available. See our page on All-on-4 implants for more information about this technique.

The Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Difference

For your convenience, we are pleased to be able to meet all of your dental implants needs in one facility. Here at Park Family and Cosmetic Dentistry you can receive your initial exam, bone grafting, implant surgery, and your finished dentures all in one facility. We even have our own in-house laboratory where your crowns, bridges, and implant abutments are custom-crafted. Throughout the process, you'll be in the compassionate care of our experienced dentists.

“My mother-in-law had a dental emergency and went to Park Family Dentistry. She ended up having extensive work done including a complete upper denture set. Since she is a widow and her family was not in Florida, the fact that the staff was kind and warm to her meant the world to us. All the staff gathered to toast her new smile with non-alcoholic champagne. It was really sweet and meant so much to her. Her new smile is beautiful!!” — Kimberly W.

At your initial appointment, we will perform scans, x-rays, and digital planning to identify the correct placement for each implant. This is an important step that we take very seriously, as incorrect fixture placement is a common cause of implant failure. We'll then schedule any necessary bone grafting or extractions, and your dentist will work with you to design your ideal smile. The next step is surgery to place the implant fixtures. During surgery, your dentist will use the technology of a surgical guide to precisely place each fixture in its predetermined location. Once surgery is complete, we'll wait a few months for the implants to fuse to the surrounding bone. This fusing process is known as osseointegration. After osseointegration has occurred, your dentist will attach your finished bridge or dentures. You will go home with a brand new smile!

How to Get Started

We're so glad you are considering restoring your smile with dental implants. To set up your initial dental exam, give us a call at (239) 206-1500 or request an appointment online to receive a scheduling call from us.

If you'd like to have a chance to get some questions answered before scheduling your exam, we invite you to set up an appointment for a complimentary consultation first. For all consultations, we ask that you bring in a copy of your most recent x-rays so that we can provide you with informed recommendations completely free of charge.