Implant-Retained Dentures—Greeley, CO

How Do Implant-Retained Dentures Work?

Traditionally, full and partial dentures simply sit on top of the gums and rely on the surrounding teeth and bone to remain in place. An implant-retained denture, however, is secured directly to the jawbone using just four to six titanium tooth roots. The team at Greeley Complete Dentistry can upgrade a patient’s current denture to work with implants, or we can provide a completely new prosthetic if needed. Whatever the case may be, a patient’s teeth will be held in place using tooth roots bonded directly to the jawbone just like natural teeth.

Am I A Candidate for Implant-Retained Dentures?

People who are missing most or all of their teeth along a single row can greatly benefit from an implant-retained denture. Typically, a patient only needs good oral health and a strong enough jawbone to support the implant roots to be a qualified candidate for the treatment. Any preexisting dental problems like periodontal (gum) disease must be taken care of first before a patient can receive implants. And, if the jawbone is too thin or brittle to support implants as is, a patient may need to undergo a bone grafting procedure or opt for a more traditional solution.

The Implant-Retained Dentures Procedure

Everything will start with a consultation with either Dr. Cure or Dr. Smith. They’ll examine your mouth, take X-rays of your jaw and bite, and use this information to determine your treatment options. If an implant-retained denture is one of them, then the first step to getting it is to actually surgically position the implant posts within your jawbone.

Many dental offices have to refer their patients to a specialist to have this done, but at Greeley Complete Dentistry, our team has the training and expertise to perform the entire implant procedure in-house. Dr. Smith has taken countless hours of advanced training specifically dedicated to placing and restoring implants, meaning you’ll be able to get everything you need right here at home.

Once your implants have been placed into your jaw, you’ll be fitted with a temporary denture. Your jawbone and mouth will be given time to heal over the course of a few months, and eventually, you’ll return to our office to have your final, permanent denture put into place.

Benefits Of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants

• Security: Instead of slipping and sliding, implant dentures can be trusted to stay firm no matter what a patient is doing.
• Natural Appearance: Implant dentures are less bulky than regular ones, which gives them a more lifelike appearance.
• More Comfort: And, because implant dentures are smaller than average, they take up less room in the mouth, creating a better fit. They also don’t inhibit a patient’s ability to move their tongue or taste food.
• Stronger Bite: On average, a removable denture restores about 20% of a patient’s bite strength. Implant-dentures, on the other hand, bring back a whopping 70%! This enables patients to eat all kinds of foods that are traditionally considered off limits for denture wearers (such as grilled meats and fibrous fruits/vegetables).
• Trustworthy: Traditional dentures usually have to be relined and refitted every few years, but because implant roots stimulate the jawbone and help it maintain its shape, patients can look forward to their implant-denture keeping its day-one fit for many years to come.
• Easy Maintenance: In most cases, implant dentures are fixed and can only be removed by your dentist. This means you’ll only need to brush and floss like normal as opposed to having different hygiene routines for your teeth and denture.

To learn more about implant-retained dentures and what one could do for the long term health and strength of your smile, contact us today to schedule a consultation.