Implant Overdentures Archives - 5 Star Dental Group

Why Is My Implant Overdenture Loose?

Posted on August 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

In March 2022, my former dentist completed four dental implants and an overdenture. My dentist said I had enough bone for the implants, so I did not need a bone graft. In April of this year, I noticed movement in the overdenture I had felt before. I saw the dentist once about the issue, and without giving too many details, the dentist was evasive. I left the office because I was angry and knew I could not play the game with my dentist. Now, I feel soreness in my gums around two implants. I am terrified of dental implant failure. Besides that, I have dental anxiety. Then there is the thought of contacting my dentist again for a refund. I’ve had two consultations but am afraid to choose a dentist for fear of another surgery that may not work. I don’t know where to start. Thank you. Tyler

Tyler

We are sorry to hear about your traumatizing experience. You did well in scheduling consultations and should continue to be cautious about choosing your new dentist.

How to Find a New Implant Dentist

All-on-4 implant overdentures

You can find a new implant dentist by checking websites to see if they specialize in implantology. Prosthodontists and periodontists have two years of specialty training after dental school, specific to tooth replacement with dental implants. Prosthodontists also have advanced training in tooth restoration, providing you with natural-looking crowns, a dental bridge, or an implant-supported denture.

Before scheduling consultations, look for a prosthodontist’s or dentist’s training and credentials in implantology. Also, read patient reviews. Schedule at least two consultations to compare the dentists’ recommendations for identifying the cause of your loose overdenture and possible treatment options.

Although you have dental anxiety, please don’t delay getting care. It can prevent the issue from getting worse.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.

Will I Need Bone Grafting for an Implant-Supported Denture?

Posted on August 23, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Will I need bone grafting for an implant-supported denture? I’ve worn a denture for nine years and want to anticipate what a dentist might recommend during a consultation. How much bone loss is too much? I probably have some. I know to ask for at least four implants, but I don’t know whether I should mention bone grafting. Thank you. Foster

Foster,

You are wise to have been researching what’s involved in getting an implant overdenture.

Will You Need Bone Grafting for an Implant-Supported Denture?

Diagram of an implant-supported denture hovering above four dental implants in the lower jaw

Consult with a prosthodontist to determine whether you need bone grafting for an implant-supported denture

You may need bone grafting for an overdenture if you lack enough quality bone to support dental implants. According to an article by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the jawbone can shrink up to 50 percent in the first six months after tooth loss.

A prosthodontist will take a 3D CT scan to measure your bone volume and determine if you need a bone graft to support the dental implants. A May 2021 article in the medical publication Molecules states describes dental bone grafting in these terms:

The only solution to reverse dental bone loss
A well-accepted procedure
Required in one in every four dental implants

Some implant overdenture options, such as All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants, minimize the need for bone grafting. However, a dentist must verify your eligibility for this technique.

You Qualify for Dental Implants Bone Grafting?

You probably qualify for dental implant bone grafting if the following is true:

Maintain good oral health
Healthy enough for oral surgery and dental procedures
Non-smoker

After bone grafting, you can expect four to twelve months of healing, depending on your health, graft material and type, the extent of grafting needed, and your healing rate.

Schedule a consultation with at least two prosthodontists, specialists with two years of post-graduate training in tooth restoration and dental implant placement. During the consultations, you can ask questions about implant overdentures and learn whether you need bone grafting. Scheduling multiple consultations allows you to compare your options and costs and decide which provider you prefer.

When you are ready for an implant-supported denture, your prosthodontist will create a customized treatment plan, which may include a bone graft procedure.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

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

Posted on May 22, 2023 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. I have dental insurance now, so that helps. How long might I wait for dental implants if I have gum disease? I want an implant denture. Thanks much. – Leanna

Leanna,

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

Improved chewing efficiency and jawbone health are two ways you will benefit from an implant overdenture.

Chewing efficiency

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.

Jawbone health

Upper implant denture with natural-looking teeth, available in San Antonio from Gilberto Tosatdo, DMD

Upper implant overdenture

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. 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 can coordinate your care with a prosthodontist (tooth replacement specialist) to give you a natural-looking denture for the implants. A periodontist will help you control gum disease and prevent it from further loosening your teeth and destroying your jawbone.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

Should I Request an Implant Denture Or a Bridge?

Posted on May 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Should I request an implant denture over root canals and a bridge? I have a four-piece bridge for two missing teeth, both my right and left center teeth. Both teeth have posts, but the post in the right central incisor broke, and the other behind it needs a root canal. I am concerned that my teeth are too fragile for another bridge. When I saw a dentist two weeks ago, she mentioned that she would watch three other teeth that may need root canals soon. I am so tired of patchwork teeth. I can’t afford to replace the bad teeth with a dental implant, but with so many teeth that need repair and missing second molars, is an implant denture the most logical option for me? The dentist didn’t mention a denture, but I am tired of my teeth and smile. Thank you. Floritzell from Miami

Floritzell,

Thank you for contacting Five Star Dental Group of San Antonio regarding an implant denture. Dr. Tostado or Dr. Acuña must examine and x-ray your teeth to evaluate their condition and recommend treatment. But we will provide general guidelines.

What Is the Treatment for a Broken Tooth Post?

Treatment for a broken tooth post depends on the condition of the tooth. Below are a few factors to consider:

Location of the break – A post that breaks at the gumline limits the techniques a dentist can use to remove it.
Tooth structure – If dentists lack clear access to a post, they may drill away tooth structure around it. The tooth will be smaller and weaker, making replacing the post with a new one difficult.
Existing restorations – When a post tooth is part of a dental bridge, the dentist must remove the bridge to access the tooth.

Should You Request an Implant Denture or a Bridge?

Upper implant overdenture

Preserving healthy natural teeth is preferred to removing your remaining teeth and replacing your dental bridge with an implant denture. Factors to consider include:

How many upper teeth you have left
The condition of your teeth
Your oral health and function
Whether your teeth can support another dental bridge
Whether you qualify for dental implants to support a denture

A dentist may recommend replacing your dental bridge with individual implants.

Request an Implant Overdenture Consultation

If you are interested in an implant overdenture, consult with a prosthodontist (a specialist in tooth restoration and replacement). After a comprehensive exam, x-rays, and a 3-D CT scan, the dentist will explain your options for restoring your teeth and smile.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

Why Is My New Implant Denture Loose?

Posted on April 14, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My implant denture felt fine when I got it last December, but now it feels loose. I have four dental implants, and the lower denture drifts to the right side of my mouth. My dentist told me four implants would not be as stable as six, but should the denture loosen in four months? I thought that getting implants would eliminate my problems with removable dentures, but now the implant dentures are uncomfortable. Will I need more implants to resolve this problem, or could something be wrong with the denture? – Thanks. Alex G.

Alex,

Both sides of your denture should still fit securely, even if four implants support it instead of six.

What Causes a Loose Implant Denture?

Factors that can contribute to a loose overdenture include the following:

Denture components – A snug fit requires denture components to fit precisely on dental implants.
Improper attachment to implants – Whether your denture snaps or screws onto dental implants, misaligned attachments in the denture base or misplaced dental implants can affect your denture fit.
Loose dental implants – If your jawbone is not integrated with the implants, their movement when you eat, speak, or yawn can cause a denture to shift.

Diagram of Teeth-in-a-Day from San Antonio dentist Gilberto Tostado, DDS.

Teeth-in-a-Day implant denture

A dentist must examine your denture and implants to determine why your overdenture is loose. You may require a 3-D CT scan to identify potential causes around the implants in your jawbone. After a comprehensive exam, a dentist can determine whether your denture, dental implants, or both contribute to your concerns.

Please do not delay an appointment for an exam. If your dentist cannot resolve your concerns, we recommend getting a second opinion from a dentist with advanced training in implantology.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

Are Implant Dentures Worth It?

Posted on January 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

In late November last year, I received new dentures. The cost made me almost sure that they would be beautiful. And after my dentist assured me they would exceed my expectations, I had no doubts. But reality has hit, and I am almost in tears. The dentures are extremely uncomfortable, and they look fake. When I look in the mirror and smile, I’m embarrassed. My feelings and my pocketbook are hurt. At this point, there is no way that I can afford to replace my teeth with implants, but I am so very unhappy that I must do something about it. I’ve been doing some research, and I read about using implants to support dentures. Is this option worth considering? – Diana L., Florida

Diana –Thank you for contacting 5 Star Dental Group in San Antonio.

You have two significant concerns with your dentures. They are uncomfortable, and they don’t look natural. An artistic prosthodontist can help. It is possible to get natural-looking dentures that fit your facial features and personality. A prosthodontist will listen to your preferences and design dentures that match them. Even if you do not get dental implants, you will be pleased with custom dentures.

Are Implant Dentures Worth It?

Implant dentures are worth it if you want them to feel more like your natural teeth. Supporting a denture with two to four implants is less expensive than individual implants. A dentist can place two to eight dentures in your jawbone with overdentures. After a healing period, a prosthodontist (tooth replacement specialist) can attach the denture to the implants.

Implant overdentures improve function in these ways:

Eating – Your chewing efficiency will improve, and you can taste your food better with a palateless denture.
Speaking – Stable dentures will not move while you talk so you can socialize confidently.
Facial appearance – The implants stimulate your jawbone like natural teeth, prevent the bone from shrinking, and cause premature facial sagging.

Even if you choose removable dentures, your prosthodontist will ensure they are comfortable and beautiful.

Request an implant dentures consultation to discuss your options.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

How Do I Know Which Implant Dentures to Choose?

Posted on December 22, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I’ve worn complete upper and lower dentures since 2003. My jawbone is shrinking, and my dentist recommends dental implants and would refer me to a periodontist for surgery. I thought about implants in the past, but now that my facial appearance is changing, I am considering them more seriously. I plan to finance the work and complete payments within two years. After researching all the options for implant dentures like the snap-on denture, all on 4, all on 6, or implants with bone grafts, I am undecided. When I looked at prices online and found some dental tourism practices in Mexico (not my preference), Portugal, and Costa Rica that charge 40-50% less than the U.S. for implant dentures. What can help me decide which implant dentures to choose? – Thank you. Julian from Tacoma, WA

Julian,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question. An implant dentist or specialist would need diagnostic studies before recommending options for stabilizing your dentures. Understanding which implant denture option you want begins with a 3-D x-ray and exam. Only then can you decide on a type of implant dentures.

How Do Implant Dentures Work?

Implant dentures work by supporting an entire arch of teeth with dental implants. You will need at least two implants to keep a denture in place, but four to six implants will increase the stability. You can get implants for an upper denture, lower denture, or both.

What Determines Your Choice of Implant Denture?

Several factors can determine your choice of implant denture, including:

The level of stability you want
Your jawbone quality and volume
Your oral and overall health
Your implant dentist’s skill, experience, and offerings
Your budget

Your implant dentist will explain the differences between types of implant dentures, including:

Snap-on denture
Mini implants
All-on-4 dental implants
Fixed implant dentures
Removable implant dentures

What About Dental Tourism for Dental Implants?

Before signing up for dental tourism for dental implants, consider a few factors:

Dental implant standards vary in countries throughout the world
Think about how you could verify the credentials and experience of an implant dentist in another country
How does the foreign dental practice handle follow-up care?
What would you do if you experienced complications?
Who will restore the implants with your final denture?
Have you considered all the financial costs involved with dental tourism?
How can you verify the reputation of a dental practice in another country?

The Academy of General Dentistry published an article on dental tourism that includes Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reminders about what to research before seeking dental care outside the United States. For each country and facility that you are considering for dental care, examine the following:

Medications
Infection control
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Standards by which facilities are measured

Schedule Implant Denture Consultations

Before you choose a provider or a type of implant denture, schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist, a dentist specializing in tooth replacement and restoration. Discuss your options, concerns, and thoughts about dental tourism with the dentist.

San Antonio prosthodontist Dr. Gilberto Tostado sponsors this post.

Another Implant in My Overdenture Broke

Posted on September 15, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I got four dental implants for my lower denture in 2017. Since that time, two implants have broken. The second implant broke two months ago. I am waiting for a new implant but have decided to investigate this issue and try to prevent future breaks. I am not sure where to begin. What should I do other than follow my dentist’s treatment plan? – Thank you. Jeremiah from Plano

Jeremiah,

We encourage you to get a second opinion, including an exam and 3-D CT scan, to determine the cause of the implant breaks. We will explain the importance of carefully selecting an implant dentist.

Why Do Dental Implants Break?

A dental implant may break for several reasons, including:

Inferior implant components
Misplacement of implant root forms
Replacement teeth location and instability
Lack of jawbone volume to support the implants

1. Inferior Implant Components

Inexpensive implant components may save you and the dentist money, but cheap parts can break, rust, or loosen. If a dentist replaces broken implants with low-quality fixtures, the new root forms can break also.

2. Misplacement of Dental Implants

Skilled implant dentists take 3-D CT scans of your oral anatomy and use a surgical guide for precise placement. Precise placement helps dental implants and the jawbone fuse and remain stable. Otherwise, chewing, biting, and grinding pressure can cause the implant to loosen.

3. Replacement Teeth Location and Instability

When a denture is not correctly secured to implants or in the wrong location, you can experience a misaligned bite or uneven pressure on your teeth. The results are loose or broken dental implants.

4. Lack of Jawbone Volume

The jawbone is the foundation for dental implants, so if you lack enough bone volume, the implants can break. Skilled implant dentists use 3-D CT scans to measure bone volume and determine whether you need a graft

A trained implant dentist will ensure that your replacement dental implant will be a quality fixture in healthy bone. We recommend looking for dentists with extensive post-graduate training and experience in implantology. Schedule one or two appointments for a second opinion.

Dr. Gilberto Tostado, a San Antonio, Texas prosthodontist, sponsors this post.

How many implants will I need to keep my denture in place?

Posted on May 24, 2022 by AllSmiles.

If I qualify for implants, how many will I need to keep my denture in place? I have been wearing dentures for 18 years, and they will not stay in. Thank you. Clayton from MS

Clayton,

Although Dr. Tostado would need to examine your teeth, take x-rays, and review your medical history, you might be a candidate for dental implants. If you have good physical and oral health, you can probably get implants. But how many implants will you need?

How Many Implants Will Keep Your Denture in Place?

All-on-4 implant overdentures

As few as two dental implants will keep a denture in place. But the number of implants your dentist recommends for you depends on several factors.

Implant denture type

Snap-on denture – An implant dentist or surgeon will place two implants. Your dentist will add grooves to the bottom of your denture. And the denture base will snap onto the implants.
All-on-4 implants – If you have low jawbone volume, at least four implants will stabilize your denture. Implant dentists place All-on-4 implants in the front of your mouth where there is more bone volume. The rear implants are angled for more stability. Some dentists place All-on-6 implants.
Standard implants – After placing four to six implants, a dentist or specialist will attach your denture. Denture stability increases with the number of implants you have.

How Jawbone Shrinkage Affects Implant Placement

Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone. And the jawbone supports dental implants. The longer your teeth are missing, the more your jawbone shrinks. If you do not have enough bone volume, a dentist or specialist may perform a grafting procedure before you can receive implants.

Schedule an Implant Denture Consultation

Visit a general dentist with experience in implant dentures. Some general dentists have advanced training in implant placement. If not, the dentist will work with an oral surgeon or periodontist to place your implants.
Avoid going to an oral surgeon first. The specialist may place the implants in a way that makes it challenging for a dentist to fit the implants.
Let your doctors collaborate. When a dentist and oral surgeon work together to determine your implants’ best locations, your dentures will fit well and feel comfortable.

Schedule a consultation with an implant or restorative dentist to discuss your options.

My Implant Denture Teeth Don’t Match My Lower Denture

Posted on February 4, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I’ve had a lower denture for six years. Last November, my dentist placed the upper denture. Both my upper and lower dentures show when I smile. But the dentures are two different colors. My dentist had the upper denture re-done in December, but the color is noticeably different. He says that I should get used to the color despite my complaints because he cannot keep sending the denture back. I want a refund. Am I being unreasonable to ask for my denture teeth to match? – Thank you. Lena from Albany, GA

Lena,

We are sorry to hear about your experience with mismatched dentures. Your dentist seems unconcerned about aesthetics and how you feel about your smile. This is not the dentist for you. Although most dentists lack the advanced training to produce beautiful dentures, they are concerned with what their patients think.

What to Do If Your Implant Denture Teeth Do Not Match

If your implant denture teeth do not match, look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. The dentist will find the exact shade to match your bottom dentures. They will take pictures and give precise instructions to a dental ceramist at a lab to achieve a match. And it is possible to match your implant denture, but you need a skilled cosmetic dentist to do it.

We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists for an examination and to discuss your option. If your current dentist is unconcerned about getting your denture color to match, he probably will not be willing to give you a refund, but you can ask.

You can get natural-looking cosmetic dentures with high-quality materials and teeth that complement your smile. And your dentist will ensure the denture base fits your implants precisely. But if your current dentist will not admit his responsibility, be prepared to pay for a new denture out of pocket.

San Antonio dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado sponsors this post.\

Before-and-after implant overdenture photos from Dr. Gilberto Tostado