Implant Retained Dentures in Santa Barbara, CA
Fixed Implant Retained Dentures
If you are missing an entire arch of teeth, or if your dentist recommends extracting an entire arch of teeth due to injury, disease, infection, or illness, you will need dental restoration. Dental restoration is the replacement of natural teeth with prosthetic teeth, which can include dentures, dental implants, dental bridges, and implant-supported or implant-retained dentures. Traditional dentures can be uncomfortable and make it hard to eat and speak. Implant retained dentures, sometimes called All-on-Four dentures, can replace an entire arch of teeth with comfortable, natural-looking prosthetics. Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS, and his team have extensive experience evaluating patients and working with your oral surgeon as a team for implant retained dentures in Santa Barbara, CA. Call us to schedule a consultation.
What Are Implant-Retained Dentures?
Implant retained dentures, also called implant-supported dentures, are fixed or permanent dental restorations. Unlike traditional dentures, which are removed when you sleep or for cleaning, implant retained dentures are permanently placed in your mouth and retained by four to six dental implants for each arch. Instead of resting on top of your gums, they are surgically placed by implanting tiny titanium rods into your gum tissue and jawbone. These rods serve as the ‘tooth root’ for your prosthetic teeth. They look much more natural than other dental restoration options and are also much more comfortable and low maintenance. Implant retained dentures are considered the best dental restoration option for patients who have lost or will lose an entire arch of teeth.
Why Do You Need Implant-Retained Dentures?
You may need implant-retained dentures if you have lost an entire arch or both arches of your natural teeth. There are many reasons this may happen, including:
- Tooth loss due to old age or illness.
- Injury or trauma to the tooth, jaw, or face.
- Untreated dental disease.
- Advanced tooth decay.
- Advanced periodontal disease.
- Multiple cracked, damaged, or chipped teeth that cannot be restored using another method.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Implant Retained Dentures?
You might be a good candidate for implant retained dentures if you are missing multiple teeth on one arch, all the teeth on one arch, or multiple teeth on both arches. You might also be a good candidate if you need multiple teeth on the same arch extracted due to illness, disease, infection, injury, or trauma. In order to qualify for implant retained dentures, you must have a healthy jawbone that can support the surgical implantation of the titanium rods. Dr. Stratford-Jones and your Oral Surgeon will determine whether you are a good candidate for this treatment option.
Benefits of Dental Implant Retained Dentures
Implant retained dentures and All-on-Four dentures look incredibly natural and are a very safe, effective solution for missing teeth or tooth loss. They are more comfortable than traditional dentures and stay firmly in place while you chew, eat, and speak. They can last a lifetime with proper care and can dramatically improve your confidence, self-esteem, dental and oral health, and quality of life. Some other benefits of implant retained dentures are:
- Full restoration of your smile.
- Prevention of natural teeth shifting or moving into the spaces left by missing teeth and causing malocclusion, crooked teeth, or other oral and dental health issues.
- Prevention of jaw bone loss and facial deformity.
- Low-maintenance and easy to care for.
- Allow you to return to your regular lifestyle without worrying about a dental appliance.
What to Expect From the Denture Retained Implant Process
Getting implant retained dentures requires multiple visits to Dr. Stratford-Jones’s office. During your first visit or consultation, you will undergo a full examination, including dental x-rays or 3D dental imaging. Dr. Stratford-Jones will determine if you have a sufficiently healthy jawbone to support implants. He may also take dental impressions. If you have decayed or diseased teeth, they will need to be extracted. If you do not have sufficient jawbone, he may recommend bone grafting to build up your jawbone. You may need several months to heal before your next appointment.
Dr. Stratford-Jones will work closely with your oral surgeon to complete your treatment. Your oral surgeon will begin the process, and place a same day temporary denture at time of extractions and when the implants are placed. Dr. Stratford-Jones will make any needed adjustments and follow up with you, and 3-6 months later when the implants have fused with your jaw, we will create the final restoration in acrylic or Zirconia. When you are fully healed, Dr. Stratford-Jones will take more dental x-rays, 3D dental images, or dental impressions. These will be sent to a dental lab, where your prosthetic teeth will be made. When they are ready, he will attach the prosthetics to your dental implants.
Why Choose Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS
Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS, and his team have extensive experience helping patients improve their oral and dental health. We strive to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible, and we have specialized experience working with patients who have dental fear or dental anxiety. We use the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment to create beautiful, natural-looking dental restorations, including dental implants, bridges, crowns, dentures, and inlays and onlays. We also offer specialized oral and dental care, including periodontics, root canal therapy, reparative care, bruxism treatment, TMJ treatment, sleep apnea treatment, oral maxillofacial surgery, and oral cancer testing. We focus on education and prevention and treat each patient with kindness, compassion, and integrity. We want you to be able to make informed decisions about your dental care and take the steps you need to protect your oral and dental health.
Schedule a Consultation for Fixed Implant Retained Dentures
Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation for All-on-Four or fixed implant retained dentures in Santa Barbara, CA. We will do a full exam and discuss your needs, goals, and lifestyle to determine if you are a good candidate for implant retained dentures. We are committed to finding safe, healthy solutions for all dental needs and concerns and helping patients prevent future oral and dental health issues.