Implant Dentures

Implant Over-Dentures

Following advanced tooth loss, patients may need a partial or full denture to completely restore the form and function of their smiles. Traditional dentures and partials are effective in partially restoring appearance and chewing ability, but they aren’t necessary the ideal way to improve overall oral health. For many patients, implant supported dentures offer improved stability and longevity, and they can even restore healthy supportive structures that are frequently diminished following tooth loss. If you want to learn more about traditional and dental implant supported dentures, contact Clements Dental to schedule a tooth replacement consultation in our state-of-the-art Shelbyville dental office. We’ll walk you through all of your tooth replacement options and help you find the best treatment to meet your needs.

The benefits of getting dental implants over dentures is extensive. Implants are permanent, they won’t slide or cause slurred speech, and are easier to use when eating. They look and feel like your real teeth, and will enhance your smile. Our implant doctor, Tara A. Clements, DDS  would love to discuss your dental implants options in Shelbyville TN 37160.  Dr. Clements and her team will work to make the process of putting in implants as pain-free and quick as possible. Her cosmetic dentistry skills have earned her a high-quality reputationin Shelbyville Tennessee.

Dental Implant Placement

Implant supported denture restoration is completed in two phases – implant placement and restoration. During the initial phase, three to six implant posts are placed into the gum line. We begin by numbing the area. Then, we make a small incision in the gum line. The implant posts are placed into the soft tissue to the jawbone. A protective cap is placed over the implant, allowing the site to heal without covering the implant post, so we can attach the abutment and replacement tooth. For three to six months, the implant post will bond with the gum and bone tissue recreating the natural function of your tooth roots. In most cases, we can place a temporary partial or full denture throughout this process.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are tooth replacement prosthetics that fill the gaps in smiles following extensive tooth loss. A gum colored base material is fitted between remaining healthy teeth to support replacement tooth structure. A number of implant posts are positioned to provide the optimal level of support for a partial denture.

How much do Implants Cost?

The cost of a dental implant procedure can vary based on several factors, including how many teeth you are missing, where in the jaw they are located, and whether or not you need to have a preparatory procedure completed first. It is not unusual to require a bone graft to strengthen the area before a dental implant can be placed. The only way to know for sure how much your dental implant procedure will cost in total is to schedule a free consultation with our dental office. No matter the price, they are well worth the investment for a healthy, confident smile. Read more about dental implants, the process, and the benefits of dental implants.

Full Dentures
Full dentures use a gum colored base to support an entire row of replacement teeth. In most cases, we need just four implant posts to support the denture, but more dental implants may be necessary in specific cases.

Implant Overdentures
For some patients, implant overdentures offer a tooth replacement solution that makes the best of both traditional dentures and implant supported prosthetics. They have the added stability of implant posts, but they can be removed at home like traditional dentures. This makes them easier to clean and maintain for many patients.

How Do I Take Care of Dental Implants?

Cleaning your dental implants looks the same as cleaning your natural teeth. Simply brush, floss, and even use non-alcoholic mouthwash on a daily basis. But because these are artificial teeth, there are certain things to keep in mind. Food particles and bacteria can actually get stuck in the areas around the implant. This can lead to the formation of plaque, which, if untreated, can lead to an infection. To keep your artificial teeth as clean as possible, you should consider getting these dental implant cleaning instruments: Interproximal Brushes, Floss, Oral Irrigators (Water-Pik), Stimulators, Regular Professional Dental Implant Cleanings (very important),

Caring for Implant Dentures
Once your implant supported dentures are in place, you can brush them twice a day just like your regular teeth. We recommend that patients brush their denture or at least rinse their mouths between meals to remove food right away. To avoid allowing plaque to build up between the gums and denture, you may want to consider using a water flosser and/or an antimicrobial mouth rinse. A member of our dental team will be happy to walk you through the best oral hygiene products and at-home care techniques.