1601 River Drive
Suite 300, Moline, IL 61265
(309) 277-3480
Beautiful Smile Makeovers, Advanced General Dentistry
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Moline Implant Overdentures

Not too long ago, when patients were missing all their teeth, a set of removable dentures was their only treatment option. That solution, however, is fraught with problems. For one thing, since dentures rest on movable oral tissue, they can take some getting used to, and even the best dentures would give a patient back maybe 50% of their chewing ability. In addition, once all the teeth are gone and not replaced with implants, your body begins to take the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in the body. This slow deterioration of the jawbone is called facial collapse. But, in the last 30 years, implant surgery has become much more predictable and people are wanting more and more to have implants placed to help support their dentures. It avoids the problems of removable dentures.

The Implant Overdenture Process:

  • Dr. Goebel will do a comprehensive exam to make sure you are a candidate.
  • You will have x-rays taken. These will include a 3-dimensional scan to accurately assess bone support and the positions of vital nerve canals and other structures to avoid surgical accidents.
  • Dr. Goebel will discuss your options with you, your budget, and determine the details of your treatment plan.
  • He will refer you to a surgeon who specializes in implant surgery to place the implants. The surgery can be done under sedation if you wish. During the surgery, implants will be placed in your jawbone.
  • You’ll have a healing period of several months. During this time, your bone will fuse to the implants, a process called osseointegration. You will probably want a provisional denture to wear during this time.
  • Once the osseointegration has occurred, the implants will be solidly anchored, and your permanent denture can be made. You’ll get to choose the smile design, shapes, and shade of your new teeth.
  • You will have follow-up appointments.

Overdentures Options

It’s typical to place four to six dental implants to anchor a single arch of teeth. This results in a well-anchored set of teeth that will feel like you have your own natural teeth back. Here are a couple of specific options.

All-on-4 Overdentures

Since implants require a certain amount of bone support in order to be stable, bone grafting may be required to increase the amount of bone available. A few years ago, a dentist in Portugal developed a mechanism of avoiding bone grafting by placing shorter implants at angles. The angulation of the implants increases the resistance to displacement and can anchor a denture with a minimal amount of bone present. The procedure is called All-on-4 dental implants. In some cases, we increase that to All-on-6.

We offer that option to our patients. Not only does it avoid the time and cost of bone grafting, but the denture can often be placed considerably sooner than it would with traditional implant procedures.

Snap-On Overdentures

If budget is an issue, another option is the snap-on denture. This is held in place by two implants. A snap fixture is installed so that your denture can snap down onto those implants. Since there are only two implants, the back end of the denture can flop up and down just a little, but it won’t slide around and won’t fall out at embarrassing moments.

Benefits of Securing Dentures with Implants

  • Increased stability helps them fit and feel better.
  • Easier to speak, eat, and socialize because they are secure.
  • Better fit, you won’t have to worry about your teeth being loose.
  • Better function by restoring your chewing efficiency and increasing your ability to taste and enjoy food.
  • Stimulate the bone because the implants are artificial tooth roots. This will prevent resorption of the bone and the accompanying facial collapse.

 

Proper Care for Implant Overdentures

  • You will need to brush your denture teeth with an extra-soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleaner.
  • Make sure to use a water flosser to get around and beneath the implants.
  • Make and keep your scheduled exams with us.

With the correct care and maintenance, implant overdentures can have a success rate above 90% after 15 years.

Do you think you need implant overdentures? Dr. Goebel will be happy to meet with you for a consultation. Just call our office or visit our request an appointment page.