01. What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures combine the stability of dental implants with the familiar look of a denture. Instead of resting on your gums alone, your denture attaches to two or more implants placed in your jawbone. This keeps the denture from shifting while you eat or speak, and it helps slow the bone loss that comes with wearing a traditional denture.
Comparing Your Full-Arch Tooth Replacement Options
| Feature | Implant-Supported Denture | Traditional Denture | Fixed Full-Arch Bridge (All-on-4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | Secure, snaps onto implants | Can shift and require adhesive | Fixed in place, does not come out |
| Bone preservation | Slows bone loss | Does not prevent bone loss | Slows bone loss |
| Daily removal | Removable for cleaning | Removable for cleaning | Stays in place, cleaned like natural teeth |
| Implants typically needed | 2 to 4 | None | 4 to 6 |
| Best for | Patients who want removability with better stability | Patients seeking the lowest upfront cost | Patients who want the closest feel to natural teeth |
Why Traditional Dentures Often Fall Short
Without the stimulation of tooth roots, the jawbone beneath a denture continues to shrink over time. As the bone changes shape, dentures that once fit well start to loosen, causing sore spots, difficulty chewing, and a reliance on adhesive. Implant-supported dentures address this by anchoring the denture to implants that help preserve the bone underneath.
02. Getting Your Implant-Supported Dentures
Step 1. Consultation and CT Imaging
We evaluate your jawbone with a cone beam CT scan and discuss your goals. Dr. Gholami determines how many implants your case requires and reviews your options for attachment style.
Step 2. Implant Placement
Dr. Gholami places your implants under local anesthesia, with sedation available if needed. Depending on your bone quality, we may attach a temporary denture the same day.
Step 3. Attaching Your Custom Denture
Once your implants have healed and fused with the bone, we take impressions and fit you with your final implant-supported denture, custom-made to match your bite and facial structure.
03. Why Riverwalk Dental Group for Implant-Supported Dentures
Dr. Laya Gholami, our double board-certified periodontist and implant surgeon, places every implant in-house, so you never need a referral to a specialist. Our general dentists handle your final denture fitting, keeping your treatment coordinated under one roof. We also offer sedation dentistry for anxious patients and provide care in English and Spanish across our Port St. Lucie, Saint Lucie West, Stuart, and Jupiter locations.