Implant-Supported Dentures: Your Path to a Confident Smile
Enjoying your favorite meals, speaking confidently, and sharing your smile shouldn't feel like a daily challenge. If missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures have made those simple joys more difficult, implant-supported dentures at Haid Dental in Dublin, OH, may be the solution you've been searching for.
Dr. Tara Haid, Dr. R. Michael Emrich, and Dr. Lisa Johnson specialize in restoring oral health and confidence through advanced tooth replacement options that feel, look, and function like natural teeth. By combining the stability of dental implants with the coverage of dentures, this treatment offers a more secure, lasting way to replace missing teeth and enhance your quality of life.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures—also known as denture implants or implant dentures—are a modern alternative to conventional dentures. Rather than resting directly on the gum tissue, they are anchored to a series of dental implants that integrate with your jawbone. This foundation creates a stable, natural feel and eliminates the need for denture adhesives or constant readjustments.
Depending on your treatment plan, our team may recommend either removable implant dentures, which snap securely into place, or a fixed type of overdenture, which stays attached for maximum stability. Both options offer a comfortable fit and a stronger bite, helping you enjoy a wider range of foods while protecting your jawbone density from future bone loss.
Dr. Haid, Dr. Emrich, and Dr. Johnson work closely with each patient to determine the right choice based on their needs, bone health, and aesthetic goals.
Why Patients Choose Implant-Supported Dentures
Many patients in Dublin, OH, find implant dentures to be a more permanent solution compared to traditional dentures. These restorations provide benefits that go far beyond appearance:
- Improved stability: The implants act like tooth roots, holding your denture firmly in place so you can smile, laugh, and chew without worry.
- Enhanced comfort: Because they don't rest on the roof of your mouth or require messy adhesives, they feel more natural and lightweight.
- Bone preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that can lead to changes in facial structure over time.
- A natural appearance: Made with durable acrylic and shaped to match your features, these dentures blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
- Better function: You'll enjoy your favorite foods again—including those that may have been difficult with regular dentures—without discomfort or slippage.
With proper care and maintenance, implant-supported dentures can last many years in Dublin, offering both beauty and function that closely mimic natural teeth.
Comparing Implant-Supported and Traditional Dentures
When it comes to tooth replacement options, understanding the differences between implant-supported dentures and traditional dentures can help you make the best choice for your oral health and comfort. Both can restore your smile, but the way they fit, feel, and function is quite different.
Stability and Comfort
Implant-supported dentures are anchored directly into the jawbone using dental implants, providing a secure, more natural fit. This type of denture, because they don't rely on suction or adhesives, allows you to speak and chew confidently without worrying about slipping or movement.
In contrast, traditional dentures rest on the gum tissue and may require denture adhesives to stay in place. Over time, they can loosen, leading to irritation or discomfort—especially when eating or talking.
Bone Health and Facial Structure
A significant advantage of implant dentures is their ability to preserve jawbone density. The implants act as artificial tooth roots, stimulating the bone and preventing the bone loss that often occurs after tooth loss.
Conventional dentures, however, do not provide this stimulation. As the bone gradually weakens and shrinks, it can alter the shape of your face, making your dentures feel less secure.
Function and Eating Habits
Because implant-supported dentures are securely anchored, they allow you to enjoy a wider range of foods—including harder or chewier options that might be difficult with regular dentures. The added stability also reduces pressure on your gum tissue and promotes better digestion through more efficient chewing.
On the other hand, traditional dentures can shift while you eat, making certain foods uncomfortable or challenging to manage. This can limit your diet and impact your overall health over time.
Longevity and Maintenance
With proper care, implant-supported dentures can last for decades. Their durable acrylic design and secure metal components resist wear and tear, providing a more permanent solution for missing teeth.
While traditional dentures can be a more affordable option initially, they typically need to be replaced every few years due to bone loss and changes in the oral cavity. Over time, the need for adjustments and adhesives can make them less convenient than their implant-supported counterparts.
The Process of Getting Implant-Supported Dentures
Every smile is unique, which is why Dr. Haid, Dr. Emrich, and Dr. Johnson create a custom implant denture treatment plan for each Dublin, Ohio, patient. While individual details vary, most patients can expect the following steps:
Initial Consultation and Examination
The first step in your tooth replacement journey is a comprehensive exam and digital imaging to evaluate bone density and overall oral health. If you've experienced tooth loss or have worn conventional dentures, this step ensures your jawbone is strong enough to support implants.
Preliminary Treatments (If Needed)
If the density of your jawbone is insufficient, a bone grafting procedure may be recommended to strengthen the area before implant placement. This ensures long-term stability and helps prevent future bone loss. Other preliminary treatments may include one or more tooth extractions.
Dental Implant Placement
During the dental implant surgery, small titanium posts are precisely positioned in the jawbone. These serve as anchors for your implant denture. Over the next few months, the implants fuse naturally with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a secure, long-lasting foundation.
Temporary and Healing Phase
While your implants heal, you may receive a temporary denture so you can continue smiling and eating comfortably. During this time, your dental team will monitor healing and make any needed adjustments.
Final Fitting and Customization
Once the implants have integrated, impressions are taken to design your permanent custom implant dentures, ensuring the overall process results in dentures that are carefully shaped and shaded to complement your natural tooth color, facial structure, and bite alignment.
Placement and Adjustment
After your final fitting, we will ensure your new denture is properly cared for and comfortably fitted. You'll receive guidance on daily care and maintenance, and on how to adapt to your new, stable smile.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
You may be a good candidate for implant dentures if you have missing teeth and want a more stable, functional alternative to regular dentures. Dublin candidates should have sufficient jawbone density and healthy gum tissue to support dental implant placement.
Even if you've experienced bone loss from long-term tooth loss, additional procedures like bone grafting can help restore your foundation for successful treatment. Dr. Haid, Dr. Emrich, and Dr. Johnson will evaluate your oral cavity, discuss your goals, and determine the right solution for your needs.
Those seeking improved function, a natural appearance, and freedom from denture adhesives often find implant-supported dentures to be the best choice for lasting comfort and confidence.
How Implant-Supported Dentures Protect Oral Health
Unlike conventional dentures, which rest directly on the gums and can cause irritation or pressure, implant dentures distribute impact forces evenly across the jawbone. This prevents the bone from shrinking and helps preserve your face's natural structure.
Because the implants function like natural roots, they also promote better oral hygiene by allowing easier cleaning around the natural gums and between metal components. Regular brushing, fluoride toothpaste, and professional cleanings at Haid Dental can help maintain both your implants and surrounding natural teeth.
By supporting bone health and protecting adjacent teeth from shifting, implant-supported dentures play a key role in long-term dental health and overall wellness.
Caring for Your Implant-Supported Dentures
Just like natural teeth, implant dentures require consistent care to maintain their strength, appearance, and longevity. Following your dentist's instructions for daily care helps keep your oral health at its best:
- Brush twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque around your gum tissue and implants.
- Rinse with cool water (never hot water, which may warp the denture base).
- Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the durable acrylic or strain the metal components.
- Schedule routine visits at our Dublin dental office for checkups and professional cleanings.
- Handle your denture carefully and store it safely when not in use.
With proper maintenance, your implant dentures can last for many years, keeping your smile healthy and your bite strong.
Restore Your Smile with Implant-Supported Dentures
If you're ready to regain your confidence, restore your oral health, and enjoy the freedom of a stable, natural-looking smile, consider implant-supported dentures at Haid Dental.
Our team, led by Dr. Tara Haid, Dr. R. Michael Emrich, and Dr. Lisa Johnson, will guide you through every step and help you find the right tooth replacement option, ensuring a personalized approach and exceptional care at every visit.
Call us today at 614-635-9651 to schedule your consultation and discover whether implant-supported dentures are the right solution for your smile.
