Types of Complete Dentures
There are two main approaches to complete dentures, and the right one depends on your situation and timeline.
Conventional dentures are placed after all remaining teeth have been extracted and the gum tissue has fully healed, typically several months after extractions. Waiting for healing means the denture is fitted to the final shape of the healed ridge, which tends to produce a better, more stable fit.
Immediate dentures are fabricated in advance and placed on the same day as the extractions, so you are not without teeth during the healing period. Because the gums and bone change shape as they heal, immediate dentures typically require relining or replacement after the healing process is complete.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients who want more stability than conventional dentures provide, implant-supported dentures are an option. These anchor to dental implants placed in the jaw and do not rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place. The result is significantly more secure than a traditional removable denture.
All-On-X is one type of implant-supported full-arch restoration, using a fixed number of implants to support a full arch prosthesis. If this is something you are interested in, ask about it at your consultation. More information is also available on our All-On-X page.