Implant-Supported Dentures in Petoskey, MI

Please note we may not offer this service. Contact (231) 347-2188 to learn more.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures, also referred to as overdentures, are anchored to the jawbone using dental implants. Unlike conventional dentures, fixed implant supported dentures are a surgically implanted teeth replacement.

A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the final denture. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, an abutment is placed on top of the implant. The abutment secures the denture to the implant, providing a stable and secure fit.

There are two types of implant-supported dentures:

Bar-retained: A thin metal bar attaches to the implant abutments, and the denture snaps onto the bar.
Ball-retained: Each abutment has a ball-shaped connector, and the denture has corresponding sockets that snap onto the balls.

Supported dentures can replace missing teeth, up to an entire arch in the upper or lower jaw. They’re typically recommended for individuals who have lost all or most of their natural teeth and have sufficient jawbone density to support the implants. Unlike traditional dentures, which rely on adhesives to stay in place, implant-supported dentures do not depend on the gums for support.

To schedule a consultation, contact our Petoskey dentist, Dr. Klym, at (231) 347-2188.

A smiling middle-aged woman with large hoop earrings.

Benefits of Implant Supported Dentures

Replacing missing teeth with implant dentures offers multiple benefits, including:

Improved Stability and Security: Dental implants are anchored to the jawbone, making dentures more stable and secure than traditional dentures. This allows wearers to speak and smile confidently, knowing their dentures won’t slip.
Jawbone Preservation: Natural tooth loss can lead to jawbone shrinkage, causing the face to appear sunken and aged. Implant-supported dentures help maintain jawbone integrity.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Fixed dentures can restore the ability to eat a wide range of foods, speak clearly, and smile confidently, greatly improving self-esteem and overall well-being.
Long-lasting: With the right dental care and maintenance, implant-supported dentures can last for many years, sometimes even a lifetime.
Natural-looking: They are designed to look like natural teeth, unlike a removable denture, which may appear bulky.
Easy Maintenance: An implant supported denture is easy to clean and maintain, just like natural teeth.

Cons

While there are many benefits to implant-supported dentures, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

Cost: Implant-supported dentures can be expensive, with costs ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
Surgical Procedure: They require dental implant surgery to place implant posts, which can be invasive and require a recovery period.
Not Suitable for Everyone: Some individuals may not be candidates for implant-supported dentures. People with bone loss may need a bone grafting procedure before implants can be placed, and those with certain systemic health conditions may not qualify.
Temporary Discomfort: There may be some temporary discomfort or pain associated with the implant surgery and the healing process.
Risk of Implant Failure: Although rare, there is a risk of implant failure if the dental implant does not fuse properly during the healing phase.

The Implant-Supported Dentures Process

Since dental implants support these dentures, patients will undergo oral surgery. The entire process can take anywhere from three to nine months to complete. Here’s what to expect:

Initial Appointment: Schedule your first appointment so Dr. Klym can evaluate your oral health, discuss your dental history, and determine if implant-supported dentures are the best solution for your needs.
Procedure: Dr. Klym will make a small incision in your gums and place the implant posts. After placing the necessary posts, he’ll close the incision with sutures, and you’ll be sent home to begin the healing process.
Healing: Over three to six months, the posts will fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This is crucial for providing a stable foundation for your denture restoration.
Placing Your Dentures: Once you have fully healed, you’ll return to our Petoskey dental office. Dr. Klym will attach your custom dentures to the implants, giving you a new, beautiful smile.

Are You a Candidate?

To qualify for implant-supported dentures, individuals must have adequate jawbone density to support the dental implants. If the jawbone isn’t dense enough, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary before placing a traditional denture over the implant. Ideal candidates should also be in good overall health and should not have any systemic conditions that would make them poor candidates for implant surgery.

To find out more about your candidacy, contact our Petoskey dentist today. Dr. Klym will evaluate your oral health, discuss your smile goals, and provide the best options for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do implant-supported dentures last?

Are implant-supported dentures painful?

Can implant-supported dentures be removed?

How long do implant-supported dentures last?

Implant-supported dentures can last for many years, sometimes even a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance. Maintaining a rigorous at-home oral hygiene routine and visiting your dentist twice a year for checkups can enhance the longevity of your restoration.

Are implant-supported dentures painful?

It’s common to experience minor discomfort or pain after the implant procedure and during the healing process. However, discomfort is usually manageable with cold compresses or over-the-counter pain medications. Most people find that the benefits of these dentures far outweigh any temporary discomfort.

Can implant-supported dentures be removed?

Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are permanently anchored to the jawbone and cannot be removed at home. Only a qualified dentist can remove the restoration, so please avoid attempting to remove it yourself, as this can cause serious damage.

Improve Your Appearance With Natural-Looking Tooth Replacements

If you’re looking for a denture solution that doesn’t rely on messy adhesives or cause slipping and sliding, implant-supported dentures may be the perfect fit for you. For those in Petoskey, MI, contact our experienced dentist, Dr. Klym, today. We’ll help you determine the best option to replace missing teeth and achieve your smile goals.

To schedule an appointment, call our Petoskey office at (231) 347-2188. You can also reach out using our online contact form, and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.