Implant Retained Dentures

Replacing missing teeth with implant retained dentures

Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite” as well as your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and can cause muscle pain in your jaws and headaches. And of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance. The following information reviews replacing missing teeth with an implant retained denture.

Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.

What if I’m missing all of my lower teeth?

Ball Attachment Denture

One option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these implants. This option allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.

Jaw missing all of its teeth
1. Before
Two dental implants in the lower jaw and no bottom teeth
2. Implants Placed
Ball Attachment Denture latched onto the lower jaw by two dental implants
3. Denture Attached

Bar Attachment Denture

Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape, into your lower jaw. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. This is called an “overdenture.” The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Teeth missing on its lower jaw
1. Before
Four dental implants connected by a metal bar in its lower jaw
2. Implants Placed
Bar Attachment Denture secured onto the lower jaw by four dental implants
3. Denture Attached

Screw Retained Denture

A third option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. Your denture is held in place by screws or clasps that secure it to the support posts or bar. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all your missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.

Jaw teeth missing
1. Before
Six dental implants and no teeth on its lower jaw
2. Implants Placed
Screw Retained Denture affixed onto the lower jaw by six dental implants
3. Denture Attached

What If I’m Missing All Of My Upper Teeth?

A similar range of treatment options is also available for your upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth. Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.

Implant Retained Upper Denture with its dental implants attached

Implant Retained Upper Denture

Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.

Dental Implant benefits

  • Improved confidence
  • Stability during eating
  • Bone and gum preservation
  • Improved dental hygiene
  • Superior esthetics
  • Nutritional benefits

Ready to Schedule a Consultation?

Dr. Smart offers a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!
Call us: 325-677-2778

Smart Family Dentistry

5 out of 5 stars based on 5 Dentures reviews.

Patient Review by Rob D

Dr. Smart is amazing at what she does! If you need Dentures or any dental care she is the one! Thank you for your amazing service The staff are friendly,Funny and make you feel at home.

- Rob D

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Patient Review by grady m

my denture cracked in half which basically means i can't eat except soup. i called on thursday and they got me in on monday. they fixed my denture and i had it back by wednesday. look how many dentists do you know while they are messing around in your mouth are singing country and western music at the same time. to me this showed a great deal of confidence in what she was doing and at the same time made me feel real comfortable. my wife has been going to the same dentist and she is going to change to dr. smart as well as my mother in law. much praise to this doctor and her staff. grady m

- grady m

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Patient Review by Ralph H

I have been aversed to dental work for years. Dr. Smart, immediately allayed my fears. Her charisma is surpassed only by her professionalism. She is thoroughly meticulous in her presentation of every procedure, and equally personable in each application. I walked away with new dentures and a sparkling smile. I could sing the praises of Dr. Smart forever. Suffice it to say, Dr. Smart and her staff, particularly Meridth and Marissa, are the BEST, bar none!

- Ralph H

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Patient Review by Delbert J

I tell everybody they need to come here and get their dental work done, because I am always satisfied at every visit for the past 10 years! Dr. Smart is the top of the line!

- Delbert J

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Patient Review by Tommy B

Thanks to Dr Smart and her staff I have a beautiful smile. Dr Smart did not rest until my dentures were perfect!

- Tommy B

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