Missing teeth or a loose conventional denture can make chewing, speaking, and day-to-day comfort harder. At SD Family Dentistry in Amherstburg, Drs. Storey & Denomme and our team help patients explore implant dentures (implant-supported dentures) as one option for replacing a full arch of teeth with more stability than a traditional denture alone.
Every plan starts with an exam. Whether implant dentures are right for you depends on your bone, gums, medical history, and goals we will explain options clearly after we see you.
Call (519) 736-1771 or request an appointment.
What implant dentures are
An implant denture is a full (or sometimes large partial) denture that attaches to dental implants placed in the jaw. The implants act like roots; the denture connects to them with attachments (often described as “snap-in or implant-retained designs) or, in some plans, is more firmly fixed.
Compared with a denture that rests only on the gums, implant support can help with:
- Stability while eating and speaking
- Less shifting on the ridge
- Confidence that the prosthesis will stay in place during normal daily use
Results and the exact design vary by patient. We do not promise a specific look, feel, or timeline before your evaluation.
Learn more about dental implants and what an implant is, and see our dentures page for conventional options.
Who may benefit
You may want to discuss implant dentures if you:
- Wear a full upper and/or lower denture that moves or feels loose
- Are missing most or all teeth in an arch and want more retention than a soft-tissue denture
- Are exploring alternatives to multiple individual tooth replacements
- Have been told you may be a candidate for implants, or want to know if bone grafting could help first
Candidacy depends on jawbone volume and density, gum health, bite, overall health, and medications. Some patients need preparatory treatment (for example periodontal care or grafting) before implants can be placed. If part of your care is better handled with a specialist, we will say so.
Implant dentures vs conventional dentures
| Conventional denture | Implant-supported denture | |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Gums and underlying bone ridge | Implants (plus soft tissue, depending on design) |
| Retention | Relies on fit, suction, and sometimes adhesive | Attachments to implants improve hold |
| Daily care | Remove and clean; soak as advised | Clean implants, attachments, and prosthesis as instructed |
| Bone over time | Ridge can continue to change under a soft-tissue denture | Implants can help preserve bone in the implant sites |
Neither option is “better for everyone. Conventional dentures remain a sound choice for many patients. Implant dentures add surgical and restorative steps and cost; we review trade-offs openly so you can decide.
Typical treatment stages
Timelines vary. A common path looks like this:
1. Consultation and imaging
We review your history, examine your mouth, and may take X-rays or 3D imaging to map bone and plan implant positions and the final denture design.
2. Treatment planning
Together we discuss removable implant-retained designs versus more fixed implant-supported options (when appropriate), number of implants, interim teeth during healing, and estimated visits. Written estimates are based on your exam — not generic online ranges.
3. Implant placement
Implants are placed in a surgical visit. Comfort options (including sedation dentistry when appropriate) are reviewed beforehand. You receive after-care instructions for swelling, diet, and hygiene.
4. Healing
Implants typically need time to integrate with bone (osseointegration). Healing length depends on the site, bone quality, and your health. You may wear a temporary prosthesis during this phase.
5. Attachments and final denture
Once healing is adequate, abutments or attachment components are connected and your implant denture is fitted, adjusted for bite and comfort, and refined as needed.
Some plans consolidate steps when clinical conditions allow; others are more phased. Your dentist will outline what applies to you.
Care and maintenance
Long-term success depends on home care and professional follow-up:
- Clean around implants and attachments as shown (brushes, floss aids, or water flossers as recommended)
- Remove a snap-in denture for cleaning if that is your design
- Keep routine exams so we can check implant health, bite, and wear on attachments
- Avoid habits that overload the prosthesis (for example using teeth as tools)
Attachment parts can wear over time and may need replacement. That is normal maintenance, not a failure of care.
What to expect at your consultation
Bring a list of medications and any prior denture or implant records if you have them. We will discuss:
- Whether implant dentures fit your goals
- How many implants may be needed for the arch you want to restore
- Alternatives (conventional dentures, implant bridges, or other restorative paths)
- Rough sequencing and what life looks like during healing
- Fees and insurance/benefits questions we can help you navigate (coverage varies; we do not guarantee reimbursement)
Meet our team, including Drs. Storey & Denomme, and see the full list of services we provide in Amherstburg.
Serving Amherstburg and nearby Ontario communities
SD Family Dentistry is at 79 Richmond Street, Amherstburg, ON N9V 1G2. We welcome patients from Amherstburg and surrounding Essex County communities who travel to our office for implant and denture care. Care is planned for patients in Ontario — we do not market across the U.S. border.
Book a consult
Ready to talk through implant dentures or compare them with a conventional denture?
SD Family Dentistry 79 Richmond Street, Amherstburg, ON N9V 1G2 Phone: (519) 736-1771 Email: sddentistry@hotmail.com
Contact us to schedule an examination.
FAQs
Are implant dentures the same as “All-on-4?
All-on-4” and similar brand names describe specific full-arch implant bridge concepts. Implant dentures more often mean a prosthesis that attaches to implants and may be removable by you or only by the dentist, depending on design. We will explain which category fits your plan after imaging — we do not push a branded protocol by default.
How many implants do I need?
It depends on the arch, bone, bite forces, and whether the denture is meant to snap in or be more fixed. Common ranges exist in dentistry, but your number is planned individually.
Can I get implant dentures if I already wear dentures?
Often yes. Existing denture wearers are frequent candidates. We still need to evaluate bone and soft tissue; sometimes a new prosthesis is fabricated to fit the implants properly.
Is bone grafting always required?
No. Grafting is used when bone volume or shape would not reliably support the planned implants. Imaging tells us whether it is needed.
How do I book?
Call (519) 736-1771 or use our contact page.