Chandler Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are a full arch of teeth attached to titanium posts that are surgically implanted in the jaw. They are often the best tooth replacement option for patients missing all their teeth and are far better than removable dentures.

Some of the drawbacks of removable dentures are they:

• easily become dislodged when you eat and talk
• can make you feel insecure and avoid socializing
• offer only a fraction of the bite force that natural teeth do
• limit what you can eat
• affect the taste of food
• lead to resorption of your jawbone

You may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures if you’re healthy enough for dental implants. Not only are they much more stable than traditional dentures, but they also protect your long-term oral health. That’s because once you’ve lost your teeth, your body begins to resorb your jawbone. Implants stop this process by sending signals to your body that your jawbone is still needed.

Getting Implant-Supported Dentures

At your first appointment, we will take digital x-rays and impressions of your mouth. Dr. Walden will use these scans to plan the placement of your implants and to design the denture.

Next, he will surgically implant the titanium root forms in your jaw. If you want to be sedated for that appointment, we can do that for you.

We will wait for the surgery sites to heal before proceeding, which will take maybe three months or so. During this time, the titanium root forms will bond with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration. Each new root form is as secure as a natural tooth root when fully healed. Your implants are now ready to support your new denture. At your next visit, Dr. Walden will attach your new arch of teeth to the implants, restoring your smile and your bite. You will feel like you have your own teeth again.

Dental Implants and Bone Grafts

It’s common for patients to need bone grafts before they’re ready for implants. The longer you have been edentulous, or without teeth, the more likely you’ll need a bone graft.

Fortunately, bone grafts are very effective at restoring the jawbone. If you need them, Dr. Walden will surgically insert them for several months before placing the implant root forms. Though implant overdentures with bone grafts can be costly and they do take time, they offer a level of oral rehabilitation that other tooth replacement options can’t compete with.

Types of Implant Overdentures

The most basic implant overdentures snap onto two implants. They’re a good compromise between cost and stability. Unlike other implant overdentures, they’re removable. Dr. Walden will place two implants toward the front of your mouth. Later, you’ll be able to insert your denture by snapping it onto those two implants. There will be some movement of the denture at the back of your mouth. That ensures it doesn’t put too much torque on the implants. But the denture won’t come out of your mouth or slide around when you chew.

You can increase the stability by adding another couple of implants. This will eliminate any up-and-down movement of the denture.

Further stability can be obtained by going to a fixed implant denture. The denture can be securely attached with screws.

All-on-4 fixed implant dentures are a good option if you don’t have enough jawbone. Half of the implants are inserted into the jaw at an angle, which increases the resistance to displacement. This is a fairly popular option. Click here to read more about All-on-4 implant dentures.

You can also have a full arch of teeth supported by six or eight implants, ensuring excellent stability and a strong bite. The more implants you have, the better your jaw is protected from reabsorption.

Taking Care of Implant-Supported Dentures

Your implant-supported dentures can last you the rest of your life if you take care of them and your oral health. That means you’ll need to be careful about your dental hygiene and come in regularly for cleanings. At home, a water flosser will efficiently cleanse around and beneath your overdentures. The best way to keep your new teeth sparkling is by gently brushing them with an extra-soft toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner made for dentures. Regular toothpaste will damage them.

If you have a fixed implant denture, Dr. Walden will recommend you come back into the office periodically to remove the denture, inspect and clean it.

Dr. Walden has been placing implants for around 20 years and completed a full-mouth reconstruction program at UCLA. He can help you achieve a beautiful smile and regain the ability to chew comfortably and speak clearly.

To schedule an appointment, please contact us using our appointment request form or by calling 480-755-1661. If you aren’t ready for a paid exam, you can also request a brief complimentary consultation with Dr. Walden to find out if you’re a candidate for implant overdentures.