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At Okun Dentistry in Mesa, AZ, we offer implant-supported dentures. These dentures provide a comfortable and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth.
We’ll guide you through the entire implant process, from your initial consultation to the delivery of your final prosthesis.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a great option for people with missing teeth. They’re made from a titanium screw placed in the jawbone, acting as a root for an artificial tooth. This provides a comfortable and permanent solution for replacing missing teeth.
Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and anchor the artificial tooth. Like natural tooth roots, they’re below the gum line and not visible. Only the crown is visible, and it looks just like a natural tooth.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial teeth used to replace missing teeth or gum tissue. They can be made from various materials, such as acrylic resin, porcelain, and metal. The teeth are supported by a gum-colored base made from plastic resin that fits over the remaining jawbone.
There are two main types of dentures:
- Removable dentures: These can be taken in and out of the mouth.
- Implant-supported dentures: These are secured in place by dental implants.
- Removable partial dentures for people who are missing one or more teeth but don’t need an entire arch
- Temporary dentures/immediate dentures that are used for dental emergencies or in preparation for oral surgery
- Full removable dentures for complete tooth loss
- Implant-supported dentures for a permanent solution to missing teeth
- All-on-four dental implants are the entire dental bridge affixed to the upper or lower jaw with just four titanium screws.
The goal of dentures or dental implants is to provide healthy, functional teeth that resemble natural teeth and promote good oral health.
During your consultation, our dentist will:
- Assess your jawbone condition.
- Consider your specific needs and lifestyle.
- Determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants or removable dentures.
In some cases, temporary dentures may be recommended as a transitional solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Implant supported dentures are a tooth replacement option that combines the stability of dental implants with the full-arch coverage of dentures. Instead of resting on the gums like traditional dentures, these dentures attach to implants placed in the jawbone. This firm connection provides improved comfort, better chewing ability, and a more secure fit, making daily activities like eating and speaking easier for patients in Mesa, AZ who choose this option.
Traditional dentures rely on suction, adhesives, and the shape of the gums to stay in place, which can lead to movement, irritation, and difficulty chewing certain foods. Implant supported dentures are anchored directly to implants, which prevents slipping and enhances stability. Because the implants integrate with the jawbone, the dentures feel more like natural teeth and help preserve bone, leading to long-term oral health benefits that go beyond what regular dentures can provide.
Ideal candidates for implant supported dentures are individuals who are missing most or all of their teeth in one or both arches and have sufficient jawbone to support implant placement. Patients who have struggled with the fit or comfort of traditional dentures often find that implant supported dentures are a transformative solution. During a consultation at Okun Dentistry, your dentist in Mesa will evaluate your oral health, bone structure, and goals to determine whether implant supported dentures are the best fit for you.
The process begins with a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging and impressions of your jaw. Implant posts are then strategically placed into the jawbone during a surgical appointment. After a healing period when the implants integrate with the bone, a custom-made denture is attached to the implants. Many patients in Mesa find that this phased approach allows for both healing and a comfortable transition to a stable, implant-supported prosthesis.
The timeline for implant supported dentures varies depending on each patient’s oral health and treatment plan. Generally, implant surgery is followed by a healing period to allow the implants to fuse with the jawbone. Once integration is complete, the final dentures are placed. In some cases, provisional dentures can be attached earlier to maintain aesthetics and function during healing.
Most patients report that the surgical portion of implant placement is manageable with local anesthesia, and sedation options may be available for added comfort. After the procedure, it is normal to experience some tenderness or swelling, but these symptoms are typically temporary and can be controlled with standard pain management and follow-up care recommended by your dentist at Okun Dentistry.
The cost of implant supported dentures depends on factors such as how many implants are needed, the type of restoration selected, and whether preparatory treatments like bone grafting are required. During your consultation at Okun Dentistry, you will receive a personalized treatment plan that includes cost information and options for insurance or financing so you can make a confident decision about your care.
Yes, implant supported dentures require routine oral hygiene similar to natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups help keep the implants and surrounding gum tissue healthy. Because the dentures are securely attached, you do not need to use adhesives, and cleaning under the denture is part of your daily oral care routine.
Many patients find that implant supported dentures feel significantly more natural than traditional dentures. Because the dentures are anchored to implants, they do not shift or move during eating or speaking, which contributes to a more confident, comfortable experience. Patients treated at Okun Dentistry often say that this stability feels closer to having natural teeth again.
Yes, implant supported dentures provide enhanced chewing power compared to traditional dentures. The secure attachment to implants allows you to eat a wider variety of foods with greater ease and less worry about slippage. For many patients in Mesa, this improvement leads to better nutrition and more enjoyment of meals.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, implant supported dentures can last many years. The implants themselves are designed to integrate with the jawbone and function long-term, and the denture prosthesis can be maintained or replaced as needed over time. Ongoing care at Okun Dentistry helps ensure the durability and health of your prosthetic.
While implant failure is uncommon, it can occur due to factors such as infection or inadequate integration. If an implant fails, your dentist at Okun Dentistry will evaluate the situation and recommend the appropriate steps, which might include replacing the failed implant or adjusting the restoration. Timely follow-up care and good oral hygiene reduce the risk of complications.