How Long Do Implant-Supported Dentures Last

Patients have multiple options when choosing the denture that will best suit their needs. If a patient is missing a few teeth in one area, they may be fitted with a partial denture that can either be fixed or removable. Patients missing all of their teeth can have a choice between traditional full dentures and implant-supported dentures.

While traditional dentures are held in place by suction and adhesion, implant-supported dentures are held in place using dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures can be used to replace one or both arches or just a few teeth in one area. Depending on the number of teeth being replaced, 1 to 6 implants may be placed in the jaw to support the denture.

To begin, an oral surgeon will assess your bone level to ensure a suitable structure to support implants. If you do not have enough bone structure, they may perform a bone graft. If you do not need a bone graft, your oral surgeon can place your implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that implant crowns or dentures are screwed into. Just like traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are fabricated using an acrylic base tinted to match your gum tissue with porcelain teeth individually set into the base to replace however many teeth are missing.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are significantly more stable than traditional dentures since they are screwed into place rather than relying on adhesion and suction. This helps the patient become a custom to their new denture more quickly than traditional dentures and there is no risk of the denture slipping while eating or speaking.

They are also better for your overall oral health! Dental implants act as the root of a tooth and help stimulate bone regeneration. Without tooth roots, the jawbone structure can begin to deteriorate. For patients with a traditional denture, this can lead to an ill-fitting denture and a change in facial structure.

Implant-supported dentures are also considerably more comfortable than traditional dentures. Traditional dentures can rub and irritate the gum tissue beneath causing discomfort and sores. Implant-supported dentures do not move and therefore provide a more comfortable fit.

How much do implant-supported dentures cost?

There are a few fees that you may incur with implant-supported dentures. The oral surgeon will have their own fees for the cost of the actual implant surgery and/or bone graft. Implant placement surgery ranges from $1500-$3000 per implant site. The dentures can cost up to $40,000 per arch and though this is a costly restoration, the overall benefits of an implant-supported denture opposed to a traditional denture may be worth the expense.