Dentures

Inner Richmond implant supported dentures

After losing one–or more–teeth, you may be wondering how to replace them. You might even question the idea of replacing them at all because you think it might be too expensive!

At Golden Gate Dental, we have been restoring and creating beautiful smiles for over 15 years and want you to know maintaining your oral health and replacing missing teeth is our top priority!

Your options for tooth replacement

At Golden Gate Dental, we understand the emotional journey you’re on when looking for replacement options. You want an option that is not only natural looking, but reliable and durable. We can give that to you! We can provide a relaxing and positive experience for you with implant supported dentures.

Did you suggest Dentures?

Yes, we did! Dentures have become sophisticated, ideal options for tooth replacement. Implant supported dentures are secured into your mouth with dental implants–a titanium base that mimics a healthy tooth root anchored into the jawbone. They “snap” into place, providing stability and durability. to provide extra retention and put a stop to moving or shifting dentures.

You never have to worry again about your dentures slipping or falling out when eating or speaking!

Understanding the basics of implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures are a great way to restore your entire upper, lower or both arches of your teeth. If you have lost most or all of your teeth due to issues like gum disease, extensive tooth decay, or an accident, you may be a good candidate for implant-supported dentures.

While traditional dentures fit directly over your gums and are held in place with friction, implant-supported dentures are different. They snap onto a series of 4-6 dental implants, which are surgically placed into your gums and jaw to ensure a secure hold and keep them in place.

Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures do not move or shift, so you can eat, smile, and speak without worrying about your dentures moving. Another big benefit of implant-supported dentures is that they help to keep your mouth healthy and strong by preventing bone loss. Usually, once you lose your teeth, the underlying jaw bone will start to deteriorate and become weak. This can result in a change in your facial structure. However, dental implants prevent this bone loss because they are placed directly into your jaw bone to help stimulate it to preserve the tissue.

What can I expect from the process?

The process of having an implant-supported denture built and placed will take a few appointments, spanning a period of 3-6 months. This time frame can be longer if you need to have any teeth extracted.

First, you’ll come to Golden Gate Dental for a consultation with Dr. Sosis, and she’ll determine if you’re a good candidate for implant-supported dentures. If you are, she will begin creating your implant plan using x-rays, impressions, and images of your mouth.

After your treatment plan is finalized, you’ll come in for your next appointment. During this visit, your dental implants will be placed. A series of 4-6 dental implants will be surgically implanted into your gums. It will take about 3-6 months for these implants to completely heal and “osseointegrate,” permanently bonding with the natural tissue of your mouth. You’ll get a set of temporary dentures to wear as your mouth heals.

Once your mouth has healed, the hardware required to hold the dentures in place will be attached to your dental implants. During this time, Dr. Sosis will work with a dental lab to create a permanent set of custom dentures. You will come into our office to have impressions taken of your mouth, and to test out prototype dentures to see if they fit. Once your final dentures are ready, they’ll be sent to our office and you’ll try them on to see if they fit properly. If everything looks good, you’ll be sent home with your new smile!

How long do implant-supported dentures last?

With proper care, the implants used to support your dentures will likely last for the rest of your life. The typical lifespan of dental implants is 30+ years. However, the actual denture supported by your implants does not have the same long lifespan. You may start to notice wear & tear on your dentures after about 5-7 years, and it’s fairly common to have your dentures replaced at this time.

Implant supported dentures: Forget you ever had a tooth replaced

You also won’t need to worry about your implant supported dentures altering your homecare routine: no need to remove them and plot them in a glass of denture cleaner overnight! No need for goopy glue to (hopefully) hold them in place!

Other benefits of implant supported dentures include:

Restoring the facial structure back to its youthful, natural shape after drooping, sagging, or wrinkling due to tooth loss
Lasting a lifetime with proper at home and professional care
Looking, feeling, and functioning like a natural tooth
Preventing rapid bone law in the jaw after tooth loss

Tooth replacement in San Francisco

Knowing that your denture is always securely in place when eating and speaking is just one of the numerous positive impacts you will experience. Not only will we improve the appearance of your smile, we will change the quality of your life! A light, gentle touch in our elegant, soothing environment makes restorative dentistry a true pleasure. Give us a call today at 415.843.4079 and take the first step toward a new life!

Golden Gate Dental

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3200 Fulton St.

San Francisco, CA 94118