If you are missing one or more teeth, dentures might be a good option for you. At Smile for Life Dental, we understand that your smile might not appear how you want it to look, but we are ready to help you start beaming confidently again. If you currently have traditional dentures, you likely know how they can slip out or feel unnatural or even uncomfortable in your mouth. Anchored dentures (also called implant dentures) are attached to dental implants. This option can offer a more secure, high-quality experience.
Our skilled dentist in Elgin, Dr. Dean Lodding, is extensively trained in implant denture procedures and will use his considerable expertise to bring you the best possible restorative solution. Learn more about implant dentures below:
Implant dentures are known by a variety of names – including “implant-anchored” dentures and “implant-supported” dentures – but the definition is the same. This advanced missing teeth replacement option involves the attachment of a customized denture appliance to strategically placed dental implants. The dental implants help create a more secure support system for the denture, allowing the artificial teeth to function more like natural teeth. Implant dentures can serve as the initial treatment for missing teeth, or as an effective method of denture replacement, upgrading your current dentures to a more stable alternative. They can be utilized for patients who are missing several teeth in an isolated area of the mouth, as well as for those who are missing entire rows of their original teeth.
Implant-supported dentures provide a solid foundation for the replacement teeth, improving both fit and feel. They can eliminate the possibility of the dentures shifting or moving out of place while eating or talking. They also offer a reliable and convenient choice with natural-looking results for patients who are tired of traditional dentures. Some of the most popular benefits of implant dentures include:
If you are missing all or most of your teeth, this procedure can help you regain full use of your mouth. To find out if anchored dentures are a good option for you, Dr. Lodding will conduct an examination of your oral health and jawbone density. Candidates will need to have sufficient bone density to support the dental implants. Patients with a faulty dental bridge that requires replacement or is affecting bone growth may also benefit from switching to implant-supported dentures. If implant dentures are the right option for your unique needs and goals, Dr. Lodding will create a customized treatment plan designed to provide the best possible results. This procedure can be advantageous for patients who simply need a solution for missing teeth as well as those who would like to have full mouth rehabilitation to address a number of functional and aesthetic concerns.
All-on-4® is a special type of implant denture technique that may be an ideal option for patients who are missing all of their teeth on the upper and/or lower arches. This treatment utilizes four dental implants on each arch, each one precisely placed in areas with the strongest jawbone density. A custom denture will later be attached to them. The use of four meticulously placed implants can give the denture a strong foundation and allow for very stable results. All-on-4® can often be an excellent option for patients seeking an alternative to full missing teeth replacement with individual dental implants for each tooth.
In certain cases, a variation of this procedure called All-on-6 may be necessary. This option uses six dental implants on each arch rather than four. Typically, All-on-6 is a better procedure for patients who have less adequate jawbone density than required for All-on-4® to yield the best possible outcome. The most ideal treatment for your needs can be determined once you have been evaluated by our dentist during the initial consultation.
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The restoration process involves surgically placing dental implants, which act as an anchor for your denture(s) to snap onto. Dr. Lodding works closely with our implant dentist, Dr. Richard Dryer, to create an individualized treatment plan, ensuring the most successful results. A mold of your mouth will be taken to help create a personalized prosthesis for you. During your initial appointment, Dr. Dryer will place the implant posts. After they have healed and become secure, Dr. Lodding will restore the implants by affixing your custom-made denture(s).
Recovery from implant dentures typically involves a short adjustment period as your mouth heals and adapts to the new restorations. After implant placement, mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising may occur for a few days. These can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and a soft-food diet. As the implants fuse with the jawbone—a process called osseointegration—you’ll typically attend follow-up visits so Dr. Lodding can monitor your progress. Once healing is complete and your custom dentures are attached, you may notice an immediate improvement in comfort, stability, and chewing ability. Our team can provide detailed post-operative care instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting results.
Dental implants are designed to fuse to the jawbone, ultimately mimicking the function of a natural tooth root. Therefore, dental implants should become a permanent part of your mouth, allowing them to serve as a solid base for your dentures long into the future. Regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and avoiding habits like smoking can help maximize their longevity and ensure your restored smile remains strong, stable, and beautiful. With the proper care, implant dentures can last for decades.
Just like with natural teeth, a strong dental hygiene routine will be required for your dentures to remain functional and cosmetically appealing. With your new anchored dentures, traditional techniques like brushing, flossing, and bi-annual dental check-ups should be sufficient for normal care. There are a few specific products we can recommend during your consultation to help preserve your new dentures and keep them firmly anchored.
“Smile for Life has an incredible staff that provides excellent levels of service in all aspects of dentistry. I would highly recommend Dr. Dean Loddings team to anyone searching for dental services.”
Since implant dentures procedures are customized to each patient’s needs, the total price of the procedure can vary considerably from one individual to another. In comparison to a full set of dental implants, this procedure can often provide patients with significant cost savings. Some of the factors that will go into determining the overall cost of implant dentures include the number of dental implants necessary for the best results, the complexity of the treatment, the materials utilized, laboratory costs, and other components. Before any treatment begins, a member of our team will produce a cost estimate of the implant dentures procedure and go over it with you in detail so you will know what to expect. Our practice accepts an array of payment methods, and we work with CareCredit®. This reputable dental financing agency offers qualified applicants a variety of flexible payment options that can help make treatment as financially convenient as possible. We will be happy to talk more with you about how you can bring the implant dentures procedure into your budget.
If you have damaged or missing teeth, Dr. Lodding and the Smile for Life Dental team can help. Regain a beautiful, full smile today by booking a consultation with our Elgin-based practice.
Insurance coverage for implant dentures generally varies by plan. Some policies may cover portions of the procedure, such as tooth extractions or the denture itself, while others may not include dental implants. Since implant dentures are often considered both a restorative and cosmetic treatment, coverage can differ widely.
One of the biggest advantages of implant dentures is the ability to eat comfortably and confidently. Since the dentures are securely anchored to dental implants, they should not slip or shift while chewing. Once healing is complete and your implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, you can enjoy most foods, including those that are difficult to eat with traditional dentures. Dr. Lodding can provide personalized guidance to help you transition back to a normal diet safely and comfortably.
Unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gums, implant dentures are anchored directly into the jawbone, which helps stimulate the bone much like natural tooth roots. This stimulation encourages healthy bone maintenance and helps prevent the bone loss that often occurs after tooth loss. By preserving bone structure, implant dentures also support facial contours and a more youthful appearance.
While dental implant failure is rare, it can occasionally occur due to infection, insufficient bone support, or excessive pressure on the implant. Symptoms may include discomfort, mobility, or inflammation around the site. If an implant fails, Dr. Lodding will carefully assess the cause and recommend the most appropriate solution. In some cases, the implant can be replaced after healing, or a bone graft may be performed to strengthen the area. With proper care and maintenance, most patients experience long-term success with their implant dentures.