Hybrid Dentures and Implant-Supported Dentures

When teeth are lost or extracted, replacing them as soon as possible is critical to restoring function and aesthetics to a smile. For individuals missing almost all of the teeth in an arch, finding a comprehensive restoration is especially important. Thanks to the versatility of dental implants, many patients experiencing extensive tooth loss have several options available to them. Hybrid dentures and implant-retained dentures permit individuals to take advantage of the stability and treatment longevity offered by dental implants combined with the same degree of coverage offered by dentures

Implant-retained dentures combine the coverage of traditional dentures with the security of dental implants. Consisting of an acrylic-porcelain overdenture, implant-supported dentures are ideal for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth in an arch. Implant-retained dentures are easily removable, snapping onto and off of specially designed abutments. This allows patients to easily remove their prosthetic for nightly cleaning. Patients with existing dentures or those who have used dentures find implant-retained dentures to be the logical step towards a stabilized bite and ultimately more functional smile.

Hybrid dentures, also known as fixed bridges, are an ideal option for patients who have healthy gums yet require extensive arch replacement. Unlike implant-supported dentures, which encompass the entire arch, hybrid dentures can be customized to cover only the missing teeth, allowing patients to keep any remaining healthy natural teeth. This teeth-only restoration also leaves the palate clear, allowing patients to enjoy their meals.

Which Arch Replacement Is Best for You?
There are a number of factors that go into selecting the best arch replacement for your smile. Starting with the condition of the dentition, patients with existing full or partial dentures benefit from the placement of overdentures. Additionally, overdentures often require fewer implants and therefore less bone density, patients with limited jaw bone strength are excellent candidates for implant-retained dentures.

The location of a patient’s tooth loss plays a significant role in determining which treatment is best for a patient. For individuals missing multiple teeth on the upper arch, hybrid dentures are often recommended as they do not cover the palate, and they maintain the aesthetics of the dentition.

Implant Consultation in Lorton and Springfield
Choosing the right arch restoration can be an overwhelming process with multiple factors to consider. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, Dr. Snehal Patel and his team use advanced technology to help patients understand the condition of the smile and determine the best restorative dental solution.

By offering a wide variety of implant-based treatment options, our Northern Virginia implant dentist is able to help patients regain total dental health, function, and aesthetics. With consultations available at our Lorton and Springfield locations, Dr. Patel welcomes patients from across the Northern Virginia region to visit and learn more about the advantages of dental implants.

Understanding Dental Implant Complications

Like any other surgical procedure, dental implant surgery can be accompanied by a certain number of risks. Being aware of the potential complications prior to undergoing dental implant placement is an important factor in selecting dental implants as your preferred restoration option. Some of the common dental implant complications that face patients include:

Post-Surgery Bleeding and Swelling

Bleeding, swelling, and general discomfort is expected following implant placement. However, if you are experiencing continued bleeding or swelling four or five days after your surgery, contact your oral surgeon for a follow-up appointment as these may be indicative of infection.

Infection

Infection at the implant placement point is among the most common implant complications. Known as peri-implantitis, this form of periodontal disease causes inflammation and swelling around the implantation area. If left untreated, patients may be at risk of bone loss and implant failure, requiring total implant replacement in the future. While the long-term consequences of this condition can be worrisome, ensuring the gums are healthy prior to placement as well as continued gingival maintenance can help eliminate this risk.

Damage to Surrounding Tissue

Successful dental implants do more than replace missing teeth. They interact with surrounding tissue in order to comprehensively restore the dentition to optimal health. As a result, successful placement requires paying close attention to the surrounding tissue in order to strategically introduce the implant into the smile. Adjacent teeth, bone, and blood vessels could be accidentally damaged without precise planning, requiring future treatments in order to address these problems. While extremely rare, accidental nerve damage caused by misplaced implants can lead to pain, numbness or tingling in the teeth, gums, and chin. As a result, the implants may need to be removed or repositioned.

Sinus Problems

Bone density is a key component to dental implant longevity. For patients receiving upper arch implants, the bone must be thick enough to support the prosthetic; otherwise, the implant could breach the sinus cavity. Often, preliminary sinus augmentation surgery and the use of a detailed surgical guide can prevent sinus complications.

Learn More about Dental Implant Options Today

At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we believe that being aware of the potential complications of dental implants is an important part of the implant preparation process. During your consultation with our Northern Virginia oral surgeon, Dr. Snehal Patel, we review every step of the implant process, ensuring you know the ins and outs of every part of the treatment. To minimize the risk of post-treatment infection and promote healthful recovery, our in-depth post-op instructions provide detailed steps for protecting your new smile. Together, Dr. Patel and our patients are able ensure long-term treatment success. 

Dr. Snehal Patel offers: Teeth-in-an-Hour™

There are a number of advantages that accompany dental implants. Many dentists consider dental implants and implant-retained restorations to be the ideal solution in comparison to traditional restorations due to their diverse applications and overall lifespan.

However, achieving a successful implant restoration can take some time. Depending on the condition of the smile and the health of the supportive jaw bone, traditional dental implant treatment time can vary anywhere from three to six months. As a result, some patients may be hesitant to pursue dental implant treatment.

However, thanks to innovations in modern dentistry, certain patients may be able to skip the extensive wait time and receive same-day dental implants. Produced by Nobel Biocare, Teeth-in-an-Hour™ are same-day implant option that allow patients to enjoy the ease of obtaining a completed smile in just one visit to their Northern Virginia oral surgeon.

What are Teeth-in-an-Hour™? 
Teeth-in-an-Hour™ uses high-power 3D imaging to determine bone structure and create a placement plan, in which implants are strategically placed to provide the most benefit to a patient’s dentition. Once the digital surgical guide has been created, the implants are placed using computer guided technology. With Teeth-in-an-Hour™, prostheses can be immediately loaded onto the implants during the placement procedure, allowing patients to leave their appointment with a completed, fully functional smile. Given the precision of the surgical guide, there is often less post-operative discomfort experienced by Teeth-in-an-Hour™ patients.

Who is a Candidate for Teeth-in-an-Hour™?
Like traditional dental implants, candidacy for this procedure is based on a number of factors. In particular, patients considering Teeth-in-an-Hour™ must have a healthy jawbone with sufficient density to support the attachment of the implant. As a result, any preliminary bone reinforcement procedures, such as bone grafting, sinus lift, or ridge modification must be completed prior to the treatment. For these patients, traditional dental implants may be a better option to ensure they receive the best treatment possible.

Dental Implant Options in Lorton and Springfield
At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, our mission is to provide patients with lasting teeth replacement solutions. For individuals considering dental implants as a viable restorative option, Dr. Snehal Patel encourages patients to schedule a consultation. During this appointment, our oral surgeon can evaluate your smile and determine which implant option best serves your needs. With practices located in Lorton and Springfield, Dr. Patel and his team welcome patients throughout Northern Virginia.