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.

To schedule an appointment with Ivelis Hernández-Ramírez, DMD or Reinaldo Lasanta-García, DMD at our Durham office, please use the buttons below:


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

Locator or Ball Attachment Denture

One option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these dental 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.

Illustration: A mouth with the lower jaw missing all of its teeth
1. Before
Illustration: A mouth with the lower jaw with two implants and no bottom teeth
2. Implants Placed
Illustration: A mouth with a Ball Attachment Denture latched onto the lower jaw by two 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.

Illustration: A mouth that has all teeth missing on its lower jaw
1. Before
Illustration: A mouth without teeth and four implants connected by a metal bar on its lower jaw
2. Implants Placed
Illustration: A mouth with a Bar Attachment Denture secured onto the lower jaw by four implants
3. Denture Attached

Implant benefits

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


Appointment Request

Contact H & L Dentistry

The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment. If you are an existing patient, this contact form should not be used to communicate private health information.

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