implant overdenture Archives - 5 Star Dental Group

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.

Will Denture Repair Improve My Loose Denture?

Posted on August 17, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Will denture repair improve my loose denture? I’ve had my denture for eight years, and it is loose. After several visits from my dentist, I wonder if denture repair will correct it or if it’s already time for a new denture. Can denture repair help? Thank you. Sterling from Silver Springs, MD

Sterling,

If your denture is eight years old and continues to be loose despite relines, you probably need a new denture.

Will Denture Repair Correct a Loose Denture?

Denture repair may correct a loose denture if there is damage to the denture base. However, if the denture base is worn or old, a dentist must take impressions of your mouth to create a new custom denture. The American College of Prosthodontists confirms that despite relining and denture adhesives, some dentures are in a condition that can only be resolved by getting a new denture.

Why Is Your Denture Loose?

A denture may be loose for these reasons:

Inadequate denture impressions – If a dentist takes inaccurate impressions of your mouth, a new denture will not fit as well as possible.
Damage or wear – A denture may wear or get damaged over time, affecting how it fits. Denture repair may help a damaged denture fit better. However, a worn denture requires replacement.
Jawbone shrinkage – Your jawbone gradually shrinks when all your teeth are missing. Bone shrinkage changes how your denture fits and may cause it to float.

Getting a New Denture That Fits Well

You can get a new denture that fits well if a dentist takes a two-step impression. Some dentists use a three-step impression or additional methods for optimal denture fit.

Preliminary impression – A skilled cosmetic dentist will take an initial impression of your mouth to make a model of your jaw.
Denture tray – A dentist can use the preliminary impression to make a model of your jaw, which helps create a custom tray. Some dentists use a moldable stock tray.
Second impression – Using a heavier impression material, the dentist takes a second impression of your mouth to register denture borders.
Filling in the details – A lighter impression material fills in the details of your mouth-s soft tissue for a custom fit.

Lower denture supported by dental implants, for information on denture repair and replacing loose dentures with same-day, Teeth-in-a-Day dentures

Minimize denture repairs and relining with same-day dentures or Teeth-in-a-Day.

The above steps ensure that a removable denture has an optimal fit. It can help minimize the need for denture relining. Still, as your jawbone continues to shrink, your denture will loosen. Many patients consider supporting their dentures with dental implants, known as implant overdentures, All-on-4 dental implants, Teeth-in-a-Day, or same-day dentures.

How Do Implant Dentures Work?

Implant dentures keep your replacement teeth stable because a dentist places dental implants, or replacement tooth roots, in your jawbone.

Anchor denture teeth – After the bone and implants fuse, your denture will have solid support.
Prevent jawbone shrinkage – You won’t have to worry about loose dentures. Also, dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent further shrinkage. When you get implant-supported dentures, you can get same-day dentures while your mouth heals.
Minimize denture repairs – You will handle your dentures less often when dental implants support them, decreasing the risks of damage and denture repair.

We recommend consulting with a prosthodontist to identify why your dentures are loose and learn about treatment options for long-term success with same-day dentures or Teeth-in-a-Day.

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

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.

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 Much Denture Adhesive Should I Use?

Posted on July 31, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I’ve worn dentures for 20 years, and it seems that I can’t keep my denture firmly in place for more than a few hours. How much adhesive should I use? Is it too late for dental implants? – Thank you. Monroe from St. Louis

Monroe,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Tostado’s office. People who have worn dentures for years share your concerns and ask the same questions.

How Much Denture Adhesive Should You Use?

Denture adhesives, such as Adhesadent Denture Adhesive Cream® (American Dental Association approved), recommend applying three to five evenly spaced, pea-sized drops to a clean, dry denture. Additional advice to maximize effectiveness includes:

Avoid getting adhesive on denture edges.
Rinse your mouth with warm water to moisten your gums before inserting your denture.
Bite down gently but firmly for at least twenty seconds.
Avoid eating anything for 30 minutes.
Clean and reapply denture adhesive after every meal if you need to continue wearing your denture for the day.

Too little or too much denture paste can prevent your denture from staying in place. After a few tries, you will understand how much adhesive to use for your denture. Some people take pictures of their denture base with the adhesive on it to compare which amount works best.

Is It Too Late for Dental Implants?

After years of wearing dentures, it is not too late to get dental implants. Securing a denture with two to six implants is the end of poor-fitting dentures and adhesives. Whether your jawbone shrinkage is minimal or extensive, an implant dentist offers solutions to help you get an implant overdenture. After an examination and a 3-D CT scan, the dentist will explain your options.

Implant denture with bone grafting

Your jawbone is the foundation for dental implants. If you have significant bone shrinkage, your implant dentist may recommend a bone grafting procedure to build up the bone before you get implants. After the grafts heal, your dentist or an oral surgeon will place the implants and attach temporary teeth to them. The implants, not adhesive, will keep your denture in place.

All-on-4® dental implants

All-on-4 dental® implants, or Teeth-in-a-Day, use four dental implants to support a denture. Your dentist or surgeon will place the implants near the front of your jawbone with the two rear implants angled up to 45 degrees for more support and to minimize the need for bone grafting. Your implant dentist will attach temporary replacement teeth to the implants on the same day.

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

Teeth-in-a-Day implant denture

Schedule a consultation with an implant dentist to discuss your options for implant dentures and end your struggle with loose dentures and adhesives.

San Antonio prosthodontist and cosmetic dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado 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

Can I get a refund for an overdenture that was late and doesn’t fit?

Posted on February 15, 2021 by AllSmiles.

In 2006 I received four dental implants and overdentures. I have been so happy with the results. After 15 years, my dentures looked worn, so I scheduled consultations with three cosmetic dentists for a new overdenture. My family dentist does good work, but I am not confident about his cosmetic skills. Among the dentists that I consulted with, I chose one recommended by a coworker. The dentist told me that I would receive my new denture in three to four weeks.

The overdenture was ready in 4.5 weeks. Three weeks ago, I went to the office for my dentist to fit the denture. He struggled to get the denture on the implants so finally, he applied a lot of force that I thought would crack my jaw. The overdenture felt so stiff that I had difficulty eating chicken noodle soup that evening. At bedtime, it took almost 45 minutes to remove the overdentures. My suspicion was right – I could not get it back on the next morning. The receptionist told me that my dentist was at another practice two hours away, so I saw a different dentist who agreed that the attachment holes were drilled incorrectly, and one side of the denture is lower than the other. The dentist said that he would order new gaskets for the attachments, which should resolve the issue. But the problem is still not resolved. My denture was uncomfortable and very difficult to take off and put on. Now my dentist says that he may need to redo the denture.

I am nervous about the resolution because I share caregiving responsibilities for my mom, who lives out of state. I will leave in two weeks, and I will be away for at least two months. I do not want to drag this issue through spring and summer. I did not get what I asked for, so my thoughts are to ask for a refund. Will my asking for a refund complicate matters? I feel like I need to start all over.

Thank you! Mercedes from GA

Mercedes,

Thank you for submitting your question to us. Your situation has legal and dental concerns.

Is your dentist liable?

Your dentist agreed to complete your overdenture in three to four weeks. Even in 4.5 weeks, he did not deliver an overdenture that functions correctly, so he broke the time and quality agreement. You are entitled to a refund. But that does not mean your dentist will be willing to refund you.

How to encourage your dentist to issue a refund

Speak respectfully with your dentist when asking for a refund. Follow the steps below, only doing what is necessary until you get results. Hopefully, your dentist will cooperate before the final step.

Explain the agreement you had and how your dentist broke it.
Tell your dentist that you are dissatisfied with the work and will write negative online reviews about your experience.
If your dental insurance was involved in any aspect of your treatment, you could file a complaint with the insurance company.
If your dentist is uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the state dental board.
You can hire a malpractice attorney, but the cost involved may not be worth it.

Dental concerns

All-on-4 implant overdentures

Replacing an overdenture should take about three weeks. When a dentist cannot fit the denture over your implants, their experience with overdentures is questionable. Ordering new gaskets was not the solution, and we suspect that your dentist does not have an answer.

We suggest that you begin by finding an experienced implant dentist for a second opinion. After the dentist identifies the issue, ask your current dentist for a refund based on the facts. But ask nicely, explaining that you understand he is in a difficult position but so are you. If your dentist resists, then ask about his experience with implant overdentures. You can proceed with the steps we listed about how to encourage your dentist to issue a refund.

Best wishes. Please let us know when you have a success story to share.

Dr. Gilberto Tostado of San Antonio, TX, sponsors this post.

Where can I order implant overdenture replacement parts?

Posted on January 14, 2021 by AllSmiles.

The male retention caps on my removable overdenture are worn. I have four dental implants supporting my denture, and my dentist charges $30 for each retention cap—a small piece of plastic. Why is he charging so much? I cannot afford to pay my dentist $120 every time the caps need replacing. I looked online and saw a set of four caps for $45, but only dentists can order them. Is there another way I can purchase male retention caps for my dental implants? Thank you. – Benji

Benji,

Thank you for your inquiry.

As you may know, male retention caps give your implant overdenture a secure fit while moving naturally over the implant as you speak and chew.

Although dentists have high office overhead, male retention caps are small items that have minimal impact on daily dental office operations. Although we cannot say why your dentist chose a fee of $30 for each cap, we have some ideas for more affordable ways to get replacement caps.

Where to Order Implant Overdenture Male Retention Caps

Implant overdenture locator caps in and outside the package

Pink, blue, and red locator caps

If your dentist’s fee for male retention caps is too high, consider these options:

Ask another dental office – You can explain your situation to local dental offices. You will probably find an office willing to order them for you at cost. Dental professionals are usually sympathetic, and a dental assistant may be willing to order the retention caps for you. The dentist does not have to be involved because the staff places orders.
Alternatives to online dental suppliers – Search online for the male retention caps. A website like eBay offers dental implant locator caps without requiring documentation that you are a dental professional. But you must know what size retention caps you need and how to put them on your overdenture. Retention caps are available in different retention strengths—soft and firm.
Talk to your dentist – If you have not talked with your dentist about your budget and your online research for the cost of male retention caps, you might consider it. Your dentist might be willing to reduce the price or give you details about which retention caps you will need to fit your denture.

We wish you a swift resolution.

Gilberto Tostado, DDS, of San Antonio, TX, sponsors this post. Dr. Tostado has post-graduate training in prosthodontics and dental aesthetics.

My implant overdenture makes my lips look puffy

Posted on December 29, 2020 by AllSmiles.

After getting Teeth in a Day, my denture is sitting too far forward, and it makes my lips look puffy. Will you please tell me how many millimeters from the gumline my dentist should place my permanent denture or if the denture should follow the gumline? The look of my temporary denture is making me think it’s too late to correct it without repositioning my implants. Thank you. Amias from Georgia

Amias,

It sounds like you’re referring to your denture teeth’s position in relation to your jawbone’s ridge beneath the denture. The gumline is the edge where your teeth and gums meet. If you are missing all your teeth, or if they are extracted for dentures, you no longer have a gumline. The point where your denture teeth meet the pink acrylic replaces your natural gumline.

Although Dr. Tostado would need to examine your implant overdenture for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, we’ll explain how advanced cosmetic dentists achieve predictable results.

Placing Denture Teeth for Teeth-in-a-Day

Placing denture teeth for Teeth-in-a-Day requires meticulous attention to function and appearance. A cosmetic dentist will ensure you receive the best outcome for both.

Function

Teeth-in-a-Day

Teeth-in-a-Day is a system to support an arch of denture teeth with at least four dental implants. If your teeth are 2 to 3 millimeters from the ridge, that is close enough within range for proper function. But there are other considerations for placement of denture teeth, including aesthetics.

Aesthetics

Before a dentist makes your final denture or has it made by a lab, a wax model should be made. You can try in the model to examine how the denture looks, affects your speech, and affects your facial appearance—including the fullness of your lips. During the try-in, your dentist will ensure your bite and vertical dimension are accurate before your final denture is processed.

It’s not too late to talk to your dentist about how the dentures are affecting your lips. Your dentist can:

Determine if the impressions of your mouth are accurate or take new impressions
Remake the temporary denture or have the lab re-do it

If you were already wearing your permanent dentures, your dentist could remove and reset your denture teeth or have a lab revise them.

Teeth-in-a-Day should improve the function and appearance of your denture. Remind your dentist of your expectations, and don’t compromise. Your dentist should be able to get this right. But if it’s not going well after a second try, we recommend that you get a second opinion. Find a dentist with experience in implantology, aesthetics, occlusion, and bite (the way your upper and lower teeth fit together).

Gilberto Tostado, DDS, of San Antonio, TX sponsors this post. Dr. Tostado has post-graduate training in prosthodontics and dental aesthetics.