Patients who have lost several teeth or a complete dental arch can restore the appearance and function of their smile with implant-supported dentures. Jersey City Dental has over six decades of experience restoring beautiful, functional smiles in the Jersey City, NJ-area. Tooth loss can occur for any number of reasons, including age, trauma, or disease, and can greatly affect dental function and self-confidence. While traditional dentures were the only tooth replacement solution for many years, implant-supported dentures have made a positive impact in the dental community as a superior solution for replacing missing teeth.
What Are Implant-supported Dentures?
An implant-supported denture is a restorative oral device designed for patients missing an entire row of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Rather than resting on the gums as with traditional dentures, the implant denture is secured to dental implants that have been surgically placed in the jawbone. These implants, similar in size to a tiny screw and made from titanium, bond with the jaw and function like tooth roots, providing a secure foundation for your denture.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Implant-supported dentures are a good solution for patients who are missing an entire arch of teeth or facing the prospect of significant tooth loss. Candidates for implant-supported dentures should have healthy and sturdy gums, free of gum disease. If bone degeneration has occurred as a result of infection or a negative side effect of long-term tooth loss, patients may first need to undergo bone grafting to provide a stable foundation for the implants. Implant-supported dentures may also deliver better results for patients who are dissatisfied with wearing traditional dentures.
Implant-supported dentures are a good solution for patients who are missing an entire arch of teeth or facing the prospect of significant tooth loss.
The Implant-supported Denture Process
During the initial consultation, one of our dentists will examine your gums and jawbone using state-of-the-art dental technology to determine if you are a good candidate for implant-supported dentures. After determining your candidacy, we will work closely with a reputable oral surgeon in the area to coordinate your dental implant placement.
The dental implant process can be completed over the course of four to six months in about five steps:
- Dental Implant Placement: On the day of your procedure, the oral surgeon will administer anesthesia for optimal comfort. Small incisions are made in the gums and the implants are inserted. The number of implants required will depend on the location of your denture.
- Recovery: You will be given a list of instructions to follow while you recover. During this three to four month healing period, also known as osseointegration, the implants will bond with the jawbone to provide a secure foundation for your dentures. For patients missing an entire arch, temporary dentures can be secured to help improve your dental function as you heal.
- Abutment Attachment: Once the implants have successfully integrated, a simple follow-up procedure will be performed to attach the abutment piece onto the top of the implant posts, providing a secure connection for your restoration.
- Impressions: Our office will take digital impressions of your jawbone, and use advanced CEREC® technology to fabricate your denture once you have fully recovered. Digital impressions eliminate the need for messy, uncomfortable putty impressions, and provide a more detailed model of your mouth for a custom, well-fitted denture.
- Restoration Placement: Once the restoration is ready, you will visit the office for the final step. At this time, the dentist will check that the restoration fits, make any necessary adjustments, and secure it to the implants. The doctor will also explain how to care for your device.