Dr. Aaron Strickland offers implant-supported dentures at White River Dental in Columbus, IN, as the ultimate restorative solution for patients missing most or all of their teeth. Dental implants prevent dentures from slipping out of place, providing you with the best comfort and functionality available. We also recommend dental implants for our denture patients because they help prevent jawbone deterioration and improve oral health. We can even convert your existing denture to easily affix to your implants, making treatment more affordable.
An implant-supported denture (top) compared to a traditional denture (bottom). Dental implants keep the denture firmly in place.
Dental implants offer a stable and permanent foundation for dentures. The screw-like titanium posts act like tooth roots to firmly anchor the denture in place. The implants are surgically embedded in your jaw, and over a period of three to six months they will fuse with the bone. This fusion, known as osseointegration, is what creates the permanent foundation for your dentures. As few as six to eight implants can support a full denture on the upper or lower jaw.
Traditional removable dentures are a more conservative alternative to implant-supported dentures. They can provide dental function for patients who either do not have the budget or bone density to qualify for dental implants. Traditional dentures can replace just a few missing teeth (known as a partial), or an entire arch of missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They are held in place with either natural suction or a dental fixative, or a combination of the two. There are several different types of traditional dentures. If you choose this option, then we will work to find the best solution for you.
If you are missing some or all of your teeth, you may be a candidate for a partial or full implant-supported denture. If you currently wear traditional dentures, we can convert your existing dentures to accommodate dental implants. You must have ample jawbone tissue to support the dental implants. Patients who lack sufficient tissue may undergo a bone graft or sinus lift to help rebuild those tissues and improve eligibility for implants. If you have periodontal disease or any other oral health issues, we will need to address those prior to placing your dental implants. We recommend implant-supported dentures for patients who are in good overall health and who are non-smokers, or to those who are willing to quit temporarily.
If you have worn traditional dentures, you understand how frustrating it is to have your dentures slip out of place when you are trying to chew or speak. Because your dentures are affixed to the implants, there is never a risk that they will slip out of place, allowing you to chew and speak with confidence. Care for a non-removable implant-supported denture is simple. While traditional dentures requiring brushing and soaking in a denture solution, implant-supported dentures can be brushed like your natural teeth. Dental implants also provide benefits for your oral health by stopping and preventing jawbone deterioration. By preventing this deterioration, they can help preserve your facial structure and a more natural appearance.
Implant-supported dentures can make a huge difference in your dental function and comfort. If you would like to learn more about this permanent solution, contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation for implant-supported dentures.
