Implant Dentures – Springfield, MO
Full-Arch Tooth Replacement That Stays in Place
Have you been getting tired of dealing with a denture that slides around all the time? If so, it’s probably an understatement to say that you have difficulty with certain tasks like smiling and eating. Fortunately, you don’t need to deal with slipping dentures forever. At Galleria Dental of Springfield, Dr. Eric Tolliver can secure a custom denture onto a small number of dental implants for maximum stability and a completely natural feel. Contact us today to learn more about how implant dentures can help you smile!
Why Choose Galleria Dental of Springfield for Implant Dentures?
- Dental Implant Surgery Performed In-House
- Experienced, Compassionate Implant Dentist
- Low- to No-Interest Dental Financing Available
What Are Implant Dentures?
Rather than relying on adhesive, suction, or metal clasps to stay in place, implant dentures are anchored onto dental implants – artificial tooth roots that are surgically positioned in the jawbone. This comprehensive structure gives implant dentures the same stability as the pearly whites you were born with.
When you visit your implant dentist for a consultation, Dr. Tolliver can go over your options in terms of which type of implant denture you would prefer. The two main types are:
Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures
Sometimes called hybrid dentures, fixed implant dentures are permanently attached to the implants and can only be taken off by a dental professional. On average, a permanent implant denture requires between four and six implant posts that are strategically inserted along the jawbone.
Removable Implant Dentures
An implant denture can also be designed so that you can take it out whenever you’d like. Removable implant dentures typically need fewer implant posts than fixed ones, so you might qualify for them even if you have lower jawbone density.
The Implant Denture Process
From start to finish, the process of getting implant dentures can span several months to a year or even longer. When you consider that this solution can last for many decades, though, the wait is worth it! Better yet, Dr. Tolliver can complete every step of the process right here in our dental office, so you won’t need to worry about referrals to unfamiliar specialists. These steps include:
- The initial consultation
- Any preparatory work that is needed beforehand, such as bone grafting or gum disease therapy
- Surgically placing the implant posts into your jaw
- The jawbone grows around the implants over the next four to six months (a process called osseointegration)
- Placing the attachments on top of your implants that will secure your prosthetic
- Designing and installing the denture onto your implants
Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?
Generally, good candidates for dental implants have a healthy mouth that is free of decay and infections. They’re also committed to maintaining daily oral hygiene habits, have a strong jawbone, and are free of overall health conditions that could complicate surgery or healing.
Even if you don’t initially meet all of these criteria, you can most likely become eligible for implant dentures with one of more preliminary treatments. Dr. Tolliver can outline which procedures may be necessary when you visit him for a consultation.
Benefits of Combining Dentures with Dental Implants
When dentures are secured onto dental implants, they essentially look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. This gives them multiple benefits over traditional dentures alone, such as:
- Chewing your favorite delicious, nutritious foods
- Smiling without worrying that your teeth will shift or fall out
- Preventing the jawbone loss that occurs after teeth are lost
- A tooth replacement that can last for 30+ years
- A more cost-effective solution, as you won’t need to pay for denture adhesive or replace your prosthetic entirely every five to ten years