Implant Retained Dentures

Dental Implant Retained Dentures in Lakewood WA

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. Call Olympic Dental and Denture Center Phone Number 253-752-1320 today to schedule your denture consultation at Olympic Dental & Denture Center.

The following information reviews replacing missing teeth with an implant retained denture.

The first 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. This is a viable option if your jaw’s support ridge is big enough. There will still be movement of your lower denture, however, and you can still get sore spots if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you will still need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.

 
A second 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 retention clips inside that attach onto the support bar, allowing 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, allowing very little denture movement. Your denture still will be removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.

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 permanent teeth prefer this option.

Implant benefits

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