Implant Dentures in Tampa, FL

Florida adults aged 60 or older are missing more than half of their natural teeth on average, and almost 20% are missing all of them. For years, the tried-and-true solution was traditional dentures. But old-fashioned dentures come with their own set of issues. They can look and feel artificial, their fit needs to be constantly adjusted, and their ease of removability also means they’re constantly at risk of slipping or falling out at the most inconvenient times. Implant dentures provide a solution that offers better stability, durability, and a more natural look and feel than traditional options.

Understanding Implant Dentures

Implant dentures are a solution for tooth loss that affects the entire upper or lower jaw, or both. At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, Dr. Cabrera uses mini dental implants to anchor denture prosthetics.

Enhanced denture stability impacts many areas of your life. With implant-retained dentures, you can confidently chew and speak without needing messy adhesives while also enjoying the peace of mind that your artificial teeth are securely in place.

There are plenty of benefits from an oral health perspective as well. Implant dentures eliminate the worry of gum irritation caused by ill-fitting dentures, and the implants themselves replace your missing tooth roots, helping to stop bone and tissue loss in the jaw.

Essentially, implant dentures provide a more seamless and secure fit, better functionality, and the confidence that your teeth will stay exactly where they’re supposed to be. In some cases, Dr. Cabrera can convert your existing dentures into implant dentures, providing all these added benefits while saving on costs. All of this is possible using mini dental implant technology.

What Are Mini Dental Implants?

Mini dental implants are a slim and streamlined version of traditional dental implants. They consist of a single-piece titanium rod with a screw on one end and a ball connector on the other. These rods are screwed directly into the jawbone, creating a stable base for attaching implant dentures. Over time, mini implants fuse with the jaw and stimulate bone growth, performing the function of tooth roots and providing a strong foundation for dentures.

Traditional dental implants have a width of 5 millimeters on average. Mini implants live up to their name, measuring less than 3 millimeters wide. Due to their slim size, we can use mini implants in tight spaces. For those with bone loss or narrow jawbones, mini implants provide options for advanced denture solutions that were previously not possible with traditional implants.

The thin profile of mini implants also allows for a quicker and less invasive placement procedure; the entire process can often be done in one day. The procedure itself requires only local anesthesia, and any discomfort post-procedure can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Like the procedure itself, recovery is equally swift. Most patients feel comfortable returning to their normal routines in about 24-48 hours.

Thanks to their innovative design, efficient placement, and incredible durability, mini dental implants are an indispensable tool for supporting artificial teeth.

The Implant Denture Process

From consultation to recovery, you can expect the implant denture process to meet your needs and goals. The process includes the following steps:

Free consultation: At your consultation with Dr. Cabrera, she will determine your suitability for implant dentures by examining your mouth, reviewing your medical history, and discussing your concerns. You’ll also be able to ask questions, and we will go over financial and insurance information. Dr. Cabrera will then create a customized treatment plan tailored to your goals and preferences.
Placement: Dr. Cabrera will apply local anesthesia to ensure a comfortable, pain-free experience. Then, she will drill small holes into your jawbone and screw each implant into place. Although the placement takes only minutes, Dr. Cabrera will take the time to make sure each one is placed perfectly.
Attachment of prosthetic: Once the mini implants are in position, Dr. Cabrera will attach your restoration. The custom-designed prosthetic teeth will attach securely to the mini implants, ensuring a natural look and feel.
Recovery: Most patients return to normal routines within a day or two. Any mild soreness or swelling should subside quickly.

Implant Dentures Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions

Types of Implant Dentures

At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, we offer implant dentures with different levels of stability, removability, and aesthetics depending on your individual needs and preferences.

Snap-on Overdentures

If you want a convenient transition to implant dentures, snap-on overdentures may suit you. These dentures resemble traditional dentures in appearance but lack the pink acrylic that covers the palate. Like conventional dentures, this option can be removed at home for cleaning and comfort. However, these dentures snap onto 4-6 mini dental implants for a lower arch or 6-8 implants for an upper arch.

Snap-on implant overdentures are an economical option for those seeking alternatives to traditional dentures. With care, they typically last 7-10 years. For those with existing dentures, Dr. Cabrera can often alter the dentures to snap onto the implants. They’ll snap onto the implants as if it were always that way. Or, if you do not have a pre-existing denture, we can fabricate the prosthetic as part of the process.

Semi-Removeable Zirconia Bridge: The Fix-on-Six® Solution

Semi-removable roundhouse dental bridges are a hybrid denture. They are considered semi-removable because only a dentist such as Dr. Cabrera is meant to remove them for professional cleaning. Otherwise, these full-arch zirconia bridges sit securely on 6-10 mini implants and offer increased stability. This system is often called All-on-6 or Fix-on-Six® because the teeth can be stabilized with approximately six mini implants.

Non-Removable Zirconia Bridge

This option, also known as fixed or permanent dentures, most closely replicates the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. We use 10-12 mini implants to anchor the implants, and we cement the dentures into place. The prosthetic teeth are crafted from zirconia—a material that is ten times stronger than tooth enamel—and can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. The non-removable roundhouse zirconia bridge is the pinnacle of stability, functionality, and aesthetics.

Choosing the right implant denture option depends on several factors. Your oral health, lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences all play a part. Dr. Cabrera and her experienced team are here to answer any questions and personalize the best plan for you.

Benefits of Implant Dentures

Stable, functional teeth are essential to everyday life, and we often take them for granted until we have experienced tooth loss. Well-fitting implant dentures can positively impact various aspects of your life, including oral health, self-assurance, overall well-being, and other areas.

Oral function: Your teeth are the first tools used in the digestion process. Their power and stability allow us to enjoy a well-rounded, nutritious diet. Traditional dentures make this difficult because of their reduced biting and chewing power. They can also cause gum sores and inflammation due to slippage and changes in their fit. On the other hand, implant dentures are stable, secure, and comfortable, enhancing your oral function.
Speech clarity: Stable teeth with no gaps or holes eliminate unwanted lisps and other speech impediments, making clear articulation possible.
Self-confidence: How often do you worry or stress about your traditional dentures slipping or even falling out, causing embarrassment? Implant dentures alleviate these worries. In fact, their natural look radiates confidence every time you smile.
Oral health: Missing teeth will cause additional issues if not replaced. The remaining teeth will shift into unfilled gaps, which can lead to a misaligned bite. When the teeth shift, they create hard-to-reach spaces where plaque-causing bacteria can thrive. When you replace missing teeth with implant dentures, you can maintain oral health more easily, lowering your risk for decay and gum disease.
Peace of mind: Think back to when you had a full set of healthy, functioning teeth. You didn’t have to worry about them on a daily basis. You likely only thought about them when it was time to brush or schedule a visit to the dentist. That peace of mind can be yours once again with convenient and low-maintenance implant dentures.

The Cost of Implant Dentures

The cost of implant dentures depends on what you’re looking for in terms of stability, functionality, and appearance. Generally speaking, the more implants required, the higher the cost. However, mini implants are much more affordable than their traditional counterparts. You can expect mini implant solutions to be more cost-effective than conventional ones.

At your free consultation, we will guide you in choosing the option that meets your needs and budget. Additionally, our office manager, Viviana, and our experienced team will help you understand your payment options. If you have dental insurance, we will help you maximize your coverage. For those requiring additional financing options, we partner with multiple lenders to get you the best possible rates.

Implant Dentures Stabilize Your Smile

The security and versatility of implant dentures can restore your self-confidence and improve your oral function. Dr. Cabrera and her team will help you regain the quality of life you once knew.

Don’t let missing teeth or the instability of traditional dentures cause you stress and embarrassment any longer. Contact Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions to schedule your free consultation, and let us show you what implant dentures can do for you.