Implant Dentures Fort Mill

Rebuild a Strong & Confident Smile

Happy middle-aged patient in treatment chair

Among the millions of people who have suffered extensive tooth loss, many choose to get traditional dentures. While modern dentures certainly have their advantages, they are far from perfect. That is why we often recommend an even more reliable alternative: implant dentures. These prosthetics are stronger and longer-lasting than their traditional counterparts. Continue reading below to learn more about them, or contact Southlake Family Dentistry in Fort Mill today to request a tooth replacement consultation.

Why Choose Southlake Family Dentistry for Implant Dentures?

  • Partnered with Expert Local Specialists
  • High-Quality Prosthetics that Look Like Natural Teeth
  • Friendly, Caring, & Detail-Oriented Dental Team

What Are Implant Dentures?

Implant denture next to model of jawbone

While traditional dentures simply sit on top of the gum tissue, implant dentures are actually anchored in the jawbone via small titanium posts that act as prosthetic tooth roots.  These posts, known as dental implants, stabilize the teeth they support and provide a more lifelike, comfortable, and reliable chewing and biting experience than regular dentures.

There are two main categories of implant dentures. Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend that you get one of the following:

Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures

Illustration of implant denture for upper dental arch

As their name indicates, fixed implant dentures are permanently attached to the posts that support them. They can only be removed by a dental professional. Patients love this option because it is convenient and allows them to enjoy a 24/7 smile. However, it does require more posts than removable implant dentures.

Removable Implant Dentures

Illustration of removable ball-retained implant denture

A removable denture may require only 2 – 5 posts to support it, making it a less invasive option than regular fixed implant dentures. These prosthetics snap onto and off of small attachments on top of the implants. They should be taken out of the mouth daily for a thorough cleaning.

The Implant Denture Procedure

Senior patient talking with dental team member

Our team partners with local specialists to complete the implant denture procedure, which involves four main steps:

  • Consultation: Our team will verify whether or not implant dentures are right for you and start planning your treatment.
  • Implant Surgery: One of our partner oral surgeons or periodontists will carefully place your implant posts into your jawbone.
  • Osseointegration: Over a period of a few months, your implants will bond with your jawbone. Then, we can place small connector pieces on top of them.
  • Restoration: We will design and place your beautiful new denture.

Although the implant denture procedure might seem lengthy and complex, it provides outstanding results!

Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?

Senior dental patient talking with dental team member

Most adults with extensive tooth loss can get implant dentures, either immediately or after a bit of preparatory care. To undergo this procedure, you should meet the following criteria:

  • Your jawbone must be strong enough and large enough to support dental implants.
  • You should be free of active oral infections, such as gum disease.
  • Your overall health must be good enough that it allows you to undergo minor surgery.
  • You should have good habits that will support the long-term success of your new smile.

Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants

Happy senior man pointing at his smile

Implant dentures offer a range of impressive benefits, including:

  • Improved Stability: Implant dentures remain firmly in place during eating and speaking. You will be able to enjoy even tough and hardy foods with ease!
  • Enhanced Comfort: Implant dentures do not cause the soft tissue irritation that is commonly associated with traditional dentures.
  • Natural Appearance: We carefully design implant dentures so they are a natural complement for your features.
  • Long-Term Durability: Dental implants can last a lifetime, and the dentures attached to them often last much longer than regular non-implant dentures.
  • Jawbone Preservation: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent the deterioration that normally occurs after tooth extractions.