Implant-supported dentures Archives - Atlanta Dental Implants

How Long Is the Wait for an Implant Denture If I Have Gum Disease?

Posted on January 6, 2025 by AllSmiles.

My dentist wants me to schedule an appointment with a periodontist for advanced gum disease. After 30 years with no dental insurance, 10 of my teeth have fallen off. My bone has shrunk, and my gums are low. My jawbone is getting narrower. My dentist says that my case is one of the worst she has seen in her 12 years of practicing, so the office lady calls me weekly to tell me to schedule the appointment. I will do it, but I am nervous right now. How long might I wait for dental implants if I have gum disease? I want an implant denture. – Scott from NH

Scott,

If you have gum disease, your wait for an implant denture depends on these factors:

Your general health
Your history of advanced gum disease
The degree of bone loss
Your treatment plan from the periodontist to stop gum disease
Whether you need a bone graft

Dental implants are the optimal choice for replacing missing teeth. Your chewing efficiency will decrease by 50 percent if you choose removable dentures because they slide around as you chew.

Diagram of All-on-4 dental implants with the lower denture above the implants in the bone

Dental implants and implant dentures need healthy bones and gums to thrive.

You are already experiencing bone shrinkage. An implant overdenture will stimulate your jawbone and prevent shrinkage. If it continues, your jawbone will no longer support your facial muscles, and you will experience facial collapse.

A periodontist specializes in gum health and dental implants. Schedule an appointment with the periodontist to thoroughly evaluate your physical and oral health. You can expect a 3D CT scan to measure your bone volume and determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants.

Regardless of the treatment options for replacing missing teeth, your gums must be healthy first. Otherwise, they will neither support a removal denture nor an implant overdenture. A periodontist will help you control gum disease and prevent it from further loosening your teeth and destroying your jawbone.

When your gums are healthy enough, the specialist will coordinate your care with a cosmetic dentist to give you a natural-looking denture for the implants.

Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post.

Why Is My Final Denture Is Too Loose?

Posted on December 18, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My dentist replaced my eight-year-old denture with a new one. She is not the dentist who placed my first denture. She took the impression, did a wax bite, and completed two wax try-ins. I told my dentist that the denture felt loose. She told me not to worry about the fit; she just wanted to ensure I liked the denture teeth. The denture teeth looked great, so I agreed.

My final denture is just as loose as the try-in. Now, my dentist said I need time to adjust. But nothing has changed. She told me to use Fixodent, but the denture is still loose. She has ground on the molar teeth on the denture, and they look awful. She said that I may need a reline. Why would I need a reline on a new denture? We planned to get a good fit until I could afford denture implants. I hope she is not trying to get me to agree to the implants before I am ready. The try-in was loose, so shouldn’t she return to that step? What should I ask her to do? – Thanks, Wes from Chicago

Wes,

Although your dentist skipped some steps to ensure a snug fit when making your denture, a reline should help it fit better.

Getting an Accurate Fit with Dentures

The process:

Take an alginate impression
Make a preliminary model of the jaw
Use the model to make a custom tray
Use a heavier impression material to measure the areas that will be the denture borders. A border that presses into the soft tissue will ensure a snug fit
Use a light-body material to fill the interior of the impression and register soft-tissue details

Relining Your New Denture

When your denture relines your new denture, she may use the custom tray for a more accurate impression. You can ask your dentist to use a two-step impression.
A dentist can give you a secure fit with dentures with a two-step impression, but some dentists use a three-step impression.
Your dentist must include the necessary steps to fit the denture correctly. Even though the wax try-in is an approximate fit and checks the position of your teeth, if your dentist gets the impressions right, your denture will fit better.

When you are ready for implant dentures, your dentist can refer you to a periodontist. Your dentist may be able to adapt the denture base to attach to the implants. You can wear temporary teeth while waiting for the implants to heal.

Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.

My New Dentures Make Me Gag, So I Don’t Wear Them Much

Posted on September 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Upper implant-supported denture

I got dentures for the first time last September. My dentist spent a lot of time getting the dentures to fit and making my smile look as natural as possible, but the dentures make me gag. I only wear them if I have to leave home or talk to someone on the phone. Should I ask my dentist for new dentures, or is there a way to fix them? Thanks. Danica from NJ

Danica,

If you experience persistent gagging with removable dentures, implant-supported dentures can be a solution. Unlike traditional dentures, which rely on suction to stay in place, dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone stabilize your denture. An implant denture has a smaller, more comfortable base that does not extend onto the soft palate, reducing the gag reflex.

Alternatives to Implant-Supported Dentures

Upper removable denture with reduced palate extension to minimize gagging

If the cost of implant-supported dentures or other factors prevent you from getting them, consider alternatives to address denture gagging.

The ideal denture base extends to the vibrating line, the boundary between the hard and soft palates. However, in cases of severe gagging, it may be necessary to shorten the denture base to accommodate the patient’s sensitivity. Dr. Finlay Sutton’s technique involves creating a denture with a reduced palatal extension, as illustrated in the accompanying image.

Evaluating Denture Design and Fit

A dentist and dental lab must custom design and fit your denture. A denture extending onto the soft palate can trigger gagging, even in patients without a history of this issue. A second opinion from a qualified prosthodontist or cosmetic dentist can help assess the denture’s design and identify potential modifications to improve comfort and function.

Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.

Why Would New Implant Dentures Have a Bothersome Smell?

Posted on May 24, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My husband has six new titanium dental implants and a temporary denture. Since he got the implant dentures, his breath smells like rubber when I am near him. I have chemical sensitivities and wonder whether the implant posts or the acrylic teeth are the issue. Other than asking my husband to go through the misery of getting new implants, what else can we do? Thanks. Kyra

Kyra,

We will explain whether the titanium posts, temporary acrylic teeth, or trapped food debris could be causing the issue.

What Can Cause Breath Odor After Getting New Dental Implants?

Upper implant-supported denture

Titanium dental implants are unlikely to emit a noticeable odor. Since implant posts are beneath the gumline, you shouldn’t be able to smell them. However, if your periodontist discovers that the culprit is the titanium, removing and replacing them would involve surgery, bone grafting, and, ultimately, new implants (likely zirconia).

Odor from Acrylic Dentures

Temporary acrylic dentures might cause an odor on breath. Acrylic can have a slight smell that should dissipate once a dentist places the final denture.

Odor from Food Debris

Food particles trapped around the implant site, especially under temporary dentures, can decompose and cause a foul odor. A water flosser is an effective way to flush out debris. Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide can also help eliminate food particles and neutralize odor. Be careful not to use it for over a few weeks because it can contribute to oral yeast infections.

Seeking a Second Opinion

You mentioned the odor from your husband’s dental implants is bothersome, but is it triggering a sensitivity reaction? Does it make you feel tired or cause other reactions you typically experience with strong smells? The answer could offer another clue to the source.

If an odor from dentistry work is causing a reaction and your dentist can’t pinpoint the cause, consider getting a second opinion from periodontist (dental implant specialist). They may be able to offer additional insights and solutions.

Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.

How Much Time Do I Have to Get Dental Implants Before My Face Collapses?

Posted on April 30, 2024 by AllSmiles.

How long after teeth extractions will I experience facial collapse? I have 15 teeth remaining and have surgery scheduled to remove all the teeth in July. I’m concerned about facial collapse and wonder how much time I have to get dental implants before my facial muscles have no support. I feel a little pressured by the dentist I saw to get immediate implants. However, I explained why that’s not an option for me. I can plan for dental implants, though. How much time do I have? Thanks, April

April,

Although a dentist may recommend removing all your teeth rather than restoring them, have you seen another dentist for a second opinion? A comprehensive exam and CT scan are required to determine whether any of your remaining teeth are savable.

How Long After Teeth Extractions Will You Experience Facial Collapse?

When all your teeth are missing, facial collapse occurs within ten to twenty years. However, if you plan to get dental implants, we encourage you to get them as soon as your budget allows. Dental implants prevent bone shrinkage and minimize the need for grafting procedures to stabilize your implants.

What If You Experience Facial Collapse?
If you experience facial collapse, it is usually reversible with bone grafting. A periodontist will measure your bone volume to determine whether it will support dental implants or how much grafting you need. After four to twelve months of bone graft healing, your jawbone can support dental implants and dentures.

Immediate implant dentures

Immediate implant dentures are placed on the same day as tooth extractions. Some patients still need bone grafting to support the dental implants. Without immediate implants, your jawbone will shrink. However, according to your budget, a periodontist can develop a treatment plan to place dental implants in phases.

Implant dentures

An implant denture helps support facial muscles and prevents future sagging that makes you look older prematurely.

Consult a periodontist for an evaluation of the condition of your teeth and whether they all need extractions. Afterward, the specialist can discuss tooth replacement options.

Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.

Is It Best for Me to Get Tooth Extractions and Dentures?

Posted on July 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

If I lost most of my upper teeth, is it best to keep them or get them extracted for dentures? I’m currently wearing a cheap partial denture for my top teeth, and I’ve worn partial dentures since 2001. I’ve always hated the feel of my partial denture. Will a complete upper denture be more comfortable than my partial denture, even if I keep the two teeth? I don’t want to spend more than $5000 or $6000, but I think it’s worth it because I am only 62 and socially active with sports and non-profit organizations. Thank you. Caleb from Hoboken, NJ

Caleb,

Dr. Pumphrey would need to examine your mouth, teeth, X-rays, and other diagnostics to give you an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis. But we will provide you with some principles to consider.

Should You Get Tooth Extractions and Dentures?

Upper implant-supported denture

Whether you should get tooth extractions and dentures depends on how many teeth remain, their condition, and how keeping them would affect your oral health.

It’s better to save natural teeth

It is usually best to save natural teeth that will not harm oral or overall health.
When most of your upper or lower teeth are missing, eating stresses them.

A complete upper denture is more comfortable than a lower one

Suction keeps a complete upper denture in place, so it does not move around as much as a lower denture.
A well-made upper complete removable denture is gentler on your teeth than a partial denture and a few remaining natural teeth.
Severe underbite puts more stress on lower teeth.

Your jawbone resorbs when all your teeth are missing

Teeth stimulate and preserve the jawbone. When all your teeth are missing, the jawbone shrinks.
When your lower jawbone shrinks, sharp ridges form and make wearing a denture uncomfortable. You will still have the suction to keep the denture in place. An upper denture—even with severe bone loss—is more comfortable.
Within 10 to 20 years, you will lack enough jawbone to support your facial muscles, and your face will sag.

What Can You Expect from Treatment Options?

You will need to schedule an appointment with a periodontist for an examination and 3-D CT scan to determine your treatment options.

Best clinical treatment – A specialist can replace your missing upper teeth with an implant-supported denture. Although the cost will exceed your budget, a snap-on denture is the most affordable implant denture. Dental implants anchor your denture and stimulate your jawbone to prevent further shrinkage. Your denture will feel stable and comfortable.
Alternative treatment – Your periodontist can extract your remaining upper teeth and replace them with a complete removable denture. It will look and feel better than your partial denture. It will be easier to speak and eat with a complete denture. If your budget allows it, a periodontist can place two or more dental implants to secure your denture in the future.

Schedule a consultation with a periodontist who will partner with a cosmetic dentist for your denture. Your denture will look natural, and you will get quality results if you decide to get implants.

Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post.

Why Do His Dentures Keep Popping Out?

Posted on April 4, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My dad is 73. He had so many teeth problems that my mom and sister convinced him to get dentures. Now he has more problems with his dentures than his teeth. He could eat corn on the cob and steak before, but now he is afraid to eat anything that requires a lot of chewing. His dentures keep getting loose or popping out. No matter how often the dentist has tried to refit or reline them, they just aren’t working. What can he do about this? Will he need new dentures? Alan

Alan –

We understand your and your father’s concerns. Eating should be enjoyable, and so many social events involve eating. When dentures don’t fit correctly, they affect a person’s quality of life.

Why Do Dentures Pop Out?

When a denture repeatedly pops out, it could be that a dentist made a mistake while taking the impressions of your dad’s mouth. In that case, the dentures will not fit correctly. A dentist may need to take new images of your father’s mouth and order new dentures.

Some dentists use a two-step impression technique for dentures:

A rigid material captures the first impression.
Fluid material captures fine details of the patient’s mouth.

How Can You Prevent Dentures from Popping Out?

Upper implant-supported denture

Dental implants can prevent dentures from popping out. Many people have difficulty wearing dentures that are not stabilized with dental implants. A periodontist will surgically place dental implants in the jawbone. After a healing period, a dentist can attach dentures to the implants.

Your father’s dentures will fit and feel better and won’t slip around and pop out. Two to six dental implants can prevent the dentures from popping out. Stability increases with the number of implants.

Schedule an appointment with a periodontist or a dental implant specialist. The doctor will take necessary precautions to ensure the implants are in the optimal position for comfort and longevity.

Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post.

Can I Get a Refund for an Implant Denture That’s 2 Months Late?

Posted on November 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

My implant overdenture was supposed to be ready in mid-September, but it is late. The final denture that the dentist tried to fit on the implant didn’t fit right. I knew it wouldn’t because he had to force-fit it. The impact was so hard that I felt that he would never be able to get it off. Anyway, at the next appointment, the dentist still could not fit the denture, and I asked him to stop trying. It was too stressful, and I felt like I was having an anxiety attack.

When I checked two weeks ago, his dental assistant said they ordered something for the attachments so the dentures would fit properly. They were supposed to call me last week with an update, but I haven’t heard anything. I am tired of the chase and very suspicious that I will be displeased even if the dentist can get the denture on the implants this time. I just want a refund and a new dentist. Where do I start? Thanks. Gwen from Mobile, AL

Gwen,

Thank you for contacting our office.

Can You Get a Refund for a Late Implant Overdenture?

Implant-supported denture

Yes, you could get a refund for a late implant-supported denture if your dentist broke the agreement. Your prosthesis is over two months late, and the dental office has failed to update you recently. If your dentist is hesitant to refund you, try the following:

Get a second opinion from a periodontist to identify the problem
Leave bad online reviews
Complain to the state dental board

How Can You Get a Quality Implant Overdenture?

You can get a quality implant-supported denture that fits and functions well by scheduling an appointment with an experienced periodontist to examine your implants and ensure they are well-positioned and ready for a denture. A periodontist has at least two years of post-graduate training to specialize in teeth, gum, and bone health and implant placement. Dental schools provide limited training on implant training, so a dentist must pursue post-graduate training to provide quality implant services.

Look for two to three periodontists and schedule appointments for a consultation to discuss your options. A specialist can work with a restoring dentist for a fixed denture that fits and functions well.

Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post.

How Long Do Implant-Supported Dentures Last?

Posted on September 26, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Implant-supported denture

Implant-supported dentures are an entire arch of fixed, non-removable replacement teeth with a base that screws onto six or more dental implants. Implant-supported dentures are more expensive than dentures that snap or clip onto dental implants. How long can you expect your implant-supported denture to last?

How Long Do Implant-Supported Dentures Last?

Implant-supported dentures last at least ten years, but that refers to denture teeth, which require replacement as they wear over time. The dental implants that support the denture can last 20 years, even a lifetime.

How to Help Your Implant-Support Denture Last

You can help your implant-supported with these steps:

Following post-surgical instructions

Your implant specialist will explain how to practice good oral hygiene and support healing at home. Promote your recovery with these steps:

Maintain a soft foods diet throughout the healing period, which lasts three to five months.
Avoid vigorous work or strenuous exercise until your implant specialist approves it.
Keep your follow-up visits for your dentist to examine the surgical sites and your implants.

Maintain routine dental exams and cleaning.

Implant-supported dentures require routine professional dental care. Your hygienist and dentist will inspect your gums for any signs of disease and ensure your implants are free of plaque buildup that can breed bacteria. Your dentist will periodically take a CT scan to ensure your bone is healthy.

Daily cleaning

Follow this daily routine to clean your implant-supported denture:

Brush your denture teeth with a soft toothbrush.
Use nonabrasive paste.
Remove debris beneath the denture and around the implants with a water flosser.

An article on long-term success and survival in the Swedish Dental Journal remarks that patients with low oral hygiene standards who neglect regular dental visits have a higher risk of peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is inflammation of the soft tissue around dental implants that can lead to bone deterioration.

Avoiding tobacco use

Even after your jawbone and implants fuse, tobacco use restricts blood flow to your gums and can lead to disease. Unhealthy gums cannot support dental implants and can cause them to loosen and fail.

Protecting your overall health

Daily exercise and healthy food choices help you maintain your overall health. If you have a chronic illness, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, keep it well-controlled to avoid damaging your oral health and the success of your dental implants.

If you are interested in implant-supported dentures, schedule a consultation with an experienced periodontist (implant specialist) to discuss your options.

Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post.

Which Insurance Covers Implant Dentures?

Posted on June 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

If you are considering implant dentures, you may wonder which insurance covers them. Many people fear the risks of wearing traditional dentures, including bone loss and a sunken face that causes premature aging. Implant dentures, including All-on-4 dental implants, can prevent those concerns. The cost of implant-supported dentures in the U.S. ranges from $20,000 to $50,000. Factors that affect the cost include how many implants you receive, the quality of the implants and your denture, dental fees in the city where your implant specialist practices, and fees related to your unique needs. Will insurance offer any coverage?

Which Insurance Covers Implant Dentures?

Insurance plans that offer some coverage toward the cost of implant dentures are higher-tier or premier plans. Value or budget plans limit benefits to preventive care and essential dental services. Remember that dental insurance will not cover the entire cost of dental implants. Some plans categorize dental implants as elective procedures and deny coverage.

Before you agree to implant dentures, plan for the cost with these steps:

Ask your periodontist or implant specialist for a pretreatment estimate.
Send the estimate to your dental insurance company to determine whether the plan will provide any coverage.
Calculate the out-of-pocket expenses you can expect to pay.

What Does Cost of Implant Dentures Include?

The cost of implant-supported dentures, including All-on-4 dental implants, varies with each patient, depending on their oral health, needs, and the implant specialist’s fee. The cost can include these fees:

Consultation
Comprehensive exam
X-rays
3-D CT scan
Anesthesia
Teeth extractions
Bone grafting materials and procedures
Gum tissue procedures
Implant fixtures, including artificial roots and abutments (connectors)
Implant surgery
Surgical supplies and materials
Surgical facility fees
Temporary replacement teeth and their placement
Final denture fitting and fabrication
Your dentist’s fees for placing the final denture

After evaluating your oral health, your periodontist will customize a treatment plan that lists the procedures you need for implant dentures.

How Can You Afford Implant Dentures?

You can afford implant dentures with dental insurance, out-of-pocket spending, and planning. Some periodontists partner with financing organizations like CareCredit®, offering payment plans to make treatment affordable. You may find options for health care credit cards or loans with low- or no-interest if you pay the balance in full according to the terms.

How to Minimize Costs After Implant Surgery

You can minimize costs after implant surgery by following your periodontist’s or implant specialist’s post-surgical instructions. You will receive detailed instructions for your recovery regarding these factors:

Physical activity
Oral hygiene
Foods to eat and avoid
Avoiding tobacco products
Check-up appointments

The American Academy of Periodontology confirms that it takes two to six months for your implants and jawbone to fuse. Following the guidelines during those months will help you avoid irritating your surgical sites and damaging your implant overdenture.

Schedule a Consultation

If you live in the Atlanta area, periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey has more than 30 years of experience in precise planning and placement for implant dentures. His patients describe his care as professional, kind, smooth, and effortless. Request a consultation with Dr. Pumphrey.

If you live outside of the Atlanta area, you may visit the American Academy of Periodontology’s website to find a periodontist near you.