Dental Implants for Denture Wearers
If your dentures move when you eat or speak, dental implants may provide greater stability and confidence.
At Best Western Dental Centre in Cambridge Park, Penrith, Dr Nathan Le provides dental implant options for denture wearers, including implant-retained removable dentures and fixed full-arch teeth.
The most suitable option depends on your existing dentures, jawbone, oral health, expectations and budget.
Why Do Dentures Become Loose?
Traditional full dentures rest on the gums and underlying jawbone. Over time, the jawbone can gradually change in shape and volume after teeth have been lost, causing dentures that previously fitted well to become loose or unstable.
You may notice:
- movement while eating or speaking
- difficulty chewing certain foods
- food becoming trapped beneath the denture
- sore areas from denture movement
- reduced confidence when talking or eating socially
- increasing reliance on denture adhesive
Relining or replacing a denture can sometimes improve its fit. When additional stability is required, dental implants may be considered.
How Can Dental Implants Help Denture Wearers?
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and can be used to help retain or support a denture.
Instead of relying entirely on the gums for retention, an implant-retained denture connects to the implants through special attachments. This can significantly reduce denture movement while still allowing the denture to be removed for cleaning.
For patients who prefer teeth that are not routinely removed, implants can also support a fixed full-arch bridge.
Learn more about Dental Implants
Implant-Retained Removable Dentures
An implant-retained denture, sometimes called an implant overdenture, is a removable denture that attaches to dental implants.
The implants provide additional retention and stability, while the denture can still be removed by the patient for cleaning.
Potential advantages include:
- improved denture stability
- less movement during eating and speaking
- improved confidence
- straightforward access for cleaning
- a potentially more affordable implant option than fixed full-arch teeth
The number and position of implants required varies between patients. In some cases, an existing denture may be modified to connect to the implants. In others, a new denture will provide a better result.
Removable Implant Denture or Fixed Teeth?
These are two different types of implant treatment.
An implant-retained denture is removable. It connects to dental implants for improved retention but is taken out for cleaning.
A fixed full-arch implant bridge is attached to dental implants and is not routinely removed by the patient.
For patients seeking fixed teeth, we also provide full-arch implant treatment, generally using 4–6 implants where clinically appropriate. This type of treatment is often searched for as “All-on-4”, although the appropriate number of implants is determined individually.
Learn more about Full-Arch Dental Implants / All-on-4
Can My Existing Denture Be Used?
Sometimes.
If your existing denture is in good condition and has an appropriate fit, bite and appearance, it may be possible to modify it as part of implant treatment.
In other situations, making a new denture may provide a better result.
We assess your existing denture during the consultation and discuss the available options before treatment is planned.
What If I Have Been Wearing Dentures for Many Years?
Long-term denture wear does not automatically prevent you from having dental implants.
However, after teeth have been missing for many years, the jawbone may have reduced in height or width.
A CBCT scan allows us to assess the available bone and important anatomical structures before planning implant treatment.
Some patients have adequate bone for straightforward implant placement. Others may require bone grafting or a different implant position or treatment approach.
Learn more about Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
What Happens During Treatment?
Treatment begins with an implant consultation, examination of your mouth and existing dentures, and discussion of what you would like to achieve.
A CBCT scan is required to assess the available bone and plan potential implant positions.
If implants are suitable, treatment generally involves placement of the implants followed by a healing period. Once the implants have integrated sufficiently, the denture can be connected using the planned attachment system.
The exact treatment sequence varies, particularly if extractions, bone grafting or a new denture are required.
Dental Implant Consultation in Penrith
We offer one complimentary dental implant consultation per person.
A recent CBCT scan is required for implant assessment and planning. If you do not already have a suitable recent CBCT that we can use, we can arrange an in-house CBCT scan.
Our current in-house CBCT fee is $280. A $120 deposit is required when booking the consultation and is credited towards the CBCT fee.
If you already have a suitable recent CBCT that can be imported and assessed, please let our team know when booking.
During your consultation, we can discuss whether improving your existing denture, an implant-retained removable denture or fixed full-arch teeth may be appropriate for you.
Book a Dental Implant Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
How many implants are needed to stabilise a denture?
There is no single number suitable for everyone. The number depends on factors including whether the upper or lower jaw is being treated, available bone, the type of denture and the amount of support required.
This is determined after clinical examination and CBCT assessment.
Will implant-supported dentures still move?
Dental implants can substantially improve the retention and stability of a denture. However, an implant-retained removable denture remains a removable prosthesis and is different from fixed implant teeth.
We will discuss the expected stability of the proposed treatment during planning.
Can I eat normally with implant-retained dentures?
Improved denture stability can make eating more comfortable for many patients. Chewing ability, however, varies according to the denture design, implant position, bite and other individual factors.
Am I too old for dental implants?
Age alone does not determine suitability for dental implants. General health, oral health, medications, smoking, available bone and the ability to maintain the implants are important considerations.
What if I don’t have enough bone?
Reduced bone does not necessarily mean dental implant treatment is impossible. Depending on your situation, bone grafting or a different implant treatment approach may be considered.
A CBCT scan helps us assess the available bone and discuss the appropriate options.
Are implant-retained dentures cheaper than fixed implant teeth?
An implant-retained removable denture may be a more affordable option than a fixed full-arch bridge in some cases.
The total cost depends on the number of implants, whether a new denture is required and whether additional procedures such as extractions or bone grafting are needed.
What if I want teeth that don’t come out?
If your priority is fixed teeth rather than a removable denture, a full-arch implant bridge may be more appropriate.
We provide full-arch implant treatment generally supported by 4–6 implants where clinically appropriate.
Learn more about Full-Arch Dental Implants / All-on-4
Find Out Which Implant Option May Suit You
If you are struggling with loose or uncomfortable dentures, dental implants may provide another option.
At your consultation, we can assess your existing denture, jawbone and treatment goals and explain the advantages, limitations and costs of the suitable treatment options.
Best Western Dental Centre
Cambridge Park, Penrith NSW
Phone: (02) 4731 4655