Implant Supported Dentures
Arlington VA

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Implant Supported Dentures

An implant-supported denture is a combination of two dental technologies. A traditional denture tray is attached to, stabilized, and secured by surgically placed dental implants. A conventional denture rests on your gums and is secured by adhesive, not dental implants.

The team at Cherrydale Family Dental have created a comfortable family orientated environment working with every member of the family, from infant to teenager to parents to grandparents. Our staff believes patience is a virtue that we exercise with all ages. We enjoy watching a patient grow with a healthy smile. If you have any questions at all regarding implant supported dentures, simply call Cherrydale Family Dental at 703-991-4348. You can find us at 4399 Langston Boulevard, Arlington VA 22207.

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How the Implant Supported Dentures Work?

There are basically two types of implant-supported dentures: bar-retained and ball-retained. The denture tray will be made of an acrylic base that will look like gums. Porcelain or acrylic teeth that look like your natural teeth are placed into the base.

Ball-retained dentures (stud-attachment dentures) — Each implant post placed in the jawbone holds a metal attachment that fits into another attachment on the denture. The extensions on the implants are ball-shaped and they fit into sockets on the backside of the denture tray.

Bar-retained dentures — A thin metal bar that follows the curve of your arch is attached to two to five titanium implants that have been placed in your jawbone. Clips or other types of attachments are then fitted to the bar, the denture tray, or both. The denture fits over the bar and is securely clipped into place by these attachments.

The Implant Supported Denture Procedure

During your initial dental exam, we will review your medical and dental histories, take X-rays, and create impressions of your teeth or gums so that models can be made. We may order a computed tomography (CT) scan of your mouth if necessary. This can show where your sinuses (located above your upper teeth) and nerves are. It allows us to make sure the sinuses will not be affected by the implant placement. A CT scan also may be done to confirm how much jawbone is available and to pinpoint the best locations for the implants. If you are not already wearing a complete denture to replace your missing teeth, we will make you a temporary one. You will use this temporary denture until we complete the implant-supported denture. It may take about four visits, spanning several weeks, to complete this implant-supported denture.

Once the temporary denture is finished, we will use a copy of it as a guide to help place the implants in the proper positions. Holes will be drilled in the copy of the denture so that they can see where the implants should be placed.

Two minor surgeries usually are needed. The first one places the titanium post implants in the jawbone. The second surgery will expose the tops of the posts to add extensions or abutments to reach the surface of your gums.

Depending on the final placement of the implants, it may take a few months for the implants to fuse or integrate to the jawbone.

A healing cap or collar is placed on the head of each extension after it is exposed. This guides the gum tissue to heal correctly. We will adjust your temporary denture again and it may be given another soft reline. The reline material will secure the temporary denture to the healing abutments. We can now make an impression of your gum tissue and abutments. This impression is now used to make a working model of your abutments and jaw. This model is the guide to make the denture framework and teeth.

The final set of dentures will be fabricated at a dental lab. Whether the ball or bar retained framework have been fitted together properly, the teeth are temporarily placed on the framework in wax. The entire denture is then tried into your mouth. If all goes well, the teeth are secured in the denture framework permanently. The bar or ball attachments also will be secured. The final step is to snap the final denture tray on to the supporting framework. We can review and make final tweaks for your comfort.

Oral Hygiene of Your Implant Supported Denture

You will need to remove the denture at night and for proper cleaning. You should brush your gums and carefully clean around the attachments.

We will test all the parts of your new denture to see if they are secure. Even though your denture is stable, it still can move slightly when you chew. This slight movement can cause the denture to rub against your gums, which can cause sore spots. We will check your gums and will check the way your bite alignment after the final insertion of the denture.

The clips or other attachments on the ball or bar-retained denture usually will need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months. They are made of nylon plastic and will wear after continued use.

The Benefits of Your Implant Supported Dentures

Your implant-supported denture will be far more stable and secure than a regular denture. You generally will be able to eat foods you could not eat before. It is still suggested to not chew hard or sticky foods because they might damage the denture. The posts act as natural roots. They deliver pressure sensations through biting and chewing and even allow you to feel temperature changes. You will also fell more comfortable with your speech due to the enhanced stability. The posts also stabilize the health of the jawbone by reversing the atrophy process.

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Quality Dental Care for ALL Family Members

At Cherrydale Family Dental, 4399 Langston Boulevard, Arlington VA 22207, we work hard to develop trusting and long-lasting relationships with every patient of all ages. We welcome all patients to join our family. We want to contribute to helping all family members in maintaining good oral health indefinitely. We look forward to seeing you and discussing what is best for you and your smile. Please contact us at 703-243-8288 to discuss the benefits of implant supported dentures and how it can improve your quality of life.

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Modern dentistry techniques, affordable prices and financial options make it easier than ever for you to have a bright and healthy smile. We are currently accepting new patients and we would love to help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

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