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Dental Implants - Woodland Hills

Implant-Supported Dentures

John M. Chaves, DDS showing patient their new smile

Live Your Life with a Full Smile!

Are you tired of living with removable dentures? Or maybe you haven’t replaced your lost teeth because dentures don’t appeal to you. Enter implant-supported dentures! With an approach that combines dentures with dental implants, patients can live their lives without having to worry about slipping dentures or food restrictions.

Ready to achieve a beautiful smile? Contact our Woodland Hills dentist today at 818-491-7294 to set up your consultation. With over 30 years of experience, you can count on Dr. Chaves to provide exceptional dental care.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures, also known as overdentures, are a type of denture that is anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone. Unlike conventional dentures that rest on top of the gums, implant-supported dentures are more stable and secure. This makes them a good option for people who have trouble with traditional dentures or who want a more natural-looking smile

There are two types:

  1. Bar-retained: These dentures have a thin metal bar that attaches to two or more implants in the jawbone. Clips or attachments on the denture snap onto the bar to hold the denture in place.
  2. Ball-retained: These dentures have sockets that fit onto ball-shaped connectors on the implants. The balls and sockets help snap the denture into place securely.

What Are the Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures?

Replacing your missing teeth with implant-supported dentures provides multiple benefits, including:

  • Improved stability and security: Implant dentures are anchored to dental implants, which helps to keep them in place. This can make it easier to eat, speak, and smile without worrying about your dentures slipping or moving.
  • Jawbone preservation: When natural teeth are lost, the jawbone shrinks, which can cause the face to appear sunken and aged. However, with the help of an implant-supported denture, you can preserve the jawbone’s integrity.
  • Improved quality of life: An implant-supported denture can help improve the quality of life for patients who have lost their natural teeth. They can restore the ability to eat a wide range of foods, speak clearly, and smile confidently, which can greatly improve self-esteem and well-being.
  • Long-lasting: Implant-supported dentures can last for many years, sometimes even a lifetime, with the right dental care and maintenance.
  • Improved appearance: Implant dentures can look more natural than conventional dentures. This is because they’re supported by implants, which help preserve the jawbone and prevent the facial collapse that can occur with traditional dentures.
  • Easy maintenance: They’re easy to maintain and clean, just like natural teeth.
John M. Chaves, DDS

Possible Cons

While there are many benefits to implant dentures, there are some potential drawbacks patients should know:

  • Cost: They can be expensive, with costs ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
  • Surgical procedure: These dentures require dental implant surgery to place the implant posts, which can be invasive and require recovery time.
  • Not suitable for everyone: Not all individuals are candidates. People who suffer bone loss may require bone grafting before implant placement, and people with certain systemic health conditions may not be good candidates.
  • Temporary discomfort: There may be some temporary discomfort or pain associated with the implant surgery and the healing process.
  • Risk of implant failure: Although rare, there’s a risk of implant failure, which can occur if the dental implant doesn’t fuse properly during the healing phase.
dental implant consultation

The Implant Dentures Procedure

Since dental implants support these dentures, patients will undergo oral surgery. The entire process can take anywhere between three and nine months to complete. Patients will experience the following:

  1. Consultation and Planning: You’ll schedule your first appointment so our dentist can evaluate your oral health, discuss your dental history, and determine if implant dentures are the best solution for your needs. X-rays and CT scans will also be taken to assess your jawbone health and determine the number and placement of implants needed.
  2. Dental Implant Placement Surgery: This is an outpatient surgical procedure where our Woodland Hills dentist will make a small incision into your gums and place the implant posts. Once all the needed posts are placed, they’ll close your incision with sutures, and you’ll be sent home to begin the healing process.
  3. Healing and Osseointegration: Over three to six months, the posts will naturally fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This is necessary to provide a stable foundation for your denture restoration.
  4. Placing Your Dentures: Once you have fully healed, you’ll return to our Woodland Hills, CA, dental office. The dentist will attach your custom dentures to the implants, providing you with a new, beautiful smile.

Can You Get Denture Implants?

Many people find that they qualify for implant dentures! Ideal candidates include:

  • People with strong jawbones: Implant dentures require surgically implanted posts to hold the denture in place. These posts need enough healthy jawbones to fuse with. If you don’t have enough jawbone, you may be able to have a bone graft to build up the area.
  • Those looking for a permanent option: Traditional dentures need to be removed for cleaning every night. Implant dentures can be left in place all the time.
  • People who have had soreness with traditional dentures: Traditional dentures can rub against your gums and cause soreness. Implant dentures are supported by your jawbone, so they don’t put any pressure on your gums.

To find out more about your candidacy, contact our Woodland Hills implant dentist today. He’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your smile goals, and provide the best options for your situation.

dental finance

Applying for financing is fast and easy and provides you with a monthly payment plan that fits your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Implant-supported dentures can last for many years, sometimes even a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance. You can increase the longevity of your restoration as long as you follow a rigorous at-home oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist twice a year for checkups.

Unlike conventional dentures, an implant-supported denture won’t slip, shift, or wobble when you eat or speak. Many traditional denture wearers eventually upgrade to implant-supported dentures because they’re more comfortable and secure.

Implant-supported dentures are permanently anchored to the jawbone and aren’t removable. Only a qualified dentist can remove the restoration. Please don’t remove the restoration yourself, as this can cause serious damage.

The number of implants needed varies depending on the individual case. Typically, four to six implants are used to support a full arch of dentures, while two to four implants may support a partial denture.

Get Ready to Smile Confidently Again!

If you’re looking for an alternative to removable dentures, fixed implant-supported dentures may be for you! To learn more about your tooth replacement options and what you qualify for, contact our dentist in Woodland Hills at 818-491-7294 to schedule your consultation.

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