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Considerate. Compassionate. Confident.
These are just a few words that accurately describe our amazing team. We are experts at building relationships and helping you feel at ease during your visit, whether it be for a consultation or treatment.
We pride ourselves on providing an atmosphere that allows patients to sit back, relax, and feel confident that they are in good hands.
Implant Retained Dentures
If you’re tired of dealing with loose or uncomfortable dentures, Dentistry on Monroe is here to help. Our dental implant services offer a long-lasting, secure solution that feels and functions like natural teeth. Located in the heart of Charlotte, NC, our practice combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to ensure every patient feels confident and cared for. Let’s explore how this transformative treatment can change your life.
What are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Dentures are a sensible solution for patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth to disease, decay, or injury. Partial dentures replace some of the teeth in a dental arch (meaning some upper teeth or some lower teeth), while complete dentures replace all of the teeth in a dental arch. Traditionally, dentures consisted of acrylic teeth that were held either by suction to a patient’s gums (sometimes with the help of adhesive pastes or powders) or by metal clips that grip onto the remaining teeth. However, there are expanded options for removable dentures available to patients, including implant dentures.
Implant dentures are removable prostheses supported by the soft tissue of your gums. These dentures are held in place by metal posts implanted directly into the jawbone. The metal posts have ball-shaped pieces that stick out of the gums and snap into small housings set into the denture. They are suitable for patients who are eligible for dentures but don’t want to be concerned about using adhesives to keep them in place.
Benefits of Implant Dentures
Because the dentures are attached to implants in the jawbone, they are much more stable than those held in place with adhesive. As a result, patients don’t need to be as limited in their diets as these dentures are harder to dislodge than those held in by suction. In addition, their increased stability makes implant dentures more comfortable than traditional dentures.
In addition, the placement of implants in a dental arch can help prevent jawbone degeneration. When teeth are removed, the bone that holds them in tends to recede. This can make traditional dentures lose their fit over time. Instead, dental implants can act as “placeholders” for the lost teeth, preventing the bone around them from degenerating.
Types of Permanent Dentures
There are two types of implant dentures: implant-supported and implant-retained. Both types are held in place by titanium dental implants. Implant-supported dentures are a set of permanent false teeth that can only be removed professionally by a dentist using special tools as they are bolted onto their implants. They are typically removed twice a year for cleaning, though a dentist can remove them if a health issue necessitates their removal. These dentures are typically more expensive than implant-retained dentures, as more implants are needed, and the prosthesis requires a more detailed fabrication process. It also usually either has a titanium bar inside of the acrylic denture, or the entire denture is composed of an extremely strong ceramic material.
Implant-retained dentures are much more similar to traditional dentures, but they have small housings on the gum-facing surface that simply snap onto implants. This allows patients to remove them at home to clean as needed. They typically require fewer implants and are easier to fabricate; however, they are much less stable than implant-supported dentures. If the snap-on housings weaken over time, they can be replaced so that a patient’s dentures maintain as much stability as possible.
How Do Implant-Retained Dentures Differ from Traditional Dentures?
The difference is all about stability and comfort. Traditional dentures often slip out of place, require adhesives, and can cause sore spots. In contrast, implant dentures stay firmly in place, giving you the freedom to enjoy your favorite foods and speak with confidence. They look and feel more like your natural teeth, providing a seamless and comfortable experience.
How Long Do Implant Dentures Last?
Traditional dentures rely on suction and adhesives to remain in place. However, over time the jawbone can degenerate or otherwise change shape, causing adhesive-based dentures to need to be replaced every so often. Because of their stability and strong bond with the jaw, implant dentures can last much longer.
If you have implant-supported dentures, you must be aware of any food particles that may become trapped between them and your gums because patients cannot remove these dentures at home. Implant-retained dentures can be removed at home, making cleaning more manageable, but implant-supported dentures can only be cleaned in the office by a dentist. Remaining vigilant about oral hygiene while wearing implant dentures will go a long way to increasing their longevity.
What Is the Recovery Time After Implant Placement?
Healing times vary, but most patients recover within a few weeks. During this period, the implants fuse with your jawbone to create a secure anchor for your dentures. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions to support your recovery and ensure the best possible results.
How Do I Care for Implant-Retained Dentures?
Caring for your denture implants is simple:
- Brush and floss daily, just like you would with natural teeth.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean the gum area.
- Visit Dentistry on Monroe regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
With proper care, your new smile can last for decades.
Are Implant-Retained Dentures Comfortable?
Absolutely! Unlike traditional dentures that can cause sore spots or slip, implant-retained dentures are designed to fit securely and comfortably. They feel natural, stay in place while eating or talking, and eliminate the need for adhesives. Many patients say they forget they’re even wearing them!
Why Choose Dentistry on Monroe for Dentures?
At Dentistry on Monroe, we don’t just treat teeth—we care for people. Here’s why patients choose us:
- Expert Care: Dr. Turner’s advanced training in dental implants ensures precise, high-quality results.
- Modern Comforts: Our office offers noise-canceling headphones, ceiling-mounted TVs, and sedation dentistry to make every visit relaxing.
- Convenient Location: Centrally located in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Charlotte, NC.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize education, transparency, and personalized care.
What Is the Procedure for Getting Implant-Retained Dentures?
At Dentistry on Monroe, we make the process simple and stress-free:
- Initial Consultation: Dr. Eric Turner, DMD, will assess your oral health and discuss your goals.
- Implant Placement: Titanium posts are gently placed in your jawbone during a minor procedure.
- Healing and Integration: Over the next few months, your jawbone will naturally fuse with the implants, creating a strong foundation.
- Custom Denture Attachment: Your custom dentures are securely attached, completing your transformation.
Throughout the process, our team ensures you are comfortable and well-informed. We’re with you every step of the way.
Permanent Dentures Cost
Many elements can affect the cost of implant dentures. These include the overall health of your mouth, the procedures you undergo to prepare your jawbone for implant dentures, how many implants are used, and whether they are implant-supported or implant-retained. While traditional dentures are often covered by insurance to some degree, implant dentures are not always fully covered if they’re covered at all. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to ascertain your coverage level.
At Dentistry on Monroe, we believe that finance should not be a barrier to oral health, so we offer our patients a membership plan that helps cut down the cost of many procedures!
Am I a Candidate for Implant-Retained Dentures?
Many people are excellent candidates for implant-retained dentures, especially if you’re missing multiple teeth and looking for a stable solution. Key factors include:
- Sufficient jawbone density to support implants.
- Healthy gums and overall good oral health.
- A commitment to maintaining proper oral hygiene.
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for implants, don’t worry—Dr. Turner offers advanced solutions like bone grafting to make this treatment accessible.
Schedule a Consultation for Permanent Dentures Today!
It can be challenging for a patient to lose their teeth. However, this condition does not need to limit their quality of life. Advancements in dental procedures allow modern solutions like implant dentures to resolve many oral health concerns in a minimally invasive way. That’s why Dr. Eric Turner, DMD, and the Dentistry on Monroe team offer this treatment and many more.
We practice effective and efficient oral health care using the latest in 3D scanning, 3D printing, and computer-aided milling technology to provide beautiful dentures that look as natural as possible. At the same time, we emphasize patient comfort and building relationships that last a lifetime. So, if you have any questions or want to come in for an appointment, please get in touch with us today.
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Don’t wait until a dental problem progresses before getting professionally diagnosed and treated. Our dental team can provide the latest in treatment while improving your understanding of and trust in dental treatment options.