Dental Implants
Denture stability that snaps or fastens into place — no shifting, no adhesive.
Dental Implants
Patients who are missing a tooth or teeth, or who have become frustrated with common issues associated with traditional dentures, such as discomfort, having to follow a restricted diet, or constant shifting and slipping may be good candidates for implant supported dentures. Implant supported dentures are specially designed dentures that snap onto titanium posts that are placed in your jaw. Depending upon your preference, you can either have an implant supported denture that is removable, or a fixed implant, which will essentially act as a permanent tooth or teeth.
Along with the impact missing teeth can have on an individual’s self-esteem and self-confidence, there are numerous health issues that can develop when a tooth or teeth are not replaced over time, including the following:
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty trained periodontists Dr. Justin Zalewsky and Dr. Antara Daru have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about implant supported dentures, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
The Procedure
Here's what your implant supported dentures treatment looks like, step by step.
Prior to performing the procedure, we will conduct a 3D scan of your teeth, gums and jaw to in order to develop a detailed view of your mouth structures and jawbone contours, which will allow us to determine the optimal location to place your implants. This initial scan will also allow us to determine whether or not a bone graft or augmentation for your jawbone is necessary.
If it is determined that you are a viable candidate for implant supported dentures, your procedure will be scheduled. Prior to the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic and dental sedation if necessary. Our clinic offers a range of dental sedation options, including oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation, so be sure to discuss your specific needs and concerns prior to the procedure being performed so we can ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
In some cases, patients will need to have a tooth extracted prior to the implants being placed; however, if this is not the case for you, once you are properly numbed, your periodontist will secure the titanium posts that will anchor your dentures into your jaw. Once these posts are properly positioned, a set of temporary dentures which has been customized to your specific mouth will be placed, which can be worn throughout the healing process. Once the titanium posts have fused with your jawbone, your implant supported dentures will be placed and your treatment will be complete.
There are a range of benefits associated with implant supported dentures, including the following:
Recovery & Aftercare
Following your implant supported denture procedure, it is important to be cautious during the initial healing stage. You should plan on sticking to a soft food diet for the first two weeks, after which you can begin to slowly reintroduce harder foods.
Once you have completed the recovery process, it will not be necessary to follow special aftercare instructions, although it is important to be aware of the reason this procedure was needed in the first place. Continue practicing good daily oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss twice daily and schedule regular visits to your periodontist. These regular visits ensure that your teeth will receive regular professional cleanings, and will reduce your risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come.
Frequently Asked
Once your natural teeth are gone, there are a few options to consider for replacing the absent teeth. Most dentists recommend either traditional dentures or implant supported dentures. There are significant differences between these two techniques and each has specific pros and cons to consider. Understanding the differences will help ensure you make the best decision for teeth replacement. Conventional dentures are designed to follow to the unique shape of your mouth. Your gums and the underlying bone structure in your mouth support the dentures. Dentures can rub against your gums during normal wear and create painful sores. This type of denture can be removed and cleaned outside the mouth. What implant supported dentures are explains how the appliance is anchored, and how long implant supported dentures last sets expectations for replacement over time.
Traditional implants cost between $1,600 and $2,200 per implant while mini dental implants cost $500 to $1,500 each. Traditional dental implants are wider than minis and offer the greatest level of stability which is important for larger restorations. Unfortunately, some patients do not have the adequate bone density required to support a large implant. When a large implant is not an option, mini implants are often used. While mini dental implants are less expensive up front, they do not provide as much support and often times require replacement in the future. For patients who have underlying oral health concerns, like decay or gum disease, these issues will require treatment before the patient can receive dental implants. In addition, some patients have poor bone density in the jawbone and require bone grafts in order to support the implant posts. These preparatory procedures are not typically included in the price estimate for implant-supported dentures and will increase the cost. Bone grafting procedures cost between $600 and 2,600.
An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture which is supported by and connected to implants. In comparison, regular dentures rest on the gums and are not supported by implants. An implant-supported denture is commonly used for patients who do not have any teeth in the jaw, but have sufficient bone in their jaw to support the implants. An implant-supported denture contains special attachments that connect to attachments located on the implants. Implant-supported dentures are often used for the lower jaw as regular dentures can be less stable. A traditional denture used for the upper jaw is often stable enough on its own and doesn't require the additional support provided by implants. Patients are able to receive implant-supported dentures in both the upper and/or lower jaw. Patients often ask how this compares with a fixed solution — permanent dentures covers that option, full mouth dental implants addresses treating a full arch, and a dental implant with an existing partial explains how an existing partial can sometimes be incorporated.
Cost & Payment
The cost of having implant supported dentures placed will vary depending upon a variety of factors, including what your dental insurance plan, how many dentures you need to have placed, and whether or not additional procedures are required.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts CareCredit, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance, or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office or you can apply online at www.carecredit.com.
For your convenience, we accept:
Where We Practice
Request An Appointment
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation at our Washington DC, Alexandria, or Reston office. We look forward to welcoming you.
