Dental Implant-Retained Dentures – Arlington, TX

It really doesn’t matter if you’re about to become a new denture wearer or you’ve been wearing dentures for several years. Either way you always want to feel confident in your smile. You want to know that your dentures are going to stay in place and not move when you open your mouth to eat, speak, smile or laugh. You can have that confidence with implant-retained dentures. These combine the security of dental implants with the attractive appearance of a full denture. As a skilled implant dentist and provider of lifelike dentures, Dr. Baldwin can give you a secure new smile with dental implant-retained dentures in Arlington, TX.

What are Dental Implant-Retained Dentures?

As the name suggests, dental implants hold these dentures in place. A dental implant is a small screw that is surgically embedded in your jawbone to hold a tooth restoration in place. The screw is made of titanium, a biocompatible metal that is used in other operative procedures throughout the body including knee and hip replacement.

In the case of implant-retained dentures, several implants are strategically placed along your jaw. Detailed X-rays show Dr. Baldwin exactly where the implants should be positioned so that there is adequate bone density to hold them in place. A full denture typically requires at least four dental implants; a partial needs fewer implants to stay secure. Implant-retained dentures are most often used to replace teeth missing along the lower arch, because they are more likely to slip if not firmly secured.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implant-Retained Dentures?

Aside from holding dentures firmly in place, dental implants offer other benefits, as well. First, they help to keep your jaw strong, healthy and full looking.

When you are missing teeth, the root is gone, too. That root not only kept the tooth where it belongs, but also stimulated the jaw every time you bit down. That stimulation brought blood circulation and nutrients to your jaw. Without a replacement like a dental implant to provide stimulation, your jawbone begins to melt away. Consequently, your facial structure could change, leading to an older and more haggard appearance.

How Long Is the Healing Process After Receiving Dental Implant-Retained Dentures?

Most patients need several months to heal after implant surgery. You will still have a complete set of teeth during this time thanks to a temporary overdenture that will protect your gums and allow you to chew and smile as usual.

As your gums heal, the dental implants and surrounding bone tissue integrate to form a strong foundation for your dentures. When Dr. Baldwin is sure that your new dental implants are secure, you’ll return to our dental office to have your implant-retained dentures attached. Both fixed and removable options are available; you and your implant dentist in Arlington will decide which will suit you better. If your dentures ever need adjusting or relining, Dr. Baldwin will be happy to make them look and feel like new again.