
If your dentures slip when you eat or speak, or you're ready for a more secure way to replace missing teeth, implant-supported dentures may be the solution you're looking for. Instead of relying on suction or adhesive, they're anchored to dental implants in your jaw for a stable, comfortable fit that feels more natural in everyday life.
At Fisher & Zitterich Dentistry, Dr. Michael Fisher, Dr. Marisa Zitterich (Dr. Z), and our team have helped patients throughout Rockwall restore their smiles with implant-supported solutions. Dr. Fisher has placed and restored more than 4,500 dental implants and teaches implant dentistry to dentists across the country, bringing decades of experience to every case.
Below, we'll explain how implant-supported dentures work, who makes a good candidate, and what treatment looks like from your first consultation through your final smile.
Implant-supported dentures are completed in a few stages, giving your implants time to heal properly before your final restoration is placed.
Consultation and Planning
Your first visit includes a comprehensive exam and 3D Cone Beam imaging so we can evaluate your bone, gums, and overall oral health. We'll talk through your goals, answer your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan before moving forward.
Preparing Your Smile
Some patients need a little preparation before implant placement, such as removing damaged teeth or rebuilding areas of the jaw with bone grafting. If that's part of your treatment, we'll explain exactly why and what to expect.
Implant Placement
Small titanium implants are placed in the jawbone to serve as secure anchors for your new teeth. Depending on your treatment plan, you may receive a temporary denture while your implants heal.
Healing and Your Final Restoration
Over the next several months, the implants naturally fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once healing is complete, we attach your custom implant-supported denture, designed for a secure fit, comfortable bite, and natural-looking smile. If you're feeling anxious about treatment, we also offer sedation options to help you stay comfortable throughout the process.
Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are anchored directly to your jaw, providing greater stability and confidence in everyday life.
Many adults who are missing most or all of the teeth in one or both arches are good candidates for implant-supported dentures. During your consultation, we'll evaluate several factors to determine whether this treatment is the right fit.
We'll look at the health of your jawbone, gums, and overall oral health, along with any medical conditions that could affect healing. Even if you've experienced bone loss over time, you may still qualify. Bone grafting can often rebuild the foundation needed to support dental implants.
Smoking and certain health conditions may affect healing, but they don't automatically rule out treatment. We'll discuss your individual situation and recommend the option that offers the best long-term outcome.
If implant-supported dentures aren't the best choice for your needs, we'll explain your alternatives clearly and help you choose a solution that fits your smile, health, and goals.
The timeline for implant-supported dentures varies from person to person, but most treatment is completed over several months to about a year. Much of that time is dedicated to healing, allowing your implants to fully integrate with your jawbone before your final restoration is placed.
Treatment typically begins with your consultation and any necessary preparatory care, followed by implant placement. In many cases, a temporary denture can be attached the same day, so you won't be without teeth while you heal. Once your implants have fully fused with the bone, we'll place your custom denture and make sure everything looks, feels, and functions just as it should.
Before you leave your consultation, you'll have a personalized timeline based on your smile, health, and treatment goals.
Preparing for treatment is usually very straightforward. We'll review your medical history, medications, and any health conditions that could affect healing, then provide personalized instructions before your procedure.
Once your implant-supported dentures are in place, caring for them is simple. Daily brushing, cleaning around the implants, and regular checkups with our hygienists, who are trained in implant-supported denture care, help keep your restoration healthy for years to come. Before you leave, we'll show you exactly how to care for your new smile so you feel confident at home.
The cost of implant-supported dentures depends on your individual treatment plan, including the number of implants needed, any preparatory procedures, and the type of restoration that's right for you. Because every smile is different, we'll provide a personalized estimate after your consultation.
While dental insurance may help cover certain portions of treatment, coverage varies by plan. Our team is happy to review your benefits with you and explain what to expect before treatment begins. We also offer flexible financing options to help make your care more manageable.
Choosing implant-supported dentures means choosing a team you can trust from start to finish. At Fisher & Zitterich Dentistry, your treatment stays in one place, from advanced 3D imaging and surgical planning to implant placement, follow-up care, and your final restoration.
Dr. Michael Fisher has placed and restored more than 4,500 dental implants and teaches implant dentistry to dentists across the country. Together with Dr. Marisa Zitterich and our experienced team, we're committed to delivering personalized care with proven techniques and modern technology.
As a family-owned practice that's served Rockwall and the surrounding communities for more than 35 years, we're proud to build lasting relationships with our patients. Whether you're visiting from Rockwall, Heath, Fate, Royse City, or nearby, you can expect experienced care, honest guidance, and a team that's with you every step of the way.
How are implant-supported dentures different from regular dentures?
Traditional dentures rest on your gums and rely on suction or adhesive. Implant-supported dentures attach to posts anchored in your jawbone, so they stay firmly in place when you eat, talk, and laugh. Most people say it feels much closer to natural teeth.
Will I be without teeth while everything heals?
Usually not. In most cases we can place a temporary set so you have teeth throughout healing. We'll tell you what to expect for your situation before anything starts.
What if I've already lost bone in my jaw?
Bone loss doesn't automatically rule you out. A proper evaluation tells us whether bone grafting or another preparatory step can make implants work for you.
Does it hurt?
We focus heavily on keeping you comfortable, and sedation is available if you'd like it. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the process feels and handle recovery with ordinary over-the-counter relief.
How long do they last?
With good care and regular checkups, implant-supported dentures are built to serve you for many years. The denture portion may eventually need refreshing, but the implants themselves are designed to be a long-term foundation.
I'm driving in from out of town. Can you make the visits easier to manage?
Yes. For patients traveling a distance, we do our best to group steps together so you're making fewer trips, and we can often handle initial questions by phone before you come in. Just let us know your situation when you call and we'll plan around it.
If you're considering implant-supported dentures, we're here to help you make an informed decision. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your smile, answer your questions, and walk you through the treatment options that best fit your needs and goals, without any pressure to move forward.
When you're ready, give us a call at (972) 771-4000, request an appointment through our website, or visit us at 1306 Summer Lee Dr., Rockwall, TX 75032. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Call (972) 771-4000 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. Our team is excited to welcome you!