How many implants will I need?

An upper implant denture requires at least 4 implants. A lower implant denture requires at least 2 implants. The more implants you have, the more stable your denture will generally be. This is especially true with the lower denture. Three or 4 implants in the lower is usually much better than 2.

How much do implant dentures cost?

For pricing information on snap-in implant dentures and other dental implant services click here!

I’ve had dentures for a long time, can I still get implants?

In many cases, yes! We’ll just need to see you for a free consultation, during which we will do a 3D CBCT scan of your jaw to see if you have enough bone for dental implants.

Will I get to use my implants (snap my dentures on to them) the same day they’re placed?

No, we must allow time for your implants to integrate with your bone. This is what makes your implants truly stable and will help ensure you enjoy many years or decades of use out of them. We typically wait between 4 and 6 months before attaching to your implants.

Will there be pain after the procedure?

While experiences will vary, you should expect some discomfort and possibly swelling after your procedure. Many patients come in the next day for their post op appointment reporting very little discomfort. You will be prescribed pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort.

Can I be put to sleep for my procedure?

We do not currently put patients to sleep, however, we do offer oral conscious sedation. This medication will help to relax you and often makes it so you don’t even remember your procedure. For this, we write you a prescription, and you can pick it up at your pharmacy of choice. NOTE: You MUST have a driver for this procedure, someone who can drive you after you have taken your oral sedation pill(s). You MUST NOT operate a motor vehicle or any machinery after taking your medication.

Are implant dentures really secure?

Yes! They are much more secure than dentures alone, and we are able to increase the retention with stronger inserts if you prefer.

Can I remove the palate of the denture (roof of mouth)?

Most patients with 4 implants in the upper are able to have a large portion of the palate (roof of the mouth) cut out of their denture. This increases the ability to taste for many patients, and also increases hot and cold sensitivity, making for a more natural experience. For those patients with a severe gag reflex, removing the palate of the denture can also help provide relief.

When can I have the palate (middle part that covers roof of mouth) removed from my denture?

If you are a candidate for a palate-less denture, it will be removed from your final denture. This is after healing and osseointegration are complete and we are ready to attach to your implants (appromximately 4-6 months after placement of your implants).

How often will my implant inserts need to be changed?

Typically 1 to 2 times per year. This will depend on how many implants you have, how strong your bite is, how frequently you take your dentures in and out, and several other factors.

WARNING: PLEASE DO NOT BITE YOUR DENTURES INTO PLACE ON YOUR IMPLANTS! This will wear out your inserts significantly faster. Only place your implant dentures in by hand.

What is alveoloplasty? Why is it important?

Alveoplasty is a procedure where the doctor contours your jawbone. This procedure is important because it can significantly improve the fit and comfort of your dentures.

What are tori? Do they need to be removed?

Tori are bony knots that develop in the mouth of many patients. They are not harmful, however, they can prevent your denture(s) from fitting comfortably, so your doctor will often recommend having them removed.

Why am I salivating (drooling) so much?

This is completely normal when you first have a prosthesis (denture) placed in your mouth. Your body senses it as a foreign object and is trying to “flush” it out. This increased salivation should subside within 2-3 days.

How long will I bleed after the procedure?

Significant bleeding will have stopped before you leave the clinic, however, expect to have some slight bleeding (oozing) for 1-3 days after the procedure. In addition, you will most likely notice increased salivation when we first put your denture(s) in. When this increased saliva mixes with a little blood, it can look like a lot of blood. If heavy bleeding continues, please call the office.

An old home remedy that still works really well to help clotting and stop bleeding is the use of tea bags. Just get a regular tea bag, get it damp, squeeze out the excess water, place it on your extraction site or sites, and the bags will help you clot. Multiple tea bags can be used if needed. Replace the tea bags if they get saturated with blood. This process can be repeated as many times as you need.

Do you offer this procedure with zirconia (non-metal) implants?

We do not currently offer this type of implant. While titanium implants have been around for decades with a long track record of success, zirconia implants are very new to the market, so we do not know what their success will be like long-term. We want the most successful, most predictable long-term results for our patients, and for these reasons, we do not offer zirconia implants at this time.

Can food get under my implant dentures(s)?

Yes, any prosthetic in the mouth will get some amount of food under it. The great thing about implant dentures is how easy they are to clean. Just take them out; clean the denture(s), your gums, and implants; and snap them back in.

How long should I take off work for recovery after my procedure?

Every patient is different. Some return to work the next day, others wait a week or two. Since there is always the chance of bruising and swelling, and you’ll need to get used to eating and speaking with your new teeth, the longer you can take off, the better.

What is a soft liner?

A soft liner is a cushion we place inside your denture to help it fit and feel better as your mouth heals and changes shape following extractions.

Am I too young for this procedure?

No, this is not just a procedure for the elderly. It’s actually quite common for people in their 40s, 30s, even 20s to need to replace their teeth. Replacing bad teeth can be hugely beneficial to your overall physical health. Also, having teeth that allow you to confidently smile, laugh, and converse can be hugely beneficial to your emotional health. Again, needing to replace teeth early in life is not uncommon at all.

What items should I have ready for after my procedure?

• ice packs
• wash cloths you don’t mind throwing away
• comfortable clothes you don’t mind throwing away
• soft foods such as:
  • soups
  • yogurt
  • cottage cheese
  • smoothies
  • protein shakes
  • eggs
  • mashed potatoes (gravy optional)

Once I have my implant teeth attached, will I know how to use them right away?

Just as you would need practice in order to get used to functioning with a prosthetic leg, it will require some practice and patience to get used to your new prosthetic teeth. With that being said, since they are attached with implants, your dentures will be much easier to get used to than regular dentures.

Will I know how to speak with my new teeth right away?

Again, this will take a little time, but with some patience and practice, your mouth and tongue will quickly adjust. S’s will be the toughest to pronounce. Practicing words like “Mississippi” and “sixty six” will help you get used to your new teeth. In some cases, patients may have a slight lisp long term with implant dentures.

Will my dentures still rock?

Some patients may experience very slight rocking with their dentures. For patient who have 2 lower implants, these must be placed in the front of the jaw making it possible for some rocking to occur. A dab of adhesive at the back on each side of the lower denture will usually take care of this.

I can’t stand having the roof of my mouth covered. What are my options?

In this case, your best bet would either be snap-in implant dentures or All-On-4.

Are implant dentures removable?

Yes. Having removable implant dentures makes cleaning them very convenient. Just take them out; clean the denture(s), your gums, and implants; and snap them back in.

Will my insurance cover any of my treatment?

Most insurances will pay toward your treatment at Memphis Dentures and Implants. These are just a few of the insurance companies we work with:

• Aetna

• Blue Cross Blue Shield

• BlueCare Plus

• Cigna

• Cigna HealthSpring

• Delta Dental

• Guardian

• MetLife

• UnitedHealthcare

If you don’t see your insurance, don’t worry. Give us a call at 901-308-5952 and we’ll be glad verify your policy and see what we can do to maximize your coverage at our office.

Does Medicare cover dental implants??

Medicare itself does not cover dental implants or any other dental services; however, there are certain supplemental Medicare Advantage plans that do provide coverage for dental implant services. When choosing a supplemental Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll want to make sure that the plan provides coverage for dental implant services and that it’s a plan that allows you to choose which dental office you go to. Some plans have extremely small networks, which limit where you’re able to utilize your benefits.

Can implants fail?

While titanium dental implants do have a 95+% success rate, yes, they can still fail. Some of the things that can cause them to fail:

• failure to integrate into the bone
• smoking
• diabetes

If an implant fails within the first year, your dentist will replace it at no charge to you.

What is involved in maintenance of implant dentures?

• Snaps - periodically you’ll need to change out the snap rings in your implant dentures. These wear and lose retention over time and as you take your teeth in and out. They’re quick and affordable to have changed out.

• Cleanings - just like with natural teeth, you’ll need to have your implants cleaned periodically. Any buildup on your implants will be removed and your dentures will be cleaned.

• Periodic re-fittings – your mouth will still change over time, so your dentures will need to be re-fitted to ensure their best performance and ensure that unnecessary stress isn’t being put on your implants.

• Home maintenance - it only takes a few minutes a day. Take your dentures out 1-2 times per day and brush them with a denture brush or very soft bristled toothbrush. Also, don’t forget to clean your implants. scrub these with a very soft dental brush also.