Implant-Supported Dentures – Marshall, TX
Reclaim Your Smile
Are you missing a significant number of teeth, and does it make your life more difficult with each passing day? Or, do you need to wear a denture, but you find yourself constantly worrying about it slipping out of your mouth? If so, then you’re in the same position as millions of other Americans right now. Thankfully, dental implants give us the ability to create an even better denture, one that can be trusted to stay in place and give you a smile you’re always ready to show off. At the Marshall Denture Clinic, Dr. Charles Parker provides our patients with beautiful, strong, and custom-made implant-supported dentures that could not only restore your teeth, but also your confidence and quality of life.
How Do Implant-Supported Dentures Work?
Above the gum line, implant-supported dentures (sometimes called implant-retained dentures) are very similar to traditional ones, in that they consist of a row of prosthetic teeth attached to a gum-colored base. What differentiates them is how they are held in place. Rather than sitting on top of the gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored directly in the jawbone using multiple dental implants.
The exact number of implants needed depends on a patient’s bone structure and the specific type of implant-retained denture they will receive. Implant-retained dentures may be removable, or they may be permanently fixed in place.
Am I a Candidate for an Implant-Supported Denture?
Most people who have lost all or most of their teeth are candidates for implant-retained dentures. However, before Dr. Parker gives you the go-ahead for this treatment, he will need to make sure that you have adequate bone volume to support dental implants. You should also be free of active gum disease and have excellent oral hygiene habits. Ideally, you should also be a non-smoker because tobacco usage slows down the body’s healing process. It increases the risk that the dental implants will not be able to form a secure bond with the surrounding tissue.
Patients who are not currently candidates for dental implants may become candidates after completing some preparatory treatment, such as a bone graft or gum disease treatment.
The Implant-Supported Dentures Procedure
The dental implants are placed in the jaw during a minimally invasive surgery. Over time, they fuse with the surrounding bone. It is this process, called osseointegration, that enables implants to mimic the structure of tooth roots. The implants are then topped with connector joints, called abutments, that secure a denture in place. This creates a prosthetic that is much closer to nature than a typical denture, which provides a more reliable and comfortable solution to tooth loss. From beginning to end, the entire implant-supported denture procedure may take several months, but it is a worthwhile investment of time!
Benefits of Combining Dentures and Dental Implants
More and more patients are choosing to get implant-supported dentures as opposed to traditional ones for a multitude of reasons:
- Stronger Hold: Because the denture itself is anchored in the jawbone, there is less of a chance of the denture slipping and sliding around the mouth.
- More Consistent: Dental implants actually help keep the jaw supported and prevent bone loss, which in turn will help the denture keep its day-one fit for much longer.
- Better Bite: Implant-supported dentures enable you to have a much stronger bite force compared to your typical dentures, allowing you to enjoy a much more varied and healthy diet.
Are You Ready to Start Your Dental Implant Journey?
If you are interested in getting implant-supported dentures, your first step is to make an appointment with the Marshall Denture Clinic. Dr. Parker can handle the entire procedure from start to finish, from implant placement to the day you actually receive your new teeth. Our team is eager to help you regain a complete, healthy smile!