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.

Traditional dentures slip, require messy adhesives, and limit what you can eat. If you’re frustrated with ill-fitting dentures but concerned about the cost of full-arch replacement, implant-supported overdentures offer a middle ground. This solution combines the affordability of dentures with the stability of dental implants, giving you better function without the premium price of fixed teeth.

At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, Dr. Douglas L. Johnson provides implant-supported overdentures as a cost-effective alternative to traditional dentures. From consultation to final prosthesis, everything happens in our AAAHC-accredited facility. No waiting for dentist coordination. No bouncing between offices. Just comprehensive care that transforms your denture experience, performed under IV sedation for your comfort.

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.

Understanding Implant-Supported Overdentures

Implant-supported overdentures work differently than traditional dentures. Instead of relying solely on suction or adhesive, these dentures snap onto two to four dental implants placed in your jawbone. The implants serve as anchors, holding your denture securely in place throughout the day.

You can remove the denture for cleaning, similar to traditional dentures. But when it’s in your mouth, it stays put. No slipping when you talk. No shifting when you eat. No embarrassing moments at social gatherings. The implants provide the stability traditional dentures lack.

This approach requires fewer implants than fixed full-arch replacement, which typically uses four to six implants per arch. Because you’re only placing two to four implants total, the initial surgical cost is lower. You still get improved function and confidence, just with a more budget-friendly investment.

The Value Proposition vs. Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures rest on your gums and rely on suction or adhesive for retention. This creates several problems. The dentures move when you chew, limiting what foods you can comfortably eat. You need to apply adhesive daily, adding ongoing cost and hassle. The lack of stimulation to your jawbone leads to continued bone loss, which means your dentures fit worse over time and require frequent adjustments or replacements.

Implant-supported overdentures address these issues. The implants stimulate your jawbone, slowing bone loss. Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures impact 120 million people in the U.S., and many don’t realize a more stable option exists. Your overdenture stays secure without adhesive. You can eat a wider variety of foods with confidence. The improved fit means fewer adjustments and better long-term value.

While the upfront cost exceeds traditional dentures, the investment pays off over time. You spend less on adhesives, fewer dental visits for adjustments, and avoid the expense of replacing poorly fitting dentures every few years. Dental implants have a success rate of 95% and can last decades with proper care, making this a smart long-term choice.

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.

How We Handle Your Complete Transformation

We handle your care differently than most practices. You don’t need dentist referrals to start treatment with us. If you’re dealing with ill-fitting dentures or want to explore implant-supported options, you can contact us directly.

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, who is board certified by both the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology, evaluates your case during consultation. He’ll assess your jawbone density, discuss your goals, and explain whether implant-supported overdentures or full-arch replacement better suits your needs and budget.

During your consultation, we’ll provide detailed cost information and discuss financing options. We work with most PPO dental plans and third-party financing companies. Our team will help you understand your benefits and create a payment plan that fits your budget. You’ll leave knowing exactly what to expect financially.

If you proceed with treatment, we schedule your surgical appointment. On the day of surgery, you’ll receive IV sedation for comfort. Dr. Johnson places two to four implants in strategic positions in your jawbone. If you need any remaining teeth extracted, we handle this during the same appointment. Most patients go home the same day with temporary dentures.

Your Treatment Timeline and Recovery

Your implants need three to six months to integrate with your jawbone before we attach your permanent overdenture. During this healing period, you’ll wear temporary dentures. You’ll have periodic checkups so Dr. Johnson can monitor your progress.

Once your implants have fully integrated, we’ll create your final overdenture. This prosthesis snaps securely onto your implants but remains removable for cleaning. You’ll remove it each night to clean both the denture and the implant attachments, similar to traditional denture care but without the adhesive hassle.

The recovery process is straightforward for most patients. You’ll manage initial discomfort with prescribed pain medication and follow specific care instructions. The procedure involves several key steps:

Initial surgery: Implants are placed in your jawbone under IV sedation
Healing period: Implants integrate with your bone over three to six months
Final restoration: Your permanent overdenture is created and attached to the implants

With proper care, your implants can last for decades. You’ll need regular checkups to ensure everything stays healthy, but the maintenance requirements are minimal compared to the ongoing adjustments traditional dentures require.

Our Reviews

Why Choose Our Practice for Your Denture Transformation?

We focus on full-mouth transformations, not single tooth replacements. Dr. Johnson completed specialized training in facial cosmetics and reconstruction following his residency at the University of Florida. He handles complex cases involving multiple implants and full-arch rehabilitation regularly.

Our AAAHC-accredited facility meets rigorous standards for surgical care. When you receive IV sedation in our office, you’re in an environment equipped to handle your care safely from start to finish. Our team of certified surgical assistants and registered APRN work alongside Dr. Johnson throughout your procedure.

We streamline your care by handling the surgical phase completely. You don’t coordinate between multiple providers. We evaluate your case, create your treatment plan, place your implants, and work with your restorative dentist to complete your transformation. You know from day one what to expect, who’s handling each step, and what timeline you’re following.

This approach matters for patients who want straightforward answers and efficient care. No confusion about which provider does what. No waiting for one office to coordinate with another. Just comprehensive oral surgery care focused on giving you a better denture experience.

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 (see our page on treatment costs for detailed pricing). However, many patients find the significant improvement in quality of life well worth this investment.

Schedule Your Consultation at St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center

If you’re ready to move beyond traditional dentures but want a more affordable option than fixed teeth, implant-supported overdentures offer an excellent middle ground. The transformation happens in our St. Augustine office with a team experienced in full-mouth reconstruction. The consultation process is straightforward. Dr. Johnson will evaluate your specific situation, explain your options, answer your questions, and provide clear cost information. You’ll leave understanding exactly what’s involved, what results you can expect, and how we can work with your budget.

We offer flexible financing through third-party providers and work with most PPO dental plans. Our team will help you understand your benefits and create a payment plan that makes treatment accessible. There’s no pressure to decide during your visit. Take the time you need to consider your options and discuss them with family. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how implant-supported overdentures can transform your denture experience with stability, confidence, and long-term value.