Implant-Supported Dentures

Find Your Confidence with Implant-Supported Dentures

Dealing with missing teeth can affect your self-esteem and quality of life. Eating and speaking can be challenging, and you might feel self-conscious about your smile. Thankfully, modern dentistry offers solutions for tooth loss, including dental implants. Among your tooth replacement options, implant-supported dentures are a natural-feeling, effective option that can significantly boost your confidence.

At Northwest Dental Specialists, our skilled periodontist in Mt. Prospect, IL, offers this advanced solution to restore your smile and improve your oral health. With extensive training in dental implant surgery, Dr. Rojas specializes in procedures that protect and strengthen the jaw bone, ensuring long-term success for your new teeth.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures are a modern solution that combines the stability of dental implants with the functionality of traditional dentures. Unlike conventional dentures, which rely on suction or adhesives to stay in place, implant dentures are secured by dental implants placed in the jawbone. This advanced technique provides a secure fit and improved stability, making it easier to chew, speak, and smile confidently.

Types of Implant-Supported Dentures

Depending on your specific needs and preferences, you can choose from various types of implant-supported dentures:

All-on-4 dentures: Replace an entire arch of missing teeth using four dental implants strategically placed in the jawbone. All-on-4 dentures offer immediate functionality – you can often leave the dental office with a temporary set of teeth on the same day the implants are placed.
Implant-retained overdentures: These overdentures “snap on” to dental implants using special attachments. Usually, two to four implants provide a secure and comfortable fit. Implant-retained overdentures balance stability with the convenience of removing the denture for cleaning.
Bar-retained dentures: In this type of denture, a thin metal bar follows the contour of your jawbone and attaches to multiple dental implants—the denture clips onto the bar, offering exceptional stability. Bar-retained dentures are often a good choice for individuals with significant bone loss.

Why Implant Supported Dentures are the Preferred Choice

More and more people are choosing implant-supported dentures, marking a shift in dentistry and tooth replacement options. This surge in popularity stems from the numerous benefits they offer over traditional dentures:

Improved Stability: No slipping or shifting, unlike conventional dentures.
Prevention of Bone Loss: Dental implants stimulate the jaw bone, preventing further bone loss caused by missing teeth or tooth loss.
Enhanced Comfort: There is no need for adhesives or bulky materials along the gum line.
Long-Term Durability: With proper care, implant dentures can last for decades.
Improved Oral Health: Prevents the complications of missing teeth.

Understanding the Implant Supported Dentures Procedure

Getting implant-supported dentures at Northwest Dental Specialists in Mt. Prospect typically involves several stages, each tailored to your situation.

Initial Consultation and Custom Treatment Planning

Dr. Rojas will assess your oral health, gum tissue, and jaw bone to determine if you’re a good candidate for implant-supported dentures. We may recommend a bone graft to prepare the area for implant placement if significant bone loss is present.

Dental Implant Surgery

During the first stage of treatment, dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. These implants serve as a stable foundation for the dentures.

Healing Period

After implant placement, there will be a healing period of several months to allow the implants to integrate with your jawbone. During this time, a temporary denture may be provided to maintain functionality and appearance. Dr. Rojas will monitor your progress and address any questions or concerns as you heal.

Second Surgery

In some cases, a second surgery is required to expose the top of the implants to attach the overdenture. This minor procedure exposes the tops of the dental implants, allowing for the attachment of abutments. Abutments are small connector pieces that protrude above the gum line, creating attachment points for the denture. After the abutments are placed, your gums require a short healing period before the denture can be attached.

Denture Placement

Once the healing process is complete, the custom type of denture is attached to the implants, restoring your smile with a secure fit and natural look.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Implant-supported dentures aren’t the best solution for every patient. You may be a good candidate if you:

Have missing teeth or rely on traditional dentures.
Suffer from bone loss but are willing to undergo a bone graft if necessary.
Desire a tooth replacement option with improved comfort and stability.

If you are in good general health and can commit to the healing period required for implant integration, this tooth replacement option may be for you.

Restore Your Smile and Improve Your Oral Health

At Northwest Dental Specialists, we combine expertise in dental implant surgery with compassionate care to provide the best results for our patients. Dr. Paola Rojas is committed to helping you achieve a smile that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. Whether you need a type of overdenture for the lower jaw, a full mouth restoration, or a solution for partial dentures, our team is here to help. Call our Mt. Prospect office today at (847) 398-0404 to schedule your consultation!