What to Expect During Your Dentures Over Implants Procedure
What to Expect During Your Dentures Over Implants Procedure
If you’re considering restoring your smile with dentures over implants, you’re taking a major step toward improved oral function, confidence, and comfort. This treatment offers the stability of dental implants with the full-tooth coverage of dentures—a hybrid solution that looks and feels more natural than traditional removable options.
Knowing what to expect during the procedure can ease anxiety and help you prepare both mentally and physically. Here’s a detailed overview of each phase in the process, from consultation to completion.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Evaluation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive dental consultation. During this appointment, your dentist or oral surgeon will:
- Review your dental and medical history
- Perform a full oral exam
- Take X-rays or a 3D CT scan of your jaw
- Evaluate your bone density to determine if you can support implants
If you’ve been wearing traditional dentures or have missing teeth, the dentist will assess whether your jawbone has enough volume. If not, bone grafting may be necessary before implant placement.
Step 2: Treatment Planning
Once you’re cleared for treatment, a customized plan is created. This outlines:
- The number and location of implants
- Type of denture to be used (bar-retained or ball-retained)
- Any necessary extractions or bone grafts
- Estimated timeline and cost
At this stage, impressions of your mouth may be taken to begin designing your custom denture.
Step 3: Tooth Extraction (if necessary)
If any damaged or decayed teeth need to be removed before implants can be placed, this will be scheduled and completed first. Healing time will vary depending on the number and location of the teeth extracted.
Step 4: Implant Placement Surgery
This is the core of the procedure. Titanium posts (usually between two and six per arch) are surgically inserted into the jawbone. These posts act as artificial tooth roots and provide a secure base for your dentures.
The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation available if needed. Post-surgery, you may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising, which can be managed with medication and rest.
Step 5: Healing and Osseointegration
After implant placement, your body needs time to heal. Over the next 3 to 6 months, the implants will fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This critical phase ensures your implants are stable enough to support dentures for the long term.
In some cases, temporary dentures may be provided during this healing period so you’re not without teeth.
Step 6: Abutment Placement
Once healing is complete, small connector pieces called abutments are attached to the implants. These abutments will serve as the attachment point for your dentures. This step may involve a minor surgical procedure if your gums have covered the implant posts.
Step 7: Denture Fitting and Final Placement
Next, your custom dentures are created to match your mouth precisely. Your dentist will:
- Ensure a proper fit over the abutments
- Check for even bite and comfort
- Adjust the aesthetics (color, shape, alignment) to match your natural smile
Once everything looks and feels right, the dentures are snapped or screwed into place—completing your restoration.
Step 8: Aftercare and Follow-Up
Like any dental procedure, proper aftercare is essential for long-term success. You’ll receive guidance on:
- Cleaning around the implants and dentures
- Avoiding hard or sticky foods initially
- Attending regular dental checkups
With proper maintenance, dentures over implants can last many years and significantly enhance your daily quality of life.
The process of getting dentures over implants involves several stages, but each step plays a vital role in ensuring a secure, natural-looking, and long-lasting result. While it requires time and commitment, the benefits—better chewing function, clearer speech, and restored confidence—are well worth it.
If you’re ready to invest in a solution that offers the strength of implants with the full smile of dentures, consult with your dentist or prosthodontist to get started. A more stable, comfortable future awaits—one smile at a time.