Implant Supported Dentures

Replace missing teeth.

For patients missing a majority of their teeth, implant-supported dentures are commonly used. Implant-supported dentures are dentures that are secured in place using implants in the jaw. They are often used when a patient no longer has teeth remaining in their mouth but enough bone in their jaw to support implants. Implant-supported dentures snap into place on top of implants but can be removed for cleaning. Implant-supported dentures provide a number of benefits and are a great improvement from traditional removable dentures. They do not require any adhesives or powders to help the dentures stick and are very secure and comfortable, significantly improving the ability to chew. Because they preserve bone in the jaw and restore lip support, implant-supported dentures also help maintain facial structures and minimize wrinkles.

Is an Implant-Supported Denture Right for You?

If you're missing most or all of your teeth in an arch and have grown frustrated with a traditional denture that slips, requires adhesive, or makes it hard to eat the foods you enjoy, an implant-supported denture may be a significant upgrade. It combines the full-arch coverage of a denture with the stability of dental implants, giving you a secure fit without the daily hassle of pastes and powders.

Implant-supported dentures tend to be a strong fit if you:

• Are missing most or all of your teeth in the upper or lower arch
• Have enough jawbone density to support dental implants, or are open to a bone graft to build it up
• Are tired of a traditional denture that shifts, clicks, or requires adhesive to stay in place
• Want to preserve your jawbone and facial structure, rather than lose bone density over time
• Are looking for improved chewing ability and comfort compared to a removable, non-implant denture

How Implant-Supported Dentures Work

A small number of dental implants — typically four to six, depending on your anatomy and the design used — are placed strategically in the jawbone to act as anchor points. Once the implants have healed and integrated with the bone, a custom denture is attached on top. The denture snaps securely onto the implants, staying firmly in place while you eat and speak, but can still be removed by you at home for cleaning each night.

This is different from a fully fixed implant bridge, which is permanently attached and can only be removed by a dentist. Implant-supported dentures offer a middle ground: much more stable and secure than a traditional denture, while still being removable for easy daily care.

The Benefits Over Traditional Dentures

Patients who switch from a traditional denture to an implant-supported denture often notice the difference immediately:

• No more slipping or shifting. The denture is anchored to implants, not just resting on the gums, so it stays put while eating, laughing, or speaking.
• No adhesives needed. Skip the daily paste or powder that traditional dentures often require.
• Improved chewing strength. Because the denture is stable, you can bite and chew with significantly more confidence and force than with a traditional denture.
• Bone preservation. Traditional dentures don't stimulate the jawbone, which can lead to bone loss and a sunken facial appearance over time. Implants help preserve that bone structure.
• Better lip and facial support. By maintaining bone volume, implant-supported dentures help support the natural contours of your face, which can reduce the "collapsed" look sometimes associated with long-term denture wear.

What to Expect: The Process

Getting implant-supported dentures typically involves a few stages over the course of several months:

1. Consultation and imaging. We evaluate your jawbone density and overall oral health, often with a 3D scan, to determine if you're a candidate and how many implants your case will need.
2. Implant placement. The implants are surgically placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia (with sedation options available).
3. Healing period. The jawbone needs time to fuse with the implants, a process called osseointegration. This typically takes a few months, during which you may wear a temporary denture.
4. Denture fitting. Once healing is complete, your custom denture is fitted and attached to the implants, with adjustments made for a comfortable, secure bite.

Caring for Implant-Supported Dentures

• Remove and clean the denture daily, along with brushing around the implant attachments to keep the area free of plaque and food debris.
• Clean the implant attachment points carefully, since buildup here can affect both the fit and the health of the surrounding gum tissue.
• Keep up with regular checkups, so we can monitor the implants, the fit of the denture, and your overall oral health over time.
• Avoid excessively hard or sticky foods that could put unnecessary strain on the attachments, especially early on.

Implant-Supported Dentures vs. Other Options

If you're missing most or all of your teeth, implant-supported dentures aren't your only option. A traditional complete denture costs less upfront but doesn't offer the same stability or bone preservation. A fixed, non-removable implant bridge offers a permanent solution but typically involves a higher cost and more implants. We're happy to walk through the tradeoffs of each option based on your bone health, budget, and goals at a consultation.

Schedule an Implant-Supported Denture Consultation in Fargo

If traditional dentures haven't been working for you, or you're exploring options for replacing most or all of your teeth, we'd love to talk with you about whether implant-supported dentures are the right fit.

Request Appointment or call us at 701-293-8625 to ask about implant-supported dentures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many implants are needed for an implant-supported denture?It varies by patient and by arch, but implant-supported dentures typically use four to six implants per arch, depending on jawbone density and the specific design of the denture.

Do implant-supported dentures come out every night?Yes, in most designs. Implant-supported (as opposed to fully fixed) dentures snap onto the implants and can be removed by the patient for daily cleaning, then reattached.

How long does the whole process take?The full process, from implant placement to final denture fitting, typically takes several months to allow for proper healing and bone integration. Your dentist can give you a more specific timeline based on your case.

Will I be without teeth during the healing period?No. Most patients wear a temporary denture during the healing period after implant placement, so you won't be without teeth while the implants integrate with the jawbone.

How is this different from a traditional denture?A traditional denture rests on the gums and can shift or require adhesive to stay in place. An implant-supported denture is anchored to implants in the jawbone, providing significantly more stability, chewing strength, and bone preservation.

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