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Woolf Dental
(661) 665-0500
9450 Stockdale Highway
Suite 110, Bakersfield, CA 93311
Woolf Dental

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Bakersfield Implant Overdentures

Implant overdentures resolve the most common complaints about removable complete dentures: looseness, lifting, and inability to chew efficiently and thoroughly. An implant overdenture fits, feels, and looks more like natural teeth.

What Is an Implant Overdenture?

A denture is an oral appliance that replaces an entire arch of teeth (upper or lower). An implant overdenture has that denture supported by implants—small titanium screws that function like tooth roots. Implant-supported dentures can be removable or fixed (non-removable). Read details about how dental implants work.

Overdenture vs. Removable Complete Denture

Upper denture

An upper removable denture is held in place by suction. Since an overdenture doesn’t need suction to stay in place, it can be horseshoe-shaped and not cover the palate. It increases your comfort, doesn’t interfere with speech, and makes it easier to enjoy the taste of food.

Lower denture

A lower removable denture has no suction to keep it in place—it just rests on the gums. As such, it will float around a little, and it takes practice to learn how to control it and chew and speak. If the denture is supported by implants, it won’t move around at all, so it won’t shift, lift, slip, or fall out. Nor will it rub on the gums and create denture sores.

Reasons to Consider an Overdenture

  • Improved function – A complete removable denture decreases your chewing efficiency by 50% or more. But an implanted-supported overdenture restores 100% of your chewing efficiency.
  • Increased comfort – Dental implants lift your denture off your gums and prevent rubbing and irritation. Your denture will look and feel natural.
  • Jawbone preservation –  When all your teeth are missing,  your body resorbs the jawbone. And a complete removable denture rests on your gums and accelerates shrinkage. Like tooth roots, dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone shrinkage and facial sagging.
  • Improved quality of life – A palate-less upper denture makes it easier to taste food and enjoy eating. Unlike a traditional denture, you won’t hear clicking or popping, and it will be easier to speak. You can socialize without your denture slipping around, lifting, or falling out.

How Many Implants for an Overdenture?

Diagram of a snap-on denture, as a removable implant overdenture, available from Woolf Dental in Bakersfield
Snap-on denture

As few as two dental implants can stabilize your denture. But four to six implants increase the stability.

Two-implant overdenture

Two standard implants near the front of your jawbone can support a denture. We make the denture base to snap (ball-retained) or clip (bar-retained) onto the implants for a removable implant overdenture.

Four-implant overdenture

All-on-4 implants® is a technique to stabilize a denture without the need for bone grafting. The two rear implants are angled to help prevent displacement and provide maximum support. Get details on our All-On-4 implants page.

When there are more than two implants, the denture can be secured with tiny screws.

Diagram of All-on-4 fixed dental implants
All-on-4 dental implants

Implant Overdenture Steps

We will review your medical and dental histories to determine if you are a candidate for implants.

If you are a candidate, these steps follow:

  • 3-D imaging – We take a 3-D x-ray image of your teeth, oral cavities, and sinuses for precise implant planning and placement.
  • Implant placement – Our oral surgeon will use 3-D technology to place dental implants precisely below your gum line.
  • Healing – Your jawbone and the implants will fuse over the next few months. The healing period is shorter with some techniques.
  • Temporary denture – You will wear temporary dentures while the implants heal.
  • Final denture – We take the time to personalize your final denture to complement your facial features and look natural. We will snap or screw it on, depending on the overdenture technique you choose.

How to Care for Implant Overdentures

Take care of your implant overdentures and practice good oral hygiene with these steps:

  • If you have a removable implant overdenture, remove it nightly for cleaning.
  • Use an extra-soft toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to brush your denture teeth. Avoid regular toothpaste because it will scratch your denture teeth.
  • Use a water flosser to flush out debris beneath a fixed denture and around implant fixtures.
  • Keep your scheduled exam and hygiene appointments with us. We will ensure your gums are healthy and your implants and overdentures are functioning well.

What You Can Expect

Our board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Sunwoo, uses 3-D technology to achieve predictable results with dental implants. And Dr. Woolf is an accredited cosmetic dentist and accreditation examiner with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He and our restoring dentists will provide you with high-quality dentures that precisely fit your implants and look natural.

If you are interested in implant overdentures, call us or complete our appointment request form for a complimentary, 30-minute consultation to ask questions and discuss your options. When you’re ready, you can schedule an appointment for an exam.