At times, it is necessary for all teeth to be removed due to extensive periodontal disease and/or due to decay. An alternative for the replacement of all the teeth is a complete upper and/or lower denture. These dentures require support from your gum pad and many times require the use of dental adhesive. Throughout life, the dentures require constant adjustment and refitting, and can cause the jaw bone to melt away making the dentures loose and once again requiring continuous adjustment.

This implant technique, is the optimal solution for those who have lost or are about to lose all of their upper and/or lower teeth. It's a procedure that comes closest to having a new set of permanent teeth.

Implants allow you to wear full dentures and partial dentures without fear that they will slip or fall out. A "snap-in" denture is an implant supported, removable denture. The snap-in feature is available for upper or lower dentures. Having implant supported dentures allows for the base of the denture to be made much smaller and more comfortable. Implant supported dentures enhance chewing and speaking. Never again will you have to worry about your teeth falling out when you eat, laugh or speak. You will regain chewing function and enjoy some forgotten foods.

Denture Comfort is a manufacturer of immediate loading narrow-diameter implants for over dentures. Denture Comfort is a simple and affordable alternative to traditional, larger implant-supported dentures. The procedure consists of placing four narrow-bodied titanium implants into the toothless jaw, usually toward the front. Denture Comfort implants can be placed in a normal or thin ridge. A cushioning silicone relining material is placed inside the denture to fit snugly over and around the short, protruding heads of the small implants so that the person's denture can be securely and confidently retained. The surgical procedure is truly minimally invasive - meaning, there are no stitches, and takes approximately an hour. Patients can walk out of the office wearing their secure lower dentures. The lower denture will fit more comfortably and properly support the facial features that were previously lost. Patients feel better about their smile, facial appearance, chewing ability and denture function. Patients will be able to keep their dentures in place while sleeping, brush them in the morning and treat them like normal teeth.

Another benefit of immediate dentures is the fact that the dentures act as a bandage to the extraction sites which covers the tooth sockets and prevents them from becoming irritated. Just remember never to remove the denture yourself, even for a brief moment, unless your dentist has instructed you to. The gums have a tendency to swell when uncovered at first; and if you are without your dentures for a little while, they may never go back in.

Occasionally, it is difficult to adapt to full or partial dentures. At first they may feel loose, bulky and awkward while speaking. For a quicker adjustment period, follow these instructions:

1) At first, wear your dentures all the time.
2) Do not use adhesive unless Dr. Schulz advises you to do so.
3) You should remove your dentures when you go to sleep.
4) After removing dentures, clean with a toothbrush and place in a bowl of water. They can be soaked in a commercial denture cleanser, but brushing them is essential.
5) Any signs of "sore spots," discomfort, or looseness that is causing you difficulty should be brought to our attention.

Never adjust the dentures yourself. Every person and every mouth is different; therefore, adjustment periods will vary.

Please remember that it will take time for you to become completely comfortable with your new teeth.

Approximately 40% of your jawbone structure will be gone after wearing your dentures for just six months. You will begin to notice that your dentures aren't fitting the way they used to after a few years of wearing them as well. This is because over the years, the structure of your jawbone becomes unable to support your denture. The same thing happens even if you are wearing a partial denture.

Once the structure of your jawbone is gone, your options for tooth replacement become very limited. Dental implants can stop bone loss and provide your mouth with natural looking teeth before the jawbone structure is completely lost.