Implant Dentures

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

Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on the patient jaw size or shape, into their lower jaw. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. The 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 “over-denture.” The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement. This style denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.

A third option involves placing five or more implants into the patients jaw and attaching a permanent denture. This 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 the patient to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under the denture without removing it is more time consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.