Implant-Supported Overdentures in St. Augustine, FL

Experience the freedom of secure, comfortable dentures that stay firmly in place

Experience life without denture worries. Discover how implant-supported overdentures can transform your comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

What Are Implant-Supported Overdentures?

Implant-supported overdentures represent a revolutionary advancement in tooth replacement technology, combining the affordability of traditional dentures with the stability and function of dental implants. Unlike conventional dentures that rest directly on the gums, implant-supported overdentures are anchored securely to dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone.

These specialized dentures feature attachment mechanisms on the underside that connect to implant abutments, creating a secure connection that prevents slipping or shifting during eating and speaking. Depending on your specific needs and anatomical situation, your overdenture may be supported by as few as two implants or as many as six, with more implants generally providing greater stability.

What truly sets implant-supported overdentures apart is their ability to be removed for cleaning while still providing exceptional stability when worn. This combination of security and convenience offers significant advantages over both traditional dentures and fixed implant restorations for many patients, particularly those seeking improved function without the higher cost of permanent, non-removable solutions.

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

Our Implant-Supported Overdenture Options

Bar-Retained Overdentures

For maximum stability, bar-retained overdentures utilize a custom-fabricated metal bar that connects multiple implants, creating a solid foundation for your denture. Your prosthesis is equipped with specialized clips or attachments that securely fasten to this bar, providing exceptional resistance to movement while still allowing easy removal for cleaning. This sophisticated system is ideal for patients seeking the highest level of stability, particularly in the lower jaw where traditional dentures are most problematic. The bar design distributes forces evenly across all implants, enhancing comfort and long-term implant health.

Locator-Retained Overdentures

Our most popular overdenture system utilizes individual locator attachments on each implant that connect to corresponding receptacles in your denture. This streamlined approach provides excellent stability with a lower profile design that works well in mouths with limited vertical space. Locator attachments offer adjustable retention levels, allowing Dr. Johnson to customize the amount of force needed to remove your denture based on your dexterity and preferences. This versatile system works effectively with as few as two implants in the lower jaw or four in the upper jaw.

Ball-Retained Overdentures

For patients seeking a straightforward, cost-effective solution, ball-retained overdentures utilize a simple ball-and-socket connection between implants and denture. Each implant is fitted with a ball-shaped attachment that snaps into a corresponding socket in the denture base. This time-tested design provides reliable stability while being easy to maintain and repair if needed. Ball attachments are particularly effective for lower overdentures supported by two implants, offering significant improvement over conventional dentures with minimal complexity.

All-on-4® Style Overdentures

For patients seeking maximum stability with fewer implants, Dr. Johnson offers All-on-4® style overdenture solutions that use four strategically placed implants to support a full-arch prosthesis. This innovative approach utilizes angled implant placement to maximize available bone while providing sufficient support for a comfortable, secure restoration. These hybrid overdentures can be designed to be removable by the dentist for maintenance while remaining fixed for the patient, combining the advantages of fixed restorations with the cost benefits of overdenture designs.

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD

With over 25 years of specialized experience, Dr. Johnson provides exceptional care using the latest techniques and technology.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who completed his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and advanced training through fellowships at prestigious institutions. His extensive training and experience allow him to perform complex procedures with precision and care.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we prioritize your comfort and results. Dr. Johnson and his specially trained staff are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a welcoming environment.

What are the Implant-Supported Overdentures?

Implant-supported overdentures provide transformative advantages compared to conventional dentures, beginning with dramatically improved stability. The secure connection to implants eliminates the embarrassing slips and movement that plague traditional denture wearers, allowing you to speak, laugh, and socialize with complete confidence. This stability translates directly to enhanced chewing efficiency—research shows that implant-supported overdentures can restore up to 90% of natural chewing function compared to just 30-40% with conventional dentures.

The improved function extends to your dietary choices, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods including crunchy vegetables, chewy meats, and other nutritious options that may be difficult with traditional dentures. This expanded diet not only enhances enjoyment but can significantly improve nutritional status and overall health, particularly for older adults.

From an oral health perspective, implant-supported overdentures help preserve jawbone by transferring biting forces through the implants into the bone, providing the stimulation necessary to maintain bone volume. This benefit helps prevent the facial collapse and premature aging appearance often associated with long-term conventional denture wear, maintaining your natural facial proportions and profile.

Perhaps most significantly, implant-supported overdentures dramatically enhance quality of life and psychological well-being. Patients consistently report increased self-confidence, greater social engagement, and improved overall life satisfaction after transitioning from conventional dentures to implant-supported options.

Our Reviews

Why Patients Choose Us

Care and Commitment

From the front office to the exam room, our practice is made up of professionals who take your oral health very seriously. Using state-of-the-art equipment designed with safety and efficiency in mind, we are able to offer top-notch care. As you walk through our office, you will notice that everything is clean, comfortable and thoroughly sterilized. Your safety and comfort are our priority.

Honesty and Affordability

We know that the cost of care can be confusing. In addition to offering a number of in-office payment options to fit your budget, we also give you up-front cost information on your treatment ahead of time. We are in network with a variety of insurance plans, and we offer dental financing with credit available in time frames that fit your needs. We are happy to help you navigate your dental insurance and alternative payment options.

Comprehensive Oral Surgery Care in One Location

At our practice, we are qualified to handle all aspects of your oral and maxillofacial care, so you are always surrounded by people that you trust. If we must refer out, we promise to send you to carefully vetted colleagues who apply the same professional principles in their office that we do in ours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a Candidate for Implant-Supported Overdentures?

Most adults who wear conventional dentures or are facing complete tooth loss can be candidates for implant-supported overdentures. The primary considerations include your general health status, bone availability in your jaw, and your expectations for treatment outcomes. Even patients with some bone loss can often benefit from overdentures, which typically require less bone volume than fixed implant restorations. Certain medical conditions or medications may affect implant success, so a thorough evaluation is essential to determine your specific situation.

How Many Implants Do I Need for an Overdenture?

The number of implants required varies based on several factors, including which jaw is being treated, your bone quality and quantity, and your functional needs. For lower overdentures, as few as two implants can provide significant improvement, though four or more offers greater stability. Upper overdentures typically require at least four implants due to softer bone quality in the maxilla. During your consultation, Dr. Johnson will recommend the optimal number of implants for your specific situation, balancing factors like stability, cost, and anatomical limitations.

What Is the Cost Difference Between Traditional Dentures and Implant-Supported Overdentures?

Implant-supported overdentures represent a higher initial investment than conventional dentures, primarily due to the surgical placement of implants and the more complex prosthetic components. However, many patients find the significant improvement in quality of life well worth this investment. Additionally, when considering long-term costs, implant overdentures may prove more economical as they reduce the need for frequent relines and replacements that conventional dentures require due to ongoing bone loss. Our office provides detailed treatment estimates and discusses financing options during your consultation.

Visit Us in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center is ideally situated at 1301 Plantation Island Dr. Suite #101, St. Augustine, FL 32080, making us easily accessible for patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding communities.