Implant Supported bridges & DenturesDentist Silverlake LA
A Permanent Stable Solution for Missing Teeth - Right Here in Silver Lake
Traditional dentures get the job done, but most people who wear them will tell you the same thing: they slip, they click, they limit what you can eat, and they never quite feel like your own teeth. Implant-supported dentures solve all of that.
By anchoring your denture to titanium implants placed directly in your jawbone, we give you a restoration that stays exactly where it’s supposed to — whether you’re eating, laughing, or just going about your day. No adhesives. No slipping. No embarrassing moments.
At Silverlake Dental Group, implant-supported dentures are placed by our on-site board-certified Periodontist, Dr. Nathan Eshoiee. You get specialist-level surgical care and Dr. Barkhordar’s restorative expertise under one roof — no referrals, no coordinating between separate offices.
We serve patients from Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park, Atwater Village, Glassell Park, and Glendale who are looking for permanent, stable denture solutions with specialist surgical care right in the neighborhood.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are a full-arch tooth replacement system that combines the stability of dental implants with the coverage of a denture. Instead of resting on the gums or relying on suction and adhesive to stay in place, the denture clicks or screws onto a series of implants anchored in the jawbone — giving it a level of stability that conventional dentures simply can’t match.
The implants themselves are small titanium posts that fuse with your jawbone over time through a process called osseointegration. Once integrated, they function as permanent artificial tooth roots — and because they’re stimulating the bone just like natural teeth do, they also prevent the jawbone shrinkage that typically follows tooth loss.
Your Options: Which Type is Right for You?
Removable Implant-Supported Dentures (Snap-On / Overdenture)
Removable implant-supported dentures — sometimes called snap-on dentures or overdentures — attach securely to 2–4 implants using a snap or ball attachment. You can remove them at home for cleaning, just like a traditional denture, but when they’re in they’re locked firmly in place with no movement or slipping.
This is a great option for patients who want significantly more stability than a conventional denture without committing to a fully fixed restoration. It’s also typically more affordable than a fixed option and involves fewer implants.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures (All-on-4 / All-on-6 / All on X)
Fixed implant-supported dentures — including All-on-4 and All-on-6 restorations — are permanently anchored to 4 to 6 implants and can only be removed by a dentist. They feel and function like natural teeth. You brush them, floss around them, and forget they’re there.
All-on-4 is a particularly efficient approach that uses 4 strategically angled implants to support a full arch, often allowing patients with reduced bone density to receive implants without bone grafting. All-on-6 uses 6 implants for even greater stability and is preferred when bone density allows.
Fixed dentures are the closest thing to having your natural teeth back. For patients who want the most permanent, natural-feeling result, this is the gold standard.
Implant-Secured Partial Dentures
For patients who are missing several teeth but not an entire arch, an implant-secured partial denture fills the gap without relying on neighboring natural teeth for support. Unlike a traditional bridge, which is anchored to adjacent teeth and requires those teeth to be altered, an implant-secured partial uses implants as the anchor — leaving your healthy natural teeth completely untouched.
Why Implant-Supported Over Traditional Dentures?
Traditional dentures are a manageable solution, but they come with real limitations that add up over time. Here’s how implant-supported dentures compare:
Stability — Traditional dentures shift and slide, especially in the lower jaw. Implant-supported dentures don’t move.
Bone preservation — Traditional dentures sit on top of the gums and do nothing to prevent the jawbone from shrinking after tooth loss. Implants actively stimulate the bone and prevent deterioration — preserving your facial structure for decades.
Comfort — Without the constant friction and pressure of a loose denture on your gums, implant-supported restorations are dramatically more comfortable.
Eating — Traditional dentures reduce chewing force significantly, limiting diet. Implant-supported dentures restore close to natural chewing ability — you can eat what you want.
Speech — Slipping dentures cause mumbling and clicking. Implant-supported dentures stay put, so speech is natural.
Longevity — Traditional dentures need to be replaced every 5–7 years as the jaw changes shape beneath them. Implants, with proper care, are designed to last a lifetime. The denture portion may need refreshing over the years, but the implants themselves are permanent.
Confidence — Perhaps most importantly, implant-supported dentures don’t have to be something you think about. They’re just your teeth.
The Process: What to Expect
Step 1 — Consultation & Planning You’ll meet with Dr. Barkhordar for a comprehensive evaluation. We take 3D CBCT imaging to assess bone volume, nerve positions, and sinus location — everything needed to plan precise, safe implant placement. You’ll leave with a clear treatment plan, timeline, and full cost breakdown before anything is scheduled.
Step 2 — Implant Placement Dr. Eshoiee places the implants surgically under local anesthesia or IV sedation — whichever you prefer. In many cases a temporary denture is provided immediately so you’re never without teeth during the healing period.
Step 3 — Osseointegration (Healing) Over the next 3–6 months, the implants fuse with your jawbone. This is the most important phase — it’s what gives the final restoration its permanence and strength. Most patients are comfortable and functional throughout this period with their temporary restoration.
Step 4 — Final Restoration Once healing is complete, Dr. Barkhordar designs and fits your final denture — custom-crafted to match your facial features, bite, and aesthetic goals. The result is a restoration that looks completely natural and fits perfectly from day one.
Step 5 — Ongoing Care We schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing, implant health, and the fit of your restoration. Routine cleanings, proper brushing, and regular exams are all that’s needed to maintain your implants long-term.
Are You a Candidate?
Most adults who are missing multiple teeth or an entire arch are potential candidates for implant-supported dentures. The main requirements are:
- Sufficient jawbone density to support the implants — or willingness to undergo bone grafting first
- Healthy gums free of active periodontal disease
- Good overall health with no uncontrolled chronic conditions that would impair healing
- Non-smoker, or willingness to stop smoking during the healing period
Even if you’ve been told in the past that you don’t have enough bone for implants, advances in bone grafting and the All-on-4 technique — which uses angled implants to maximize available bone — mean that more patients than ever qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many implants do I need to support a full denture? A removable overdenture typically requires 2–4 implants. A fixed full-arch restoration such as All-on-4 uses 4, while All-on-6 uses 6. The right number depends on your bone density, the type of denture, and your bite. Dr. Aminpour will determine the ideal number at your consultation based on your 3D imaging.
Is the surgery painful? Most patients are surprised by how manageable the procedure is. IV sedation is available so you can sleep through the entire placement if preferred. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and well-managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Dr. Aminpour’s minimally invasive technique reduces swelling and speeds recovery significantly.
How long does the whole process take? From implant placement to final restoration, the process typically takes 3–6 months to allow for proper osseointegration. In some cases — particularly with All-on-4 — a provisional restoration can be attached on the same day as placement, meaning you leave with functional teeth the same day as surgery.
What if I don’t have enough bone? Bone grafting can rebuild areas of deficiency before implant placement. In many cases, the All-on-4 technique can work around limited bone using angled implants, avoiding the need for grafting entirely. We’ll assess your bone at the consultation and give you an honest picture of your options.
How do I care for implant-supported dentures? Removable overdentures should be removed nightly and cleaned with a soft brush and denture cleaner. Fixed restorations are brushed and flossed just like natural teeth — we’ll show you the right technique and tools at your fitting appointment. Regular professional cleanings every 3–6 months are important to monitor implant health and keep the surrounding tissue healthy.
How long do implant-supported dentures last? The implants themselves are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. The denture portion may need to be relined or replaced over time as minor changes occur in the mouth, but the implants remain in place permanently.
Does insurance cover implant-supported dentures? Coverage varies by plan. Many PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of the implant or restorative components. Some medical insurance plans may cover implant surgery when tooth loss is related to injury or a medical condition. We verify your coverage in advance and walk you through all out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. Flexible financing is also available.
Can I eat normally with implant-supported dentures? With fixed implant-supported dentures, yes — you can eat virtually anything you’d eat with natural teeth. With removable overdentures, chewing ability is dramatically improved over traditional dentures, though very hard or sticky foods are best avoided. Either way, most patients describe the difference from conventional dentures as life-changing.
If you’ve been living with missing teeth or struggling with conventional dentures, implant-supported dentures may be the most transformative dental decision you’ll ever make. Call us at (323) 922-6016 or request a consultation online — Dr. Barkhordar and our team at Silverlake Dental Group look forward to walking you through your options and taking care of you.
From a family of dentists with quality care
We would be happy to work with you!