Implant Supported Dentures
Understanding Implant-Supported Dentures at Rubino Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
If you’re exploring options to replace missing teeth, implant-supported dentures could be the ideal solution. This innovative dental implant treatment offers the stability and comfort that traditional dentures often lack. At Rubino Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, located in the Bradenton/Sarasota area, our Florida implant dentists specialize in providing comprehensive dental services to help you regain your smile and confidence.
Stable and Lifelike Full-Arch Supported Replacement Teeth
Implant-supported dentures are a stable, fixed-in alternative to traditional dentures.
Dentures have long been the conventional solution for replacing a full arch of missing teeth, and until recently were the only option available. However, dentures have many disadvantages that make them a choice of last resort.
Dentures provide only 10% – 20% of the chewing power of natural teeth and make it impossible to eat all the foods you need for proper nutrition without using a blender. Dentures continually slip or make clicking sounds when you are talking or eating, and chewing can be painful due to the denture rubbing against your gums and creating sores.
Furthermore, wearing dentures accelerates bone loss in your jaw and can cause the lower half of your face to eventually look “collapsed.” The accelerated bone loss also makes your dentures loose-fitting, which requires that they be continually modified or replaced.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures, commonly referred to as overdentures, are dental prosthetics anchored to the jawbone with dental implants. These implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jaw to create a robust foundation for the dentures. Once the implants have fused with the jawbone—a process known as osseointegration—a connector called an abutment is attached to each implant, allowing the dentures to snap securely into place.
There are two main types of implant-supported dentures:
- Bar-retained: In this type, a thin metal bar is fixed to the abutments of the implants, and the denture snaps onto the bar, providing a secure fit.
- Ball-retained: Each abutment features a ball-shaped connector, and the corresponding socket in the denture allows it to easily snap onto the ball.
Implant-supported dentures can replace missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, making them suitable for individuals who have lost most or all of their natural teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, which rely on the gums for support and may slide around, implant-supported dentures offer a stable, comfortable fit that enhances daily activities like eating and speaking.
Expert Dental Implant Specialist
Dr. Rubino is a highly skilled implant placement specialist who has placed thousands of implants.
As periodontists, our doctors have been recognized as specialists in dental implant surgery. They have been placing implants since 1990 and are experts at providing dental implants to support full-arch bridges and dentures. You doctor will work in close coordination with excellent local restorative dentists and prosthodontists who will craft your top-quality replacement teeth.
$79 New Patient Special Offer:
Exam, X-rays & Consultation
If you are wearing dentures or need all your teeth replaced, take advantage of our New Patient Special Offer and see Dr. Ryan, Tyler, and Thomas Rubino for a comprehensive oral exam and consultation. They will be able to tell you if you are a candidate for implant-supported, full-arch replacement teeth. You will learn about your treatment options and get all your questions answered. Our offer includes:
- Panoramic Digital X-rays (as needed)
- CT scan (as needed)
- Periodontal probing and charting
- Comprehensive oral exam
- Oral cancer screening
- Consultation with the doctor
- Discuss your treatment options (during free 2nd appointment)
- Get all your questions answered
Usual value: $529
Important Notice:
The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.
Call to request an appointment: Sarasota/
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants can be used to support a full-arch porcelain bridge or series of bridges.
Choosing implant-supported dentures comes with several advantages that can significantly improve your quality of life:
- Enhanced Stability: Since these dentures are anchored to the jawbone, they remain firmly in place without relying on adhesives, boosting your confidence in daily interactions.
- Jawbone Preservation: The dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that typically occurs after tooth loss and helping to maintain facial structure.
- Improved Quality of Life: With implant-supported dentures, you can enjoy a wider variety of foods, speak clearly, and smile confidently, which can greatly enhance your self-esteem.
- Durability: With proper care and maintenance, implant-supported dentures can last for many years or even a lifetime, representing a long-term solution to tooth loss.
- Natural Appearance: These dentures are crafted to resemble natural teeth closely, providing an aesthetic enhancement to your smile.
- Simple Maintenance: Caring for implant-supported dentures is straightforward; you can clean them just like your natural teeth.
The Implant-Supported Dentures Process
The All-on-4 procedure uses angled implants to take advantage of areas with the highest bone density.
The process of obtaining implant-supported dentures involves several key steps, typically unfolding over several months:
- Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation of your oral health. Our periodontist will assess your jawbone density and discuss your dental history to determine if implant-supported dentures are suitable for you.
- Implant Placement: Once you are deemed a candidate, our team will perform oral surgery to place the titanium implants. The procedure may involve sedation to ensure your comfort.
- Healing Phase: Following implant placement, a healing period of three to six months is necessary. During this time, the implants integrate with your jawbone, creating a sturdy foundation.
- Abutment Attachment: Once healed, the next visit entails attaching abutments to the implants, which will hold the dentures securely.
- Custom Denture Fitting: Finally, we will create custom dentures tailored to your mouth and attach them to the abutments. You will leave our office with a brand-new smile!
Are You a Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
To qualify for implant-supported dentures, individuals should have sufficient jawbone density to support the dental implants. If you have experienced bone loss, a bone grafting procedure may be required before implants can be placed. Ideal candidates should also be in good overall health, without systemic conditions that could complicate the surgery.
If you’re interested in discovering your candidacy for implant-supported dentures, reach out to us for a consultation. Our team at Rubino Periodontics is here to evaluate your oral health and discuss the best options available for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do implant-supported dentures last?
Implant-supported dentures can last many years, often a lifetime, given that patients maintain proper oral care and attend regular dental checkups. Following a good hygiene routine is essential for longevity.
Are implant-supported dentures painful?
While some discomfort or pain may occur after the implant procedure, it is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients find the benefits of implant-supported dentures far exceed any temporary discomfort.
Can implant-supported dentures be removed?
These dentures are permanently attached to the implants and are not designed to be removed by the patient. Only a qualified dentist should remove them to avoid causing damage.
How many dental implants are needed for implant-supported dentures?
Typically, four to six implants support a full arch of dentures, while two to four implants are often required for partial dentures. The specific number will depend on individual needs and jaw structure.
Experience a Stable and Comfortable Smile
If you’re searching for a reliable denture solution that eliminates the hassles of traditional denture wear, implant-supported dentures may be perfect for you. Contact Rubino Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today to explore the best options for your needs and help you achieve your smile goals!
Your journey to regaining a confident smile starts here at Rubino Periodontics — where advanced technology and compassionate care come together to enhance your dental experience.
Call to request an appointment: Sarasota/