Implant Dentures – Orem, UT

What Are Implant Dentures?

While you may have heard of dental implants before, many patients are surprised to learn that there is such a thing as implant dentures. These dynamic prosthetics work similarly to dental implants in that they are permanently anchored to the arches via a series of dental implant posts that are surgically attached to the jawbone. Although the prosthetics themselves can be removed by your dentist and may eventually need to be replaced, with proper care and use your dental implants should remain in place for more than 30 years!

By pairing a denture with dental implants, you can replace an entire arch of teeth at once to provide a much more lifelike, comfortable, and functional smile than traditional dentures can. Depending on your unique needs and desires, your dentist may recommend one of two different types of implant dentures during your consultation. These include:

Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures

Fixed implant dentures are designed to stay firmly in place and can only be removed by your dentist. Typically, they are attached via a series of four to six strategically placed and positioned dental implants within the jawbone. These are strong enough to permanently support a full denture and are preferred by many patients because they allow them to forget they’re even wearing dentures. However, please be aware that they do require more jawbone density.

Removable Implant Dentures

Removable implant dentures (also referred to as ‘snap-on dentures’) are also securely attached via dental implants; however, they use bar-retained clips or ball sockets so that the patient can remove them as needed. Although these dentures do need to be removed daily for cleaning, they typically only require two to five dental implants to attach.

The Implant Denture Procedure

At Frandsen Dental of Orem, we proudly place our dental implants in-house, which means you won’t need to visit multiple specialists or file multiple dental insurance claims to complete treatment.

The dental implant procedure begins with your consultation with your dentist, where your gums and jaw bones will be examined and impressions and images will be taken. This will allow your dentist to determine if you require any preliminary procedures such as gum disease treatment or bone grafting before your mouth is ready for your new smile.

Once any preliminary procedures are completed or if your mouth is ready for surgery, you will return to Frandsen Dental of Orem for your dental implant procedure. Healing from surgery requires your new dental implants to successfully complete the osseointegration process, which could take up to six months. Once this is completed, you’ll be ready for your abutment placement, which is another minor surgical procedure. Then, within a few short weeks, your new implant dentures will be ready, and you’ll return to Frandsen Dental of Orem to have your prosthetic placed.

Although this entire process is a bit longer and more involved than getting traditional dentures, most patients find the results well worth the wait!

Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?

Most adults in good oral and overall health are good candidates for dental implants, especially those who are tired or frustrated from dealing with traditional dentures. At your consultation, your dentist will review your specific needs and goals and explain your options along with their recommendations.

To be a good candidate, you’ll need to be in good enough health to undergo a minor surgical procedure, and your smile must be free of oral health problems like gum disease and cavities. You’ll also need to have enough jawbone density to support your desired implant denture type. If necessary, we can even help you schedule a bone graft to help get you ready for your brand-new smile.

Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants

Although the entire implant denture process does take longer than getting traditional dentures, implant dentures offer a variety of incredible benefits that traditional dentures simply can’t provide, including:

• Secure fit and hold, so you can enjoy a wider range of nutritious, delicious foods.
• Permanent placement means you won’t need to worry about your prosthetics slipping when you’re eating, speaking, or smiling.
• Clearer speech.
• Easier to clean and maintain.
• No more spending money on special soaks, pastes, and adhesives.
• Provides important jawbone stimulation that keeps your jaws healthy and strong.
• No need to remove them to soak at night, so you can keep your smile around the clock.
• No need to replace them every five to ten years like you do with traditional dentures, saving you time and money.