Restore Your Smile with Confidence
Traditional dentures slip when you eat and shift when you talk. Implant-supported dentures eliminate these frustrations by anchoring your dentures to dental implants embedded in your jawbone. The result is a stable, comfortable restoration that functions like natural teeth and restores the confidence that comes with a secure smile.
At Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics, Dr. Nicholas Goetz combines specialized training as one of only 150 maxillofacial prosthodontists in the United States with advanced CBCT scanning technology. His expertise in complex oral rehabilitation allows him to plan and place implant-supported dentures with exceptional precision. Whether you’re tired of denture adhesives or looking for a better alternative to traditional dentures, our team provides personalized care that transforms your quality of life.
Implant-supported dentures use titanium posts surgically placed in your jawbone to hold your dentures securely. Unlike conventional dentures that rest on your gums and rely on suction or adhesives, these restorations connect directly to implants through specialized attachments. This connection creates stability that allows you to eat, speak, and smile without worrying about movement.
Two main types exist. Removable implant-supported dentures snap onto implants using attachment systems like locator abutments or bars. You can take them out for cleaning, but they stay firmly in place during daily activities. Fixed implant-supported dentures, sometimes called All-on-X restorations, screw permanently onto implants and can only be removed by your dentist during maintenance appointments. Both options offer significant improvements over traditional dentures.
The number of implants varies based on your jaw anatomy and the restoration type. Most lower arches need four to six implants for adequate support, while upper arches may require six to eight due to softer bone density. According to the National Library of Medicine, dental implants maintain a success rate of 95%, making them a reliable foundation for your dentures.
Specialized prosthodontic treatments to restore function and beauty with financing options for complex dental care.
Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation that includes clinical examination and CBCT imaging. This three-dimensional scan reveals your bone quality, quantity, and the location of nerves and sinuses. Dr. Goetz uses this information to plan ideal implant positions that maximize stability while avoiding sensitive structures. If bone grafting is needed to improve density, this procedure happens first and requires several months of healing.
On surgery day, Dr. Goetz places the implants at precisely calculated angles and depths. Most patients receive temporary dentures the same day, so you never go without teeth. These temporaries let you eat soft foods and maintain your appearance during the healing phase. Over the next three to six months, your implants integrate with your bone through a process called osseointegration.
Once your implants are stable, Dr. Goetz takes impressions for your final denture. This custom prosthetic is engineered to match your facial features, bite pattern, and esthetic preferences. The manufacturing process typically takes two to three weeks. At your final appointment, Dr. Goetz attaches your permanent denture and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and comfort. Follow-up visits monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Good candidates have adequate jawbone to support implants. If bone loss has occurred, oral surgery procedures like bone grafting can rebuild the necessary foundation. You also need healthy gums, as active gum disease increases the risk of implant failure. Treatment for periodontal problems comes before implant placement to create the best environment for success.
Certain medical conditions affect healing but don’t necessarily rule out implants. Well-controlled diabetes, for instance, has minimal impact on implant success. Smoking significantly increases failure risk, so many dentists recommend quitting before treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Goetz reviews your complete medical history to identify any factors that need attention before moving forward.
Age is rarely a barrier. Many patients in their 70s and 80s successfully receive implant-supported dentures and enjoy the improved quality of life they provide. The key factors are overall health, bone quality, and commitment to proper oral hygiene after treatment.
Implant-supported dentures typically cost between $15,000 and $30,000 per arch, depending on the number of implants needed and whether you choose removable or fixed restorations. This includes surgery, implants, healing components, and the final denture. Additional procedures like bone grafting or tooth extraction add to the total.
Insurance coverage varies. While dental plans may not cover implants themselves, they often contribute to the denture portion. Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics is out-of-network with insurance companies, but our team files claims on your behalf and helps you obtain any reimbursement your PPO plan allows. We also work with financing companies that offer payment plans, making treatment accessible through monthly installments that fit your budget.
Implant-supported dentures transform daily life for patients struggling with traditional dentures. Dr. Nicholas Goetz’s specialized training and Fellowship at UCLA give him the advanced skills to handle complex cases other providers may not accept. His use of CBCT technology ensures precise planning, while his warm, patient-centered approach helps you feel comfortable throughout treatment.
Whether you’re new to dentures or ready to upgrade from traditional ones, implant-supported options offer stability, comfort, and confidence. Our team provides comprehensive care from initial consultation through final placement, with personalized attention at every step. Ready to discover what secure dentures feel like? Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and learn how implant-supported dentures can give you back the smile and function you deserve.
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