Implant-Supported
Dentures

Dentures With the Advantages of Implants

To save time and money, many patients who have lost most or all of their teeth choose to replace them with dentures.

While dentures are convenient and economical, they aren’t usually the best long term solution. On their own, dentures can’t prevent many of the oral health issues associated with tooth loss.

Wearing dentures for too long can actually accelerate resorption, reducing your jawbone density and interfering with the fit and comfort of your dentures.

Fortunately, patients at Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry can now enjoy the convenience of dentures and the oral health benefits of implants with implant-supported dentures.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures, also called overdentures, are dentures held in place by permanent dental implants. In most cases, the number of implants required for implant-supported dentures is minimal. If you currently wear dentures, the doctors at Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry may be able to convert them into implant-supported dentures and help you enjoy many functional advantages and health benefits.

Benefits of Implant Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures offer many benefits when compared to traditional dentures, including:

• Increased stability when you eat, speak, and smile
• Helps to prevent jawbone density loss (resorption)
• Less trauma due to fewer implants being placed, leading to easier healing
• Quick and simple treatment
• Economical full-arch restoration solution

The Implant Supported Denture Process

Consultation

Before you can receive your implant-supported dentures, you’ll undergo a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. During your consultation, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, review your medical history, and discuss your oral health goals with you. Depending on your case, your dentist may also recommend sedation dentistry options or prescribe a supplemental procedure to ensure a successful implant surgery.

Designing Your Denture Restorations

We’ll design your new restorations by taking images and impressions of your mouth. These images and impressions will be sent to an off-site laboratory and serve as the blueprints for your new dentures. If you already have dentures and plan to have them converted into implant-supported restorations, these blueprints will help us decide on the placement and positioning of your implants.

Preparation

Before your implant surgery, we’ll thoroughly clean your mouth and apply a local anesthetic to completely numb the area. At this time, we can also provide any in-office sedation options. Once we’ve ensured that the anesthetic and any chosen sedation option have taken effect, your dentists will move forward with the procedure.

Placing Your Implants

To place your implants, your dentist will make small incisions in your gums. Then, they’ll surgically insert the implants into your jawbone, where they’ll fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. You’ll return to have your restoration installed once osseointegration is complete, usually after a period of three to six months.

Attaching Your Restorations

After you’ve healed from your implant placement surgery, you’ll return to our Belvidere, IL office to have your permanent restorations installed. Your dentures will be attached to your implants with connector pieces called abutments. Afterwards, you’ll leave our office with your newly restored smile. You’ll be able to start using your implant-supported dentures immediately, enjoying the benefits that come from enhanced stability.