If you currently have a missing row of teeth and are using traditional dentures, you know how frustrating they can be. Biting, chewing, and speaking become more difficult than they used to be—even once you get used to your dentures.
Whether you are getting dentures for the first time or you are looking to upgrade, you may be wondering what your options are. One popular alternative to traditional dentures is implant-supported dentures.
What Are Implants?
Dental implants are a teeth replacement option that involves the placement of a titanium rod or rods into the jawbone of a patient to hold a prosthetic in place. While many people think of dental implants as the prosthetic itself, the implants are only the portions that are installed in the jawbone. This is why there are different “types” of dental implants.
Single dental implants are ideal for the replacement of one tooth or a small number of missing teeth. For a full row of teeth, the best option is generally implant-supported dentures.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are a form of dentures that require dental implants to be installed to hold the denture prosthetic in place. As they involve the placement of prosthetics that are intended to span the length of entire rows of teeth, multiple implants are placed to hold the dentures in position. The dentures are secured so they can be removed, but only by a dentist. An alternative to this is snap-in dentures, which can be removed by the patient.
How Much Do Implant-Supported Dentures Cost?
The cost of implant-supported dentures will depend on a few factors. In ideal conditions, they may cost around $5,000 or more, depending on the dentist. If other procedures are required on top of the dentures, the cost will go up. This may include bone grafting for patients that don’t have a strong enough jawbone to hold the implants and/or the extraction of remaining teeth.
Insurance may or may not cover a portion of the procedure. Speak with your insurance provider to learn more about what is covered.
Am I a Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
In order to determine if you are a candidate for implant-supported dentures, you’ll first need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will perform an examination of your gums and jawbone to determine if they are healthy enough for the implants. If your dentist discovers that your jawbone has deteriorated and cannot accept the implants, the decision can either be made to stick with traditional dentures or attempt a bone transplant procedure. While this will add additional cost to the overall implant procedure, it is generally effective and will allow you to place permanent implants.
Reach Out Today
If you would like to learn more about implant-supported dentures and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, reach out. We’ll discuss the procedure with you and schedule an appointment for an examination.