Snap-In Implant Dentures
In O'Fallon, MO

An upper implant denture needs a minimum of 4 implants, while a lower implant denture requires at least 2 implants. Generally, having more implants increases the stability of your denture, with this being particularly beneficial for lower dentures. Typically, 3 or 4 implants in the lower jaw provide significantly better stability than just 2.

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In many cases, yes! We offer a free consultation where we will perform a 3D CBCT scan of your jaw to determine if you have sufficient bone for dental implants.

No, we need to allow time for your implants to integrate with your bone, which is essential for their long-term stability. This process ensures you can enjoy many years or even decades of use from your implants. We typically wait between 4 and 6 months before attaching your dentures to the implants.

While experiences may vary, you should expect some discomfort and possibly swelling after your procedure. Many patients report very little discomfort during their post-op appointment the next day. You will be prescribed pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort.

We do not currently offer general anesthesia, but we do provide oral conscious sedation. This medication helps relax you and often makes you forget the procedure. We will write you a prescription, which you can fill at your pharmacy of choice. Please note that you MUST have someone to drive you after taking the oral sedation pills, as you should NOT operate a motor vehicle or any machinery after taking your medication.

Yes! Implant dentures are significantly more secure than traditional dentures. We can also enhance retention with stronger inserts if desired.

It depends. Ideally, we need to spread the dental implants out to remove a portion of the palate in a snap-in denture. With our All-On-4 procedure, we can guarantee the removal of the palate, but this is not always possible with snap-in dentures.

When we can remove the palate, it often enhances taste and increases hot and cold sensitivity, providing a more natural experience. For patients with a severe gag reflex, removing the palate of the denture can also help provide relief.

If you are a candidate for a palate-less denture, the palate will be removed from your final denture. This will be done once healing and osseointegration are complete and we are ready to attach your dentures to the implants, which is typically about 4-6 months after implant placement.

Typically, implant inserts need to be replaced 1 to 2 times per year. The frequency can vary based on factors such as the number of implants, the strength of your bite, how often you remove and replace your dentures, and other considerations.

**WARNING**: PLEASE DO NOT BITE YOUR DENTURES INTO PLACE ON YOUR IMPLANTS! This can significantly accelerate the wear of your inserts. Always place your implant dentures by hand.

Alveoplasty is a procedure in which the doctor reshapes your jawbone. This procedure is crucial as it can greatly enhance the fit and comfort of your dentures.

Tori are bony protrusions that can develop in the mouth of many patients. While they are not harmful, they can interfere with the fit and comfort of your dentures. Therefore, your doctor may recommend removing them to ensure a better denture fit.

It’s completely normal to experience increased salivation when you first get a prosthesis (denture). Your body recognizes it as a foreign object and tries to "flush" it out. This extra salivation should diminish within 2-3 days.

Significant bleeding will have stopped by the time you leave the clinic, but you may experience some minor oozing for 1-3 days after the procedure. You might also notice increased salivation when your denture(s) are first placed. When this extra saliva mixes with a small amount of blood, it can appear as if there's more bleeding. If heavy bleeding persists, please contact our office.

A useful home remedy to aid clotting and reduce bleeding is the use of tea bags. Simply dampen a regular tea bag, squeeze out the excess water, and place it on the extraction site(s). The tea bag helps promote clotting. You can use multiple tea bags if needed and replace them if they become saturated with blood. This process can be repeated as often as necessary.

We do not currently offer zirconia (non-metal) implants. While titanium implants have a long history of success and reliability, zirconia implants are relatively new to the market, and their long-term success is still uncertain. We aim to provide the most successful and predictable long-term results for our patients, which is why we do not offer zirconia implants at this time.

Yes, it’s normal for some food to get under any prosthetic in the mouth. The advantage of implant dentures is that they are easy to clean. Simply remove them, clean the dentures, your gums, and the implants, then snap the dentures back in.

Recovery time varies for each patient. Some return to work the next day, while others may wait a week or two. Given the potential for bruising and swelling, and the need to adjust to eating and speaking with your new teeth, taking as much time off as possible is often beneficial.

A soft liner is a cushioning material placed inside your denture to improve fit and comfort as your mouth heals and changes shape after extractions.

No, this procedure is not just for the elderly. It’s quite common for individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to need teeth replacement. Replacing damaged teeth can significantly improve your overall physical health and also enhance your emotional well-being by allowing you to smile, laugh, and speak confidently. Needing to replace teeth at a younger age is not unusual at all.

• Ice packs
• Wash cloths you don’t mind throwing away
• Comfortable clothes you don’t mind throwing away
• Soft foods such as:

          – soups

          – yogurt

          – cottage cheese

          – smoothies

          – protein shakes

          – eggs

          – mashed potatoes (gravy optional)

Just as you would need practice to adapt to a prosthetic leg, it will take some time and patience to get used to your new prosthetic teeth. However, because they are anchored with implants, adapting to implant dentures is generally easier than adjusting to traditional dentures.

It will take some time, but with patience and practice, your mouth and tongue will quickly adjust. Pronouncing “s” sounds may be the most challenging. Practicing words like "Mississippi" and "sixty-six" can help you get used to your new teeth. In some cases, patients might experience a slight lisp long-term with implant dentures.

Some patients might notice slight rocking with their dentures. For those with 2 lower implants, which are placed at the front of the jaw, this rocking can occur. Applying a small amount of adhesive at the back on each side of the lower denture usually resolves this issue.

In this situation, the All-On-4 procedure would be your best option. Not all snap-in dentures allow for the removal of the palate.

Yes, removable implant dentures make cleaning very convenient. Simply remove the dentures, clean them along with your gums and implants, and then snap them back in place.

While titanium dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, they can still fail. Some factors that can cause implant failure include:

• Failure to integrate into the bone
• Smoking
• Diabetes

If an implant fails within the first year, your dentist will replace it at no charge to you.

• Snaps: Periodically, you'll need to replace the snap rings in your implant dentures. These components wear out and lose retention over time and with frequent removal. Replacing them is quick and affordable.
• Cleanings: Just like natural teeth, your implants need periodic cleanings. This ensures any buildup on the implants is removed and your dentures are thoroughly cleaned.
• Periodic Re-Fittings: As your mouth changes over time, your dentures may need to be re-fitted to maintain optimal performance and prevent unnecessary stress on your implants.
• Home Maintenance: Daily maintenance is simple and takes only a few minutes. Remove your dentures 1-2 times a day and brush them with a denture brush or a very soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, clean your implants by scrubbing them with a very soft dental brush.