Traditional dentures can replace missing teeth, but they may not provide the stability some patients want for eating, speaking, and everyday comfort. Implant-supported dentures use dental implants placed in the jaw to provide a stronger foundation for a full set of replacement teeth.
At Oral Facial and Implant Specialists in Deer Park, IL, Dr. J. Travis Thompson places dental implants to support fixed and removable dentures using advanced surgical planning and modern implant technology.
Schedule a dental implant consultation today to learn if you are a candidate.
📞(847) 381-0106
📍21660 W Field Pkwy #220, Deer Park, IL 60010
A More Stable Alternative to Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on their fit, suction, and sometimes adhesive to remain in place. Implant-supported dentures connect to dental implants placed within the jawbone, giving the restoration additional support.
Depending on the treatment plan, the denture may be removable by the patient or secured in place so that only a dental professional removes it. Both approaches can provide greater stability than a conventional denture.
How Dental Implants Improve Denture Stability and Function
By anchoring the denture to implants, patients can have greater confidence in their replacement teeth during everyday activities. The added support can improve comfort and function without relying solely on the gums to hold the denture in place.
Potential benefits include:
- Greater stability while chewing and speaking
- Improved comfort and confidence
- Reduced reliance on denture adhesives
- A natural-looking replacement for missing teeth
- Fixed and removable treatment options based on individual needs
Fixed vs. Removable Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures can generally be designed as either removable or fixed restorations. Dr. Thompson and your restorative dentist can determine which approach is appropriate based on your anatomy and treatment needs.
Removable Implant-Supported Dentures
A removable implant-supported denture attaches to implants for additional retention but can still be taken out by the patient for cleaning. Depending on the design, the denture may connect to individual implant attachments or to a bar supported by multiple implants.
This option can provide considerably more stability than a conventional removable denture while still allowing the restoration to be removed for cleaning.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
A fixed restoration is secured to dental implants and is not removed by the patient. Instead of resting primarily on the gums like a conventional denture, the restoration receives support from implants placed strategically throughout the jaw.
Fixed restorations can provide a stable feel and allow patients to replace an entire arch of teeth without removing their teeth at night.
What To Expect With Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported denture treatment is completed in stages to allow the implants to heal and create a stable foundation for your replacement teeth.
Consultation
Your consultation includes an exam, digital imaging, and a review of your medical history, oral health, and available bone. Dr. Thompson will evaluate your jaw and determine the number and position of implants needed to support the planned denture.
If needed, treatment may include bone grafting or tooth extractions before implant placement.
Implant Placement
Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone in planned positions to support the denture. A temporary prosthesis may be provided so you have replacement teeth while the implants heal.
Over time, the implants fuse with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for the final denture.
Final Denture
Once the implants are ready to support the final prosthesis, your restorative dentist will complete the custom denture and attach it to the implants. Depending on your treatment plan, the final denture may be fixed in place or designed to be removable for cleaning.
Candidates for Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures may be considered for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth or who are dissatisfied with the stability of traditional dentures.
Several factors help determine whether treatment is appropriate, including:
- The number and condition of remaining teeth
- The amount and quality of available jawbone
- Gum and oral health
- General health and ability to heal after surgery
- Smoking or other factors that may affect healing
- The type of final restoration being planned
What If You Have Been Wearing Dentures for Years?
Wearing traditional dentures for many years does not automatically prevent you from receiving dental implants. However, the jawbone can gradually lose volume after teeth are removed because it no longer receives the same stimulation from tooth roots.
The amount and location of remaining bone are important when planning implant placement. Imaging allows Dr. Thompson to evaluate your jaw and determine whether implants can be placed as-is or whether bone grafting may be needed as part of your treatment plan.
For some long-term denture wearers, implant-supported treatment can provide an opportunity to improve stability without returning to individual tooth replacement.
Meet Your Dental Implant Specialist
Dr. J. Travis Thompson has served the Lake County area since 2006, providing advanced oral surgery care focused on long-term function, precision, and patient comfort.
As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive surgical and military training, he uses modern implant technology and advanced treatment planning to help patients restore missing teeth with confidence.
Dr. Thompson places dental implants for single missing teeth, multiple missing teeth, and full-arch restoration cases. His experience in bone grafting, sinus lifts, and complex surgical care allows many patients to qualify for dental implants even after years of tooth loss.
Learn More About Dr. Thompson“I strive to provide the highest quality of patient care while maintaining a warm, compassionate, and caring atmosphere.”
Talk With an Oral Surgeon About Implant-Supported Dentures
At Oral Facial and Implant Specialists, Dr. J. Travis Thompson provides implant-supported denture treatment backed by extensive surgical training, modern technology, and personalized treatment planning.
Call UsFrequently Asked Questions
Implant-supported dentures can typically cost between $20,000 to $30,000 per arch for the surgical side, although the total cost varies considerably based on the type of denture, number of implants, and whether procedures such as tooth extraction or bone grafting are needed. After your consultation, our team can provide a personalized treatment plan with a more accurate estimate of your cost.
It depends on the type of denture. Removable implant-supported dentures are typically taken out for cleaning and may need to be removed at night, while fixed implant-supported dentures remain attached to the implants and are not removed by the patient.
Not always. Because dental implants provide additional support, some upper implant-supported dentures can be designed without covering the entire roof of the mouth. The design of your denture will depend on the type of restoration, implant placement, and your individual treatment needs.
Dr. Thompson works directly with your restorative dentist to coordinate implant placement and the final denture. The surgical and restorative phases are planned together, so you do not have to manage communication between the two offices yourself.
