Implant Dentures Falmouth
Say Goodbye to Loose Dentures!
Dr. Hill has been placing dental implants for over a decade. She has seen how life-changing it can be to give someone a secure set of teeth. While traditional dentures tend to move when a person is talking, smiling, or eating, we can firmly anchor the denture to dental implants to improve oral function and quality. Dental implants can stop dentures from moving while engaging in various daily activities.
If you are frustrated with your traditional denture and want to learn more about your options, please call our office to arrange a consultation.
Why Choose Hill Dental Wellness for Implant Dentures?
- Implant Dentures in Just Two Visits
- Dentist with Extensive Training & Experience Placing Dental Implants
- Comfortable & More Accurate Dental Technology Used
What Are Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures and traditional dentures appear to be similar; however, there is one essential difference – implant dentures do not rely on suction or denture adhesives! Instead, they have special connectors that firmly secure the denture to the titanium posts. There are two main types of implant dentures – overdentures that “snap on” to dental implants and screw-retained implant dentures that cannot be removed by the patient. When you have a consultation with Dr. Hill, she will discuss which option is right for you.
What are the Two Main Types of Implant Dentures?
The first option is called an overdenture. This is when either 2 or 4 dental implants are placed in the jawbone and a row of teeth snap onto the implants. There is a healing period with the dental implants of 3-4 months. It is required for a person to wear traditional dentures while the implants continue to heal. Overdentures can be removed by the patient at night and are ideal for easy cleaning and maintenance.
The second option is screw-retained implant dentures, also known as hybrid dentures. Dr. Hill works with a local specialist for this particular treatment. In this process, 4-6 implants are placed along each arch, and a row of teeth are screwed onto the implants on the day of the procedure. The patient cannot remove these prosthetics, so they are affixed to the posts. Patients must adhere to a soft diet while the dental implants are healing; however, once the recovery process is complete, patients can eat all their favorite foods! These dentures must be properly maintained at home as well as by Dr. Hill to ensure their longevity.
The Implant Denture Procedure
The first step is to have a consultation in Falmouth with Dr. Hill to make sure you are a good candidate. Occasionally, we’ll need to do treatment beforehand such as extractions or bone grafts. After we know dental implants are right for you, we will take the necessary steps:
- We’ll place the implants in your jawbone utilizing a surgical template. Typically, 2-6 implants will be placed per arch. We can perform the entire procedure right here in our office.
- Following implant placement, it will take 3-6 months for them to integrate, or fuse, with the surrounding jawbone. We will never have anyone go without teeth! So, during this time, you will wear a temporary denture while waiting for your permanent one to be crafted.
- Finally, once everything is fully healed, you’ll come back and start the process of designing your permanent denture. You will be allowed to customize your new smile so that you like the way your new teeth look. Also, we’ll make sure everything feels great and that all your questions are answered.
What is a Surgical Guide/Template?
A surgical template is like a retainer that is made to sit on teeth or bone and is used to position the implants correctly. The guide is to be utilized on the day of the implant placement procedure only. Surgical templates can make the process less invasive, which means less downtime and faster healing!
How is it fabricated? An impression is taken of your teeth or bone structure and combined with a 3D scan of your jawbone. Dr. Hill works with a company called Dental Crafters and Implant Solutions to design the guides.
At your consultation with Dr. Hill, she will discuss whether a surgical template is recommended.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Every person is different, so Dr. Hill will evaluate your unique needs to ensure implants are right for you.
The following factors play an important role in your healing process:
- Medical and health history
- Quantity of bone present
- Periodontal or gum health
- Home care and oral hygiene
- Lifestyle habits (teeth grinding and tobacco use)
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
The list can go on and on, but here are a few of the primary benefits:
- Your ability to chew and tear into food. When a denture is no longer moving, our patients tell us they can eat steak, vegetables, and nuts with ease!
- Since implant dentures do not require the roof of the mouth to be covered, patients can enjoy the taste of their food as well as clearer speech.
- It’s no longer necessary to use messy/bad-tasting dental adhesives.
- Greater confidence is achieved, as there is no need to worry about the dentures “slipping” when smiling, talking, or eating.
Dr. Hill would like all of her patients to have a smile they are happy with. With dental implants, we can help our patients improve their overall quality of life and their health! Please call our office if you want to know more!