Implant-Supported Dentures Hilliard, OH
If you have missing teeth, you understand the challenges it can bring to your daily life. From difficulty eating your favorite foods to feeling self-conscious about your smile, the impact is significant. While traditional dentures have been a common solution, many people find them uncomfortable and unstable. What if there was a better way to restore your smile?
At Hilliard Modern Dental in Hilliard, Ohio, Dr. Benjamin R. Lamielle offers patients an alternative solution. Implant-supported dentures combine the stability of a dental implant with the full coverage of dentures, giving you a smile that looks and feels more like your natural teeth.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are a modern tooth replacement option designed for maximum stability. These dentures, often called overdentures, are a full set of artificial teeth that attach directly to dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone. This connection prevents the dentures from slipping or shifting while you talk or eat.
This innovative approach provides a secure foundation for your new smile. Unlike dentures that rest on your gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored firmly in place, offering superior comfort and function. We will explore how these dentures work and the different types available to you.
How Implant-Supported Dentures Work
The science behind implant-supported dentures is what makes them so effective. The process begins with the placement of a dental implant, which is a small titanium post, into your jawbone. This post is designed to function just like natural tooth roots, providing a strong and durable anchor for your new teeth.
Over several months, your jawbone naturally fuses with the implant in a process called osseointegration. This creates an incredibly stable base. Once this fusion is complete and your jaw has healed, your custom-made overdenture can be securely attached to the implants.
This unique system ensures that your dentures are held firmly in place, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with renewed confidence. The implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to preserve its structure and your facial appearance over the long term.
Types of Implant-Supported Dentures in Hilliard, OH
When you choose an implant denture, you have several options for how the restoration will attach to the implants. Dr. Lamielle will help you determine the best type of overdenture for your specific needs. The two primary types are differentiated by the way they are attached.
These options offer different experiences, with some being removable for cleaning and others being more permanently fixed. The main types include:
- Bar-Retained Dentures: A thin metal bar runs along your jaw and is attached to the implants. Your denture then clips securely onto this bar.
- Ball-Retained Dentures: Each implant has a ball-shaped attachment that fits into a corresponding socket on your denture, much like a snap. These are sometimes called stud-attachment or snap-in dentures.
Both systems provide a significant upgrade in stability compared to regular dentures, which rely only on suction and adhesives to stay in place.
Comparing Implant-Supported Dentures to Traditional Dentures
The difference between implant-supported dentures and conventional dentures is life-changing for many of our Hilliard patients. Traditional dentures rest on the gums and are held in place by suction and messy adhesives. This often leads to slipping, discomfort, and difficulty chewing certain foods. In contrast, implant-supported dentures anchor directly to your jaw, providing a stable foundation for your tooth replacement. This secure attachment eliminates the common frustrations associated with a traditional denture.
Key Differences in Comfort and Function
Your comfort and ability to function are top priorities when choosing a tooth replacement. Implant-supported dentures offer a superior experience because they are mechanically secured, eliminating the movement that causes irritation and sore spots on your gums.
Say goodbye to messy adhesives and the constant worry that your dentures might slip. With a stable base, your chewing ability will dramatically improve, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods without hesitation. Ultimately, choosing implants provides a more natural and comfortable feel, letting you forget you are even wearing a dental appliance.
Long-Term Benefits for Your Smile and Health
Beyond immediate comfort and confidence, implant-supported dentures offer significant long-term health benefits. One of the most critical advantages is the prevention of bone loss. When you lose teeth, the jawbone no longer receives stimulation from the tooth roots and begins to shrink. This can alter your facial structure, leading to a sunken appearance.
Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and helping to maintain its density and shape. This preserves your facial profile and supports better long-term oral health. By providing a stable and functional set of teeth, implant dentures also improve your overall quality of life.
You can eat a more nutritious diet, speak more clearly, and smile without hesitation. These combined benefits make implant-supported dentures an excellent investment in your health and happiness for years to come.
Getting an Implant-Supported Denture at Hilliard Modern Dental
The path to your new smile at Hilliard Modern Dental is a carefully planned process designed for your comfort and success.
Initial Consultation with Dr. Lamielle
Your first step is a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Lamielle. During this visit, we will discuss your dental and medical history to get a complete picture of your oral health. He will perform a thorough examination, which includes taking X-rays and impressions of your teeth and gums.
This appointment is also your opportunity to ask questions and understand why implant-supported dentures might be the best tooth replacement option for you. We will work together to create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals for a healthy, confident smile.
Implant Placement and Healing
After your consultation, the next step is the implant placement procedure. Dr. Lamielle will refer you to an experienced oral surgeon for the implant placement; however, you will return to our office for the dentures.
It is essential to allow the implant and bone to fuse, a process known as osseointegration. This creates the strong foundation needed for your denture. The healing phase typically lasts three to six months, depending on whether the implants are placed in the upper or lower jaw.
During this time, you will wear a temporary denture designed to avoid putting pressure on the healing implants. This critical waiting period ensures the long-term success of your restoration. You may have to return to the oral surgeon for follow-up appointments.
Denture Try-In
Once healing is complete, we will take a new impression of your gums and abutments that will help secure the denture. This impression is used to create the metal framework and artificial teeth for your final restoration. You will have a “try-in” appointment where the denture teeth are set in wax on the framework.
This allows our team to check the fit, bite, and appearance before the final denture is made. We can make any necessary adjustments to the attachments at this stage to ensure your new smile looks and feels perfect.
Final Insertion
At this appointment, the permanent bar or ball attachments are secured to the implants in your jaw. Your custom-made fixed implant denture is then carefully clipped or snapped into place. Dr. Lamielle will make sure the restoration fits securely and comfortably.
He will also check your bite to ensure a proper fit for optimal chewing function. It is normal to experience some slight movement when you first start chewing, which may cause minor sore spots on the gum tissue as you adjust.
Caring for Your Implant-Supported Dentures
To ensure your new smile lasts a lifetime, proper care is essential. Just like natural teeth, your implant-supported dentures and the underlying dental implant sites require regular cleaning to maintain your oral health.
Daily Hygiene Tips and Professional Maintenance
Caring for your implant-supported dentures is straightforward and vital for their success. You should plan to clean them daily to remove food particles and plaque. Before brushing, rinse your dentures to wash away any loose debris.
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser to clean all surfaces of the denture. It is especially important to carefully clean around the attachments where the denture connects to the implants. For the best results, follow these daily hygiene tips:
- Thoroughly clean your mouth, including your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth
- Use a special floss or brush to clean around the dental implant posts under your denture to prevent plaque buildup
- If your denture is removable, soak it in water or a denture solution when you are not wearing it to prevent it from warping.
In addition to daily care, regular professional maintenance appointments with Dr. Lamielle in Hilliard are crucial for long-term success.
Restore Confidence with Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures do more than replace missing teeth—they restore your confidence, comfort, and quality of life. By combining the strength of dental implants with the full coverage of dentures, this treatment allows you to eat, speak, and smile without worry.
At Hilliard Modern Dental, Dr. Lamielle and our dedicated dental team are here to guide you through every step of the process. From your first consultation to ongoing care, we’ll ensure your treatment is tailored to your needs and goals.
If you’re ready for a healthier, more confident smile, contact us today. Call 614-529-9644 to schedule your consultation in Hilliard and discover how implant-supported dentures can transform your smile for years to come.
