Dental Implant-Retained Dentures - North Dallas, TX
Restoring Smiles with Greater Stability and Functionality
In the past, traditional dentures were the only way patients with missing teeth could achieve a restored smile. The materials used and oftentimes, improper fitting, led to accidental slippage and messy dental adhesive to keep them in place. Nowadays, with the advancements in dentistry and technology, individuals with missing teeth have a better, more permanent solution – dental implant-retained dentures in North Dallas! At Coco Dental, Dr. Patel can see you through the entire process from start to finish all under one roof! From consultation to placement to restoration, he and his team will ensure your smile is fully restored from the roots up. If you’re interested in learning more about this unique and innovative restorative solution, contact us to schedule an appointment today!
How Do Dental Implant-Retained Dentures Work?
Implant-retained dentures are designed to restore your smile in its entirety and improve your oral health. This is accomplished by the implants continuing to stimulate your jawbone and prevent changes in your facial appearance as well as additional tooth loss. Once the implants (posts) are surgically placed into your jawbone (on average, your dentist will place between 4 and 6), you will return home to heal for a period of 3-6 months. Once you return, your denture prosthetic will be snapped into place, creating a permanent, long-lasting restoration.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implant-Retained Dentures?
In order to receive implant-retained dentures, Dr. Patel will need to evaluate you for the following:
- Oral and overall health
- Jawbone density
- Lifestyle habits that could hinder the success of the implant placement
If you are found to have tooth decay or gum disease, it will be imperative that you have the proper procedures completed prior to having dental implants placed. The reason is that gum disease can cause the jawbone to deteriorate as well as create problems for your overall health (i.e. heart disease, diabetes, etc.). It will also be important that your jawbone has enough durability and strength to serve as a solid foundation. If not, it may be suggested that you receive a bone graft or sinus lift to add bone minerals to the weakened areas of your jawbone.
Finally, if you smoke or have a condition or autoimmune disorder that weakens your immune system, Dr. Patel may suggest an alternative restorative solution, as your body’s inability to heal quickly can cause your implants to fail.
The Dental Implant-Retained Dentures Procedure
During your initial consultation with Dr. Patel, he will thoroughly examine your smile as well as taking impressions of your mouth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory where technicians will customize your implant-retained dentures. Depending on your individual case, he will go on to place between 4 and 6 dental implants into your jawbone before closing up the surgical sites. You will then be sent home to spend the net 3-6 months healing and allowing osseointegration to occur. This is when the bone and the implants fuse together along with the surrounding tissues.
Once you are fully healed, you will return to our dental office to have your abutments and custom restoration put into place. This will give you the fully restored smile you’ve been dreaming about.
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
While every patient is different and some prefer a less invasive, non-surgical option, the ability to have a permanent smile that can last decades if not a lifetime is just one of the many reasons so many people are choosing implant-retained dentures over the traditional kind. Other benefits include:
- Greater Stability
- Improved Confidence and Appearance
- Better Oral Health
- No Chance for Decay
- No Restrictions on Food