Implant Dentures – DuPont, WA
New Smiles for Life
An entire arch of missing teeth can leave a person feeling embarrassed and unsure about the future of their oral and overall health. Being unable to perform normal daily tasks like eating can create issues throughout the body that require time and money to treat. When it comes to living life with an incomplete smile, it can wreak more havoc than people think. The good news is that at DuPont Family Dentistry, our team can provide a reliable solution – implant dentures in DuPont. If you or a loved one is interested in learning how these permanent prosthetics can improve your smiles, call us today.
Why Choose DuPont Family Dentistry for Implant Dentures?
- Partner with Local Implant Specialists
- Family-Owned & Operated Dental Practice
- Advanced Dental Technology for Improved Treatment Planning
What Are Implant Dentures?
If you are looking to regain your confidence, boost your appearance, and enjoy a quality life, you cannot go wrong in choosing implant dentures. As superior prosthetics that are designed to last decades if not a lifetime, they are commonly made out of titanium or zirconia. Using between four and six implant posts, our team can place them along your jawbone for optimal support and stability.
Because they permanently fuse with your bone tissues, you are unlikely to need replacements over time. And because of their versatility, you can enjoy a fixed or removable denture depending on your need and/or preference:
Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
As hybrid prosthetics, fixed implant dentures make it easy to maintain your new smile. Although a dense jawbone is necessary for this type of prosthesis, we will place the appropriate number of implant posts along the bone before securing it into place. Once attached, it cannot be removed by anyone other than a skilled professional.
Removable Implant Dentures
Should you choose a removable denture, you will not need as much jawbone density. Instead, these Snap-On dentures as they are also known need only 2-5 implant posts and can be easily removed for cleaning each day. They are held into place with a bar- or ball-retained device so that it is simple to insert and take out as needed.
The Implant Denture Process
Patience is a necessity when preparing to go through the implant denture process. There are typically four steps all patients must follow to ensure that results are successful. From the initial consultation that is required by a member of our team to the final placement of the denture, it is a timely yet worthwhile venture.
When meeting with one of our team members to discuss whether implant dentures are the right option for your smile, we will determine if you require any preliminary treatments such as bone grafting or periodontal therapy. Once cleared for surgery, we will refer you to an implant dentist who can place the posts and attach healing caps for recovery. The following 3-6 months will be spent allowing your mouth to heal and osseointegration to complete, which is the fusing of the bone and implants. After attaching your metal abutments, which are small connector pieces, we will secure your new denture into place.
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
You will be pleased to learn that if you have an entire arch of missing teeth, there is a good chance you will be considered a candidate for implant dentures. Oftentimes, patients need additional treatment before receiving these prosthetics, as the jawbone may not be as dense as it is preferred, or gum disease is evident and must be treated. No matter your situation, you can trust that we will evaluate your oral and overall health to position you in the best way for implant dentures.
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
Many individuals might assume that combining dentures and dental implants is simply not possible; however, it is, and it is reliable and proven effective. With millions of people throughout the U.S. living with dental implants, you will find that the benefits of this combination include:
- Teeth that can last 30+ years or even a lifetime with proper care
- A nearly fully restored bite force and chewing power, making eating your favorite foods much easier
- Greater confidence and aesthetics
- Improved comfort as opposed to traditional dentures that can become ill-fitting as the jawbone shrinks over time
- The ability to eat and speak like normal
Implant Denture FAQs
Can I switch from traditional dentures to implant dentures?
If you have traditional dentures and believe that implant dentures in DuPont will be a better fit, it’s not too late to make that change! However, it’s important to keep in mind that the longer you use traditional dentures for, the more likely it is that you will need to undergo a preliminary procedure like a bone graft to replace lost jawbone density.
If you have questions about making this change, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an implant dentist! They will take X-rays of your mouth and determine whether preparatory treatments (such as bone grafts and sinus lifts) are needed before you can start your dental implant journey.
What’s the healing process like for implant dentures?
After your dental implants have been surgically placed, you will undergo a short recovery period as well as osseointegration, which takes place over the course of three to six months. This is when the implant posts fuse with the jawbone via a naturally-occurring process. Although it may sound like a long time to wait between surgery and the abutment attachment part of your treatment, it’s a crucial and important waiting period to ensure the longevity of your final results.
How long do implant dentures last?
Studies have shown that implant dentures can last for upwards of 30 years with good oral hygiene and professional maintenance. This includes scheduling bi-annual checkups and cleanings with your dentist as well as brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
Are implant dentures better than traditional dentures?
There’s no simple “yes” or “no” answer to this question, as every patient and their situations are different. That being said, if you are a good candidate for implant dentures, they offer a wide range of unique benefits that make them a great investment over traditional dentures. These advantages include:
- A lifespan that’s up to 7X longer than traditional dentures.
- No need to worry about removing them to clean them or before you go to bed.
- Don’t worry about shifting or slipping, as they’re permanently secured within your mouth.
- Boosted confidence when speaking and eating.
These are just a few of the countless benefits that this modern treatment has to offer. To learn more, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!