If you’re missing teeth and looking for a secure, long-lasting solution, implant-supported dentures might be the right choice. Unlike traditional dentures that can slip and cause discomfort, implant-supported dentures in our Wilmington, DE, dental office are held in place by dental implants.
Tooth implants offer better stability, comfort, and confidence. Dental implants integrate with the jawbone to prevent bone loss and preserve facial structure over time. At Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware, we specialize in providing patients with implant-supported dentures that look and feel like natural teeth.
Types of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a special kind of denture that connects securely to dental implants. Regular dentures just sit on top of your gums and use suction or sticky glue to stay in place. This can sometimes feel uncomfortable or cause the dentures to slip.
Implant-supported dentures are different. We hold these dentures in place with dental implants, small titanium posts are placed into your jawbone. These implants act like fake tooth roots and give the dentures a strong, stable base. Because they’re attached to your jaw, implant-supported dentures feel more secure and natural, making it easier to talk, eat, and smile with confidence.
There are two main types of implant-supported dentures:
- Bar-retained dentures: A thin metal bar is attached to two or more implants, and the denture clips onto this bar.
- Ball-retained dentures: The implants have ball-shaped connectors that fit into sockets in the denture, securing it in place.
Both options offer a permanent fit and greater stability than traditional dentures. They improve overall oral function, allowing patients to chew and speak normally.
Are Implant-Supported Dentures Right for Me?
Implant-supported dentures are an excellent option for individuals who are missing most or all of their teeth and want a secure, permanent solution. However, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. Ideal candidates typically have healthy gums and enough bone density in the jaw to support the implants. If you’ve experienced significant bone loss, additional procedures like bone grafting may be needed to prepare your jaw for implants.
To determine if implant-supported dentures are the right choice for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Conor Campbell. He’ll evaluate your oral health and discuss your options, ensuring you choose the best solution for your needs.
The Benefits of Implant Dentures in Wilmington, DE
Implant-supported dentures have many benefits compared to regular dentures.
Look and Feel Natural
One of the biggest advantages is that they look and feel more like real teeth. Because they are attached to dental implants, they stay firmly in place and don’t look or feel fake like some traditional dentures can.
Stable
With traditional dentures, you might worry about them slipping or moving around when you talk or eat. But implant-supported dentures are different—they are securely held in place by implants in your jaw. This gives you more comfort and confidence. You can speak clearly, smile without worry, and eat many of your favorite foods without fear of your dentures shifting. This can make mealtimes more enjoyable and help improve your nutrition.
Support Your Jawbone
When you lose teeth, your jawbone can start to shrink because it’s no longer being used the same way. Dental implants help keep your jawbone healthy by acting like natural tooth roots and stimulating the bone. This helps keep your face shape from changing over time.
Easy Care
Another benefit is that implant-supported dentures are easier to take care of. You don’t have to take them out to clean them like regular dentures. Instead, you can brush them just like you would your natural teeth. This makes it easier to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Long-Lasting
Implant-supported dentures are also made to last a long time. The implants are made of strong titanium that won’t decay, and the dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably. With good care, they can last for many years, sometimes even a lifetime.
How Do Implant-Supported Dentures Work?
You can get implant-supported dentures over several office visits and spread out over a few months to allow for healing.
Consultation and Evaluation
Dr. Campbell or Dr. Rafetto will begin by evaluating your oral health. This includes examining your gums, jawbone, and overall dental condition. During this consultation, Dr. Campbell will also discuss your goals, expectations, and the best implant solution for your needs.
If you have significant bone loss in your jaw, you may need bone grafting to build up your jaw bone. You may also need gum disease treatment or a tooth extraction if you have decayed teeth or inflamed gums. We’ll begin treatment once you’re healthy.
Implant Placement
Dr. Campbell or Dr. Rafetto will surgically place the dental implants into your jawbone. This is done using dental sedation to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Depending on the number of implants needed, the procedure may take one or more visits.
Healing
After the implants are placed, you’ll need to allow time for the posts to fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This typically takes several months.
Once you’re healed, we place small connectors called abutments on top of the implants. These abutments serve as the attachment points for your dentures.
Custom Denture Fitting
After the abutments are placed, we will take impressions of your mouth to create a custom denture that fits perfectly and matches the natural appearance of your teeth. Once your denture is ready, it will be securely attached to the implants. Dr. Campbell or Dr. Rafetto will make any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and proper fit.
What to Expect During Recovery
After we place your dental implants, your mouth will need time to heal. This healing period can take a few months. During this time, the implants will slowly fuse with your jawbone.
It’s normal to feel a little sore or uncomfortable right after the procedure. You might have some swelling, tenderness, or mild pain. Dr. Campbell will give you pain relief options to help you stay comfortable while you heal. Be sure to follow our instructions like taking medication or eating soft foods, to help your recovery go smoothly.
One of the best parts of implant-supported dentures is you can brush them just like you would your natural teeth. We may also recommend special tools like interdental floss or brushes to help clean around the implants and keep your gums healthy.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Conor Campbell
If you’re ready to regain your confidence and improve your oral health with implant-supported dentures, Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware is here to help. Get implant dentures in our Wilmington, DE office.
Contact our office today to request an appointment. Call us at 302-335-6123 or fill out our online contact form to get started!