RESTORE YOUR ENTIRE SMILE WITH LIFELIKE IMPLANT-SUPPORTED DENTURES
If you are missing a large number of teeth or an entire dental arch, you may qualify for stable, realistic implant-supported dentures at Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney. Dr. John M. Pinnix IV and Dr. George A. Betancourt are trained and experienced in all aspects of implant dentistry, allowing them to both place and restore dental implants at their “one-stop shop” in Charlotte, NC. Furthermore, they offer traditional implant-supported dentures, as well as ultramodern All-on-4®. With their attention to detail and their advanced imaging technology, our doctors can easily determine the most appropriate type of restoration. No matter which option you choose, your denture can help ensure fully renewed oral function, as well as lifelong protection for your oral health.
Are Implant-Supported Dentures Appropriate for You?
An implant-supported denture may be a good option if you are missing all the teeth in your top or bottom dental arch. This type of denture may also be appropriate if you have significant dental damage and you require multiple extractions. To determine your candidacy for implant-supported dentures, Drs. Pinnix or Betancourt will need to conduct a thorough exam. The most vital consideration is the health of your jawbone. A strong jawbone will provide plenty of support for the implants, ensuring a lasting restoration. Fortunately, even if you have suffered jawbone atrophy, our dentists can often perform a bone graft to replace lost tissue. Alternatively, All-on-4 dentures use smaller posts, so grafting is not always necessary.
The Treatment Process for Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant surgery will take place under local anesthesia and some form of deeper sedation. Before beginning the process, your dentist can help you determine whether nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV (intravenous) sedation, or general anesthesia best suits your needs. Once you are comfortable, your doctor can place the implant posts with minimal discomfort.
Drs. Pinnix or Betancourt will place between four and six implants per dental arch. The exact number will depend on the size and type of your restoration. These posts will be set in small pilot holes that your dentist can create through tiny incisions in your gums. For traditional dental implants, the healing period takes approximately four to six months while your bone tissue fuses with the implant posts. In some cases, you may need to wear a temporary removable denture during this time. Alternatively, if you qualify for All-on-4 implants, your dentist can attach a custom-crafted restoration on the same day as your surgery.
An implant-supported denture may be a good option if you are missing all the teeth in your top or bottom dental arch. This type of restoration may also be appropriate if you have significant dental damage and you require multiple extractions.
Once you have fully healed, you can return to the office for the next step in the procedure. If you are going to receive a standard implant-supported denture, your dentist will need to perform a second surgery that removes any gum tissue that has grown over the implant posts. Once this is complete, he can attach your restoration. It could be permanently fixed in place, or you may opt for a fixed hybrid prosthesis. This second option is just as stable but also offers the benefits of a removable restoration. Even if you receive an All-on-4 implants, your dentist will take off the original prosthetic and attach the final restoration at this time.
The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
Just as there are many benefits to receiving dental implants, there are a number of reasons to choose custom implant-supported dentures. including:
- These restorations offer unparalleled stability. You will typically be able to enjoy an unrestricted diet. Your denture will never slip around in your mouth, allowing you to eat and smile with confidence.
- Implant-supported dentures look more realistic than standard dentures because they do not have a plastic base. Instead, they sit right against the gums and attach to dental implants with a ball-and-socket connector. In addition, we meticulously design our restorations and use the latest materials to craft an incredibly natural-looking prosthetic.
- Dental implants replace missing tooth roots. Like natural roots, they will emit regenerative signals, which will stop jawbone recession. Implants are the only type of restoration to perform this important function.
Restore Your Smile and Your Oral Health
To find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, contact Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pinnix or Dr. Betancourt. You can also call our office at (704) 543-1102 and speak to a knowledgeable member of our staff who can answer any questions you may have.
