Implant Dentures — Odessa, TX

What Are Implant Dentures?

As the name suggests, these dentures are held firmly in the mouth thanks to dental implants. A dental implant is a small screw that is surgically embedded in the jawbone to hold a restoration in place. In the case of implant dentures, several implants are positioned along your jaw to secure the prosthetic teeth.

There are different types of implant dentures. Depending on your circumstances, Dr. Cobb might recommend one of the following for you:

Fixed/Permanent Implant Dentures

These are permanently attached to the implants that support them (only removable with the help of a dental professional). Also called “hybrid prostheses,” these dentures offer a high level of convenience. They typically take 4 – 6 implants to stay in place, meaning that they require a significant degree of bone density in the jaw.

Removable Implant Dentures

Sometimes called overdentures or “Snap-On” dentures, these are secured in the mouth via ball- or bar-shaped attachments. They should be removed daily for routine cleaning and maintenance. In most cases, they require fewer implants — and less bone density in the jaw — than permanent dentures.

The Implant Denture Procedure

The procedure for implant dentures generally goes something like this:

• You visit Dr. Cobb for your initial consultation, and he gets started on your treatment plan. You may need some preliminary procedures before you move onto the next step of dental implant treatment.
• Cobb refers you to a local specialist for your implant placement surgery.
• After a healing period of several months, small attachments, called abutments, are secured onto the dental implants.
• You receive your beautiful new teeth.

Although the process for dental implants in Odessa can be lengthy, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment of time!

Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentures?

Some common traits of candidates for implant dentures include:

• Fair overall health
• Good oral health (for example, you should be free of gum disease)
• Excellent oral hygiene habits
• Adequate jawbone density to support dental implants

If you are not sure if you qualify for dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cobb, a skilled implant dentist in Odessa. Most adults with extensive tooth loss can undergo the procedure, either immediately or after some preparatory treatments

Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants

Some of the top benefits of implant dentures include:

• Stability and strength. You can expect to be able to eat virtually any food with ease, including items that pose a challenge for wearers of traditional dentures.
• With proper care, dental implants may last a lifetime. The restorations on top of them are also designed to stand the test of time.
• Jawbone preservation. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone and help to prevent the deterioration that normally occurs after tooth loss.
• Dr. Cobb carefully designs implant dentures so they are as natural-looking as possible.