Implant Supported Dentures Frequently Asked Questions

Our natural teeth are a critical component of our daily living. An estimated 40 million people in the United States don’t have any of their own teeth remaining. When someone loses their teeth it’s important to do something about it in order to maintain a sense of normalcy. While modern dentistry aims to prevent tooth loss, there are solutions for people who are missing some or all of their teeth.

Dentures are the most common solution for patients missing most or all of their teeth. They are an affordable and practical solution for many people. The challenge with dentures is that because they rest on the gums, they can come loose and be quite uncomfortable. The gum shape also changes over time which impacts how well the dentures fit against the gum. As a result, people can feel insecure and face other challenges. Implant supported dentures have become a common solution as they help resolve the challenges associated with traditional dentures.

1. What are denture implants?

Denture implants are man-made screws, usually made of titanium, which are placed into the jaw bone. The screw acts a secure base to attach a denture. About two to six implants are required to attach a denture.

2. What is the difference between denture implants & traditional dentures?

Traditional dentures stick to the gums and usually includes one piece per jaw. With dental implants, the implant holds the denture in place and there are technically two parts. The first part is the surgically-placed implants which are inserted into the jaw bone. The implants attach to the second part which is the actual denture.

3. What are the benefits of denture implants?

There are numerous advantages of implants for dentures which are summarized below. Many of these benefits address the issues found with traditional dentures.

• Security and retention – dentures are held in place by implants and cannot move unless a dentist is involved.
• Jaw bone preservation – implants help preserve the jaw bone which prevents bone decay and loss.
• Smaller and more natural looking – because the dentures are secured to the implant, the denture can be smaller and fits more comfortable inside the mouth.
• Comfort – denture implants remain in place and are attached to the jaw. This allows for normal chewing and a strong bite.

4. What are the drawbacks of denture implants?

While there are many advantages to selecting denture implants, there are a few drawbacks which include:

• Surgery – surgery is required for placing the implants. Anesthesia is used to ensure patients do not experience any pain during the placement. The typical recovery time is relatively short.
• Cost – denture implants cost significantly more up front compared to traditional dentures.

5. What is the procedure for placing denture implants?

The dental implant procedure consists of four steps. The duration of the procedure from start to finish will vary drastically for each person.

• Consultation and preparation
• Placing the implants
• Fitting the abutment
• Fitting the denture

6. What is the cost?

Patients can expect to pay about $1,500-$3,000 per implant. Each jaw typically requires four to eight implants. This does not include the cost of a denture. Dentures cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per jaw. A reasonable price for the entire procedure and all required components is $20,000. In some cases, the dentist is able to use mini implants which cost $500-$1,500 per implant and helps to reduce the overall cost of the procedure.

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