Implant-Supported Dentures in Bakersfield, CA

How Are They Different From Regular Dentures?

The difference comes down to stability and what happens to your jawbone over time. A traditional denture sits on top of the gum and uses the shape of the gum ridge and adhesive to keep it in place.

Over time, the jawbone underneath shrinks because there are no tooth roots stimulating it. As the bone changes, the denture fit changes too, which is why conventional dentures need to be relined or replaced regularly.

The bone loss also changes the shape of the face over time, giving that sunken appearance that many long-term denture wearers develop. Implant-supported dentures address both problems.

The implants act as artificial tooth roots, which stimulate the jawbone and help slow or stop the bone loss that would otherwise occur. Because the denture is anchored to the implants, the fit stays stable as long as the implants are healthy.

The Implant-Supported Dentures Procedure

Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger use computer-guided surgical planning and intraoral scanning to map out every implant case before the day of surgery. A small handheld intraoral scanner creates a detailed 3D digital map of your jaw and bone structure.

This means that our dental implant specialists can plan the exact position of each implant before any work is done to improve accuracy and reduce surgical time. On the day of the procedure, the implants are placed into the jawbone under local anesthetic.

After this begins the osseointegration phase, where the implant fuses with the jawbone to create a strong base. Once integration is complete, the denture is attached and adjusted for fit and bite.

For patients who need bone grafting before implants can be placed, Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger handle that right here in the office. They use Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin techniques, which use your body’s own growth factors to promote faster healing and better bone regeneration. Sinus lifts for the upper jaw are also performed in-house when additional bone density is needed.

What If You Already Have Dentures?

If you’re unhappy with the fit or retention of your current denture, you might be a candidate for implant-supported dentures without starting over. Sometimes your existing denture can be relined to attach to implants instead of purchasing a whole new denture. Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger will evaluate your current denture and your bone structure during your consultation to determine the best approach for your situation.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Implant-supported dentures are a great choice for many patients. You might be a good candidate if you:

• Currently wear traditional dentures that slip or feel uncomfortable
• Have enough jawbone to support implants, or are willing to consider bone grafting if needed
• Are missing all or most of your teeth in either arch or both
• Want a more secure and comfortable option than traditional dentures
• Are in good overall health with no uncontrolled conditions that would impact healing

Uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, and heavy smoking can all impact the success of implants and will need to be discussed during your consultation. These are not necessarily dealbreakers, but they are important to address before proceeding.

Why Choose Us for Implant-Supported Dentures in Bakersfield, CA

With implant-supported dentures, the training and experience of the surgeon can make a difference in the end result. Dr. Saifee brings specialized Harvard-trained surgical expertise with a focused background in implant placement and full mouth restoration.

Dr. Sanger has been placing dental implants since 1990. Together, they bring decades of combined implant experience that covers everything from straightforward single arch restorations to complex cases involving significant bone loss and multiple preparatory procedures.

Every procedure starts with a detailed digital scan of your jaw using our intraoral scanner. This gives Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger a precise 3D picture of your bone structure before any surgery begins, so implant placement is planned down to the exact position and angle.

Implant placement is carefully planned in advance to improve precision during surgery. If the idea of a surgical procedure makes you nervous, we offer sedation options so you can stay relaxed and comfortable from the moment you sit down to the moment you leave.