Our Riverview Dentist Blog

Let’s face it—traditional dentures can be a love-hate relationship. They restore your smile, sure, but they can also slip, click, or require constant adjustments. On the flip side, dental implants offer unbeatable stability but can be pricey if you’re missing many teeth. So, what’s the sweet spot in between? Enter implant supported dentures—a hybrid solution that combines the full-arch restoration of dentures with the strength and security of implants. Think of them as the upgraded version of traditional dentures with extra staying power. Let’s walk through how implant supported dentures work, their key benefits, and whether they could be the perfect fit for your smile and lifestyle. What Are Implant Supported Dentures? Implant supported dentures are full or partial dentures that are anchored in place by dental implants surgically placed into your jawbone. These aren’t the kind of dentures that sit on your gums and hope for the best—they lock in. Depending on the design, they can either: Snap in and out (removable but secured) Remain fixed (permanently attached by your dentist) The implants act as the root system, keeping the denture stable so you can eat, speak, and smile with full confidence—no slipping or shifting. Most commonly, implant supported dentures are used for the lower jaw, where traditional dentures tend to be less stable. However, they can be used on the upper jaw as well. How Are They Different From Traditional Dentures? Traditional dentures rest directly on the gums and are held in place by suction or adhesive. While functional, they often lead to issues like sore spots, slippage, and difficulty chewing certain foods. Implant supported dentures change that equation entirely. Retention : Instead of relying on suction, the denture is anchored to implants, providing a secure fit. Functionality : You can eat more of the foods you love without worrying about dislodging your denture. Comfort : They reduce pressure on the gums, minimizing irritation and sore spots. Bone Health : Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that leads to facial sagging over time. In short, implant supported dentures take the best parts of both worlds—affordability and coverage from dentures, stability and bone support from implants. The Process: What to Expect Getting implant supported dentures involves a few phases, but each one plays a critical role in ensuring comfort, function, and longevity: Consultation & Imaging Your dentist will examine your mouth and take 3D scans to evaluate bone density and identify the ideal implant placement. Implant Surgery Between 2–6 implants are placed in your jawbone, depending on your unique case. These will act as the anchor points for your denture. Healing Period You’ll need several weeks (sometimes a few months) for osseointegration—where the implants fuse with the bone. Temporary dentures may be worn during this time. Denture Attachment Once healed, your permanent denture is designed and attached to the implants. This could be a snap-in style or a fixed denture that only your dentist can remove. The total timeline can vary from a few months to a year depending on whether any additional procedures like bone grafting are needed. Key Benefits of Implant Supported Dentures According to the American Academy of Periodontology and other professional sources, implant supported dentures offer several standout advantages over traditional solutions: Improved Stability and Comfort No more embarrassing slippage or clicking while speaking. The denture stays exactly where it’s supposed to. Better Chewing Efficiency Studies show people with implant supported dentures regain significantly more bite force compared to traditional denture wearers. Preservation of Jawbone The implants stimulate bone and prevent the sunken facial appearance that often accompanies long-term denture wear. Enhanced Confidence Knowing your teeth won’t move lets you enjoy meals and conversations without worry. Long-Term Cost Efficiency Though the upfront investment is higher, they often last longer and require fewer adjustments than conventional dentures. In essence, you get peace of mind, function, and aesthetics all rolled into one reliable solution. Are You a Candidate for Implant Supported Dentures? Most people missing several or all of their teeth are eligible for implant supported dentures—but there are some requirements: Healthy gums (free of untreated periodontal disease) Adequate bone to support the implants (or willingness to undergo bone grafting if needed) No chronic conditions that may interfere with healing (such as uncontrolled diabetes or immune disorders) Commitment to oral hygiene and follow-up care Age isn’t typically a barrier—many older adults successfully receive implant supported dentures and report significant improvements in quality of life. Care and Maintenance Tips Even though implant supported dentures are sturdier than traditional ones, they still require care: Clean daily , including the gumline and attachments Use a soft-bristled brush or special denture brush Soak overnight (for removable models) in a denture-safe solution Schedule regular dental visits to check the condition of your implants and dentures With consistent care, these dentures can serve you well for many years. Upgrade Your Smile and Your Lifestyle If you’re tired of adhesives, tired of loose dentures, or just want to chew your food without second-guessing every bite—implant supported dentures might be exactly what you need. They bring back function, comfort, and confidence while preserving your jaw health over time. Don’t settle for “good enough” when your smile deserves better. Think implant supported dentures might be your next step? Call Best Value Dentures & Implants at (813) 568-1118 to schedule your consultation at our Riverview, FL office—and find out how secure, beautiful teeth can become your new normal.

If you’ve ever replaced a lightbulb, you know that the bulb itself is only part of the equation—it needs a solid base to screw into. The same goes for replacing a missing tooth. You can’t just place something on top and hope it stays. That’s why dental implants have become the gold standard—they don’t just sit on the surface; they become part of your body, anchoring your smile from the inside out. So, what exactly are dental implants, and why are they considered the most natural and long-lasting option for tooth replacement? Let’s explore the what, the how, and the why. What Are Dental Implants? Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials, most commonly titanium. They’re surgically inserted into your jawbone, where they fuse with the bone over time. Once healed, a crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant, restoring both form and function. The complete implant system typically includes: The implant post , which acts like a tooth root An abutment , which connects the post to the visible tooth A custom crown , designed to match the shape and color of your natural teeth Together, these components create a restoration that feels stable, looks natural, and can last a lifetime with the right care. Why Choose Dental Implants Over Other Options? Dental implants are more than just tooth replacements—they’re a complete restoration of function, comfort, and confidence. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth or gum tissue for support. They stand alone, and they stand strong. Here’s why people love them: No shifting or slipping : Implants are fixed in place and won’t move when you eat or speak. Preserve bone health : Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that often follows tooth loss. Lasts decades or longer : With proper care, implants can outlast any other dental restoration. Looks natural : The crown attached to an implant is customized to blend in with your existing teeth. They’re also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re missing one tooth or all your teeth, there’s an implant-based solution to match your needs. The Process: How Do Dental Implants Work? Getting dental implants is a multi-step journey—but one that’s well worth it. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process: Initial Consultation : Your dentist evaluates your oral health, takes scans, and creates a personalized treatment plan. Implant Placement : Under local anesthesia, the implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Healing & Osseointegration : Over 3–6 months, the implant fuses with your bone—a process called osseointegration. Abutment Placement : A small connector is attached to the implant post. Crown Restoration : A custom-made crown is placed on top, completing your new tooth. Though it takes time, each phase is carefully designed to ensure long-term stability and health. Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants? Most healthy adults with missing teeth are eligible for dental implants. That said, a few key factors help determine success: Adequate bone density : You need enough jawbone to support the implant. Healthy gums : Gum disease can affect healing and implant stability. Non-smoker status (or willingness to quit) : Smoking can hinder the healing process. Good overall health : Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes may need to be managed before proceeding. Even if you’ve been told in the past you’re not a candidate, newer techniques like bone grafting or mini implants might open the door for you. Benefits of Dental Implants (Backed by Science) According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), over 3 million Americans have implants, and that number continues to grow by 500,000 each year. Why? Because the benefits are substantial: Improved chewing ability : You can eat all your favorite foods without worry. Speech clarity : No slipping or mumbling—your teeth stay put. Oral health preservation : Implants don’t rely on or damage adjacent teeth like bridges might. Jawbone protection : Stimulating the bone keeps your facial structure intact, preventing the sunken look that can follow tooth loss. Low long-term cost : Though upfront costs are higher, implants often outlast other solutions, making them a smart investment over time. Studies also show that patient satisfaction with dental implants consistently exceeds 90%, making them one of the most successful procedures in modern dentistry. Caring for Dental Implants One of the best things about implants? They’re low maintenance. Still, they’re not invincible. Follow these tips to protect your investment: Brush and floss daily , just like natural teeth Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the crown or gums Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings Avoid chewing hard items like ice or pens that can damage the crown Good oral hygiene not only keeps your implant clean but protects the surrounding gum and bone tissue. Is It Time to Rebuild Your Smile? Missing teeth can impact more than your looks—they affect how you eat, speak, and even how your jawbone ages. Dental implants offer a reliable, modern solution that gets to the root of the problem—literally. They’re secure, natural-looking, and built to last. If you’re looking for a permanent way to restore your smile, dental implants may just be the best investment you’ll ever make in your oral health. Interested in learning whether dental implants are the right fit for your smile? Call Best Value Dentures & Implants in Riverview, FL at (813) 568-1118 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward restoring your confidence—one tooth at a time.








