Implant Supported Dentures

Along with single tooth restorations, dental implants can also be used to support full dentures or partial dentures. There are a variety of options that have different benefits. This is a wildly successful treatment that has grown more and more popular because of the outstanding benefits over traditional dentures. Instead of tooth-shaped crowns, the denture itself is attached to the implants with components we call "locators".

 

 

Traditional upper dentures are large and bulky. They cover the entire roof of your mouth and affect the taste of food. Millions of people use traditional upper dentures; however, many people cannot due to problems such as anatomy or severe gagging. A full implant-supported denture can be fabricated that attaches to multiple dental implants to keep them in place and increase bite force. Since the implants will stabilize the denture while eating, this prosthetic does not require the suction to the roof of the mouth and can be shaped like a horseshoe. This means less acrylic in your mouth and food tastes normal again. Dramatic increase in chewing function will be apparent right away! 

 

Traditional lower dentures are often poor-fitting and are challenging to eat with. With the use of only a couple of dental implants you can have drastically improved fit and stabilization. Again, the denture will snap onto the implants and resist movement while eating and speaking. With implants as stabilizers, the denture flanges can be trimmed down to take less space in your mouth and between the gum and tongue.  

 

 

For many people who use partial dentures, they can be bulky and rely on the support from other existing teeth. These teeth can be stressed over time and worsen as the partial places force that the teeth were not otherwise designed to withstand. Dental implants are however designed to withstand these forces. Attachments can be utilized to stabilize your partial denture and give you confidence when you smile and eat. 

 

As you can imagine, placing multiple implants can be challenging. Through the use of a technology called CT guided surgery, we are able to make this procedure simple, faster and with far less discomfort than only a few years ago. This technology utilizes the latest in x-ray technology called Cone beam CT (computerized tomography). This is similar to a CAT scan that you would receive in a hospital only far less radiation and only of your upper and lower jawbone. We have access to this technology at our offices and will utilize these special 3-D scans of your skull to plan your case prior to surgical treatment.

 

To learn more about this technology, visit our information about CT guided surgery. You can also call the periodontist office in Eustis 352-589-1973 or click here to schedule a consultation.