Arnold, MD Implant Overdentures

Implant overdentures are a full arch of replacement teeth that are anchored in place using dental implants. With the support of implants, the dentures function much more like your natural teeth, limiting movement and improving chewing efficacy.

Benefits of Implant Overdentures

Many patients with traditional dentures find that they tend to move around more than they had hoped. Because fully removable dentures are stabilized only by soft tissues, they may rub against your gums, causing irritation. Even well-fitted dentures can become loose or dislodged when chewing or speaking. Stabilizing dentures with dental implants resolves these issues and improves:

• Comfort—implant support will keep your dentures from sliding around and rubbing against your gums
• Confidence—you’ll no longer have to worry about your dentures slipping out of place or falling out
• Function—chewing efficacy can be restored to 100% with implant support so you can enjoy your favorite foods again
• Bone health—dental implants stimulate your jawbone and prevent bone loss that can lead to facial collapse

Implant Overdenture Treatment Options

Dr. Esposito can stabilize a full arch of dentures with as few as two implants. For optimum performance, however, she generally recommends four or more implants.

Hybrid Implant Denture

A hybrid implant denture replaces the teeth and some of the gum tissue, and is usually retained with four or six dental implants. It is screwed into place.

All-On-4 Denture

If you have been without teeth for some time, a lot of your jawbone may be lost to resorption, which complicates the placement of dental implants. One option is to graft new bone into your jaw. Another is the all-on-4 denture, which is a variation of the implant hybrid. In this procedure, two of the four implants are placed at angles. This increases their resistance to displacement and eliminates the need for bone grafting.

You can go from completely without teeth to flashing a smile in one visit with Teeth in a Day. Using the all-on-4 technique, Dr. Esposito can place the implants and secure a set of temporary teeth to them at the same appointment. After a few months of healing, you can return to have your permanent denture placed. Teeth in a Day is popular with patients because it immediately restores the ability to eat and smile. It is important to avoid chewy or tough foods during the healing period.

Dr. Esposito’s Advanced Approach to Implant Placement

To determine whether you’re a candidate for implant overdentures, Dr. Esposito will first review your medical history and perform a thorough oral exam. During the examination, she will take 3D images of your mouth using cone beam CT technology, allowing her to very precisely evaluate your oral anatomy and bone volume. The 3D scan is then used to customize a surgical guide, allowing Dr. Esposito to plan each step of your treatment prior to surgery. Guided implant surgery offers greater accuracy and predictability, resulting in a safer, shorter procedure with less healing time required.

After your implants are placed, you will typically wear a temporary denture while you heal. Over the first few months, your jawbone will fuse tightly with the implants, a process known as osseointegration. After the healing period, Dr. Esposito will attach your permanent dentures to the implants and you’ll leave the office with a beautifully natural and functional smile.

If you’re interested in implant overdentures, call our office at 410-757-6200 or request an appointment online.