Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant overdentures improve the look, feel, and function of dentures. At M.I. Dental Designs in San Antonio, Dr. Imam offers this treatment to improve the patient experience with dentures and support patient oral health.

Implant Overdentures: Defining Advanced Dental Solutions

While traditional dentures rest on your gums, implant overdentures are secured to and supported by dental implants that are surgically placed in your jawbone. They are also referred to as implant-supported or implant-retained dentures. Two to eight implants can be used to stabilize your dentures.

The Advantages of Implant-Supported Dentures

Improved Function

When dentures are secured to implants, they function and feel more like natural teeth. You can eat and speak without your dentures lifting, slipping, or falling out.

Stimulate and Preserve Bone

Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone. When all of your teeth are missing, your body resorbs the bone and uses the minerals elsewhere throughout the body. Implants stimulate the bone, preventing shrinkage in the vicinity of the implant.

Help Prevent Facial Collapse

Implant overdentures preserve the jawbone and help prevent facial collapse. As the jawbone shrinks, it leaves facial muscles without support, which shrinks the face. This shrunken face look can make you look older. Implant overdentures preserve the jawbone for facial support that minimizes signs of aging.

Improved Quality Of Life

Secure dentures give you more confidence in social settings. It’s easier to enjoy eating, conversing, and laughing without concerns about your dentures dislodging and embarrassing you.

A Closer Look at the Operation

The implant-supported dentures process is a detailed and meticulous procedure that provides a stable and comfortable alternative to traditional dentures. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Initial Consultation

The journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Imam discusses the patient’s needs and goals in a one-on-one consultation, which may include using our digital treatment planning such as SmileFy or DSD to show you a preview of your smile.

2. Treatment Planning:

A personalized treatment plan is crafted, outlining the number of implants needed and their optimal placement. This stage ensures the procedure aligns with the patient’s specific dental structure and requirements.

3. Implant Placement Surgery

Under local anesthesia or sedation, titanium implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. For implant-supported dentures, typically two to eight implants are inserted per arch. The procedure prioritizes patient comfort.

4. Healing and Osseointegration

Post-surgery, a period of healing is necessary, typically lasting a few months. During this time, the implants fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, providing a strong foundation for the dentures.

5. Denture Fabrication

While the mouth heals, custom dentures are crafted. These are designed to look like natural teeth, matching color and shape to the patient’s facial structure.

6. Fitting and Adjustment

Once healing is complete, the custom dentures are fitted onto the implants. Dr. Imam ensures a comfortable fit, making adjustments as needed for optimal functionality and aesthetics.

7. Follow-Up and Maintenance

Regular checkups follow the procedure to ensure the health of the implants and surrounding tissues. Patients are guided on how to care for their new implant-supported dentures, maintain oral health, and prolong the life of the restoration.

This process transforms not just smiles but also enhances overall quality of life, offering patients a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing dental solution.

Deciding on Implant-Supported Dentures: Key Considerations

Implant-supported dentures offer a more permanent and stable alternative to traditional dentures, suitable for various needs. Here are some important factors to consider:

Stability and Comfort

Ideal if you experience slipping or discomfort with conventional dentures.

Enhanced Functionality

Offers improved chewing ability and clearer speech.

Jawbone Density

Adequate bone density is crucial, but options like bone grafting can assist those with some bone loss.

Aesthetic Appeal

Perfect for those who desire a natural-looking dental solution.

Prevention of Bone Loss

Helps in avoiding the bone loss typically seen with missing teeth.

Natural Fit and Feel

Provides a fit and sensation closer to natural teeth, unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gums.

Each of these factors plays a critical role in determining if implant-supported dentures are the right choice for you.

Determining the Perfect Match for You

At M.I. Dental Designs, we conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if implant-supported dentures are suitable for you. If you’re committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and are in general good health, you’re likely a good candidate for this procedure.

We consider the oral health, bone density, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals of each patient, ensuring that the chosen solution aligns perfectly with their unique needs and expectations.

Quality Implant Overdentures

Quality implant overdentures provide a long-lasting solution for increasing the comfort and function of dentures. Shortcuts or cheap dental implants can compromise your oral health and be more costly in the long term.

A sacrifice in quality can result in a variety of issues, including:

Loose implants
Numbness
Pain
Tingling
Implant failure

Dr. Imam has advanced post-graduate training in implant placement. Additionally, he partners with an oral surgeon or a periodontist to ensure you receive implant overdentures of the highest quality.

You’ll also receive high-quality cosmetic dentures that are personalized to complement your facial features. They will look completely natural.

Comfortable Procedures

At M.I. Dental Designs, we always prioritize comfort and satisfaction, particularly during the intricate process of fitting implant-supported dentures. Our approach is patient-centric, ensuring a stress-free and painless experience. We ensure patient ease and relaxation, tailoring our procedures to be as comfortable as possible.

To achieve this, we offer various sedation options to suit the individual needs of our patients and alleviate any anxiety or discomfort. These options include:

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

For mild relaxation while remaining conscious.

Oral Sedation

To induce a deeper state of calmness.

IV Sedation

For the most profound relaxation experience.

Each option is designed to make your experience with us smooth and worry-free. During the procedure, our skilled team, led by Dr. Imam, employs the latest techniques and technologies to ensure precision and minimize discomfort.

We meticulously plan every aspect of your treatment, from initial consultation to the final fitting of your dentures, to ensure it aligns perfectly with your comfort needs.

We believe that the journey to a revitalized smile should be as pleasant as the outcome. At M.I. Dental Designs, every step of your procedure is conducted with an unwavering commitment to your comfort and satisfaction.

Request a Complimentary Consultation

If you would like more information on implant overdentures, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Imam. Call us to schedule an appointment or complete our Request an Appointment form.

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Dr. Imam | San Antonio’s Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Imam practices facial-driven treatment planning to help patients achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. After earning his degrees at the top of his class, he finished a 2-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program. Dr. Imam remains current with continued education courses and prestigious dental associations such as the KOIS Center programs and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).