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Implant-Retained Dentures

A Stable, Confident Solution for Missing Teeth

Living with loose or uncomfortable dentures can be exhausting. Simple things like biting into an apple, laughing with friends, or speaking in a meeting become sources of stress instead of joy. And if you have been considering a more permanent solution, the thought of oral surgery can feel just as overwhelming.

You are not alone in feeling that way. At Harmony Dental, Dr. Tamsyn Burkett and Dr. Lauren Ing have guided countless patients here in Summerlin through this very decision, and your comfort is at the center of every conversation. Implant-retained dentures combine the full coverage of a denture with the security of dental implants, giving you a restoration you can genuinely rely on.

What Are Implant-Retained Dentures?

Implant-retained dentures are full or partial dentures that attach to dental implants rather than resting directly on your gums. Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone through a natural process called osseointegration – the gradual bonding of the implant to your living bone tissue. This fusion creates a strong, stable foundation that holds your denture firmly in place.

The difference is significant. Unlike conventional dentures that sit on top of the gum tissue and may shift during eating or speaking, implant-retained dentures snap or clip onto the implants using specialized attachments. The result is a restoration that feels more secure, functions more naturally, and helps preserve your jawbone over time.

There are two common types of implant-retained dentures:

• Bar-retained dentures use a thin metal bar that follows the curve of your jaw, attached to implants placed in the jawbone. The denture fits over the bar and is held in place by clips or other attachments.

• Ball-retained dentures (also called stud-attachment dentures) use a ball-and-socket mechanism. Each implant holds a ball-shaped metal attachment that fits into a socket on the denture, securing it in place.

During your consultation, Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing will evaluate your jaw structure, bone density, and your smile goals to recommend the approach that is right for you.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Implant-Retained Dentures?

Most patients who are frustrated with traditional dentures are surprised to learn they may be strong candidates for this treatment. Good candidates typically share a few key characteristics:

• Sufficient jawbone density to support implant placement. Patients who have experienced bone loss may still qualify after additional preparatory procedures such as bone grafting.
• Healthy gums free from active periodontal disease. Gum health is essential for successful implant integration.
• Overall good health that allows for minor oral surgery and a healing period.
• Current denture wearers who are frustrated with slipping, discomfort, or difficulty eating.
• Patients missing most or all teeth in one or both arches who want a more stable alternative to traditional dentures.

Even if you have been told in the past that implants are not an option, advancements in implant dentistry have significantly expanded candidacy. Dr. Burkett has completed over 150 hours of continuing education focused specifically on dental implants, and Dr. Ing holds advanced training in implant placement and cosmetic dentistry. Together, they will thoroughly evaluate your situation and walk you through every available option. The best way to know for certain is to schedule a consultation.

The Implant-Retained Denture Process

Understanding what to expect can go a long way toward easing any concerns. While every case is unique, the process generally unfolds over several months and follows a careful, step-by-step approach.

Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment Planning
Your journey begins with a thorough examination. Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing will review your medical history, take detailed digital radiographs, and assess your jawbone density and gum health. Harmony Dental uses advanced 3D imaging technology that allows your dentist to visualize the precise dimensions of your jawbone and plan each implant position with accuracy. That means fewer surprises and a treatment approach tailored to your anatomy.

This evaluation helps determine how many implants you need, where they should be placed, and which type of implant-retained denture will work best for you. Together, we will walk through your personalized treatment plan so you understand every step before we begin.

Step 2: Implant Placement
During the implant procedure, Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing surgically places titanium posts into your jawbone with gentle, precise care. The number of implants needed varies by patient and depends on your anatomy and the type of attachment selected. Local anesthesia is used throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort.

After placement, a protective cover is placed over each implant site, and your gums are secured to allow for healing.

Step 3: Healing and Osseointegration
Over the following months, the implants gradually fuse with your jawbone through osseointegration – the same natural bonding process described above – which is what makes implants so remarkably stable. This healing phase is the foundation of the entire restoration. During this time, you may wear a temporary denture so you are never without teeth.

Your healing timeline will depend on your individual health and the specifics of your case. Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing will monitor your progress closely and let you know when you are ready for the next step.

Step 4: Attaching the Abutments
Once healing is complete, Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing will uncover the implants and attach small connector pieces called abutments – the link between the implants anchored in your jawbone and the custom denture that will sit above the gumline. This is typically a brief appointment, and most patients find it very comfortable.

Step 5: Fitting Your Custom Denture
Detailed impressions of your mouth are taken to create a denture that fits precisely over your implants and matches the natural shape, color, and contour of a healthy smile. When your custom denture is ready, it is fitted and adjusted to ensure a comfortable, secure connection to the implant attachments.

This is the moment most patients have been waiting for. You will leave our Summerlin office with a stable, natural-looking smile you can feel confident about.

Benefits of Implant-Retained Dentures

Choosing implant-retained dentures offers several meaningful advantages over traditional removable dentures:

• Superior stability. Because they anchor to implants in your jawbone, these dentures do not slip, shift, or rock during eating or speaking.
• Improved chewing ability. Most patients report being able to eat a wider variety of foods, including firmer items like apples, steak, and raw vegetables, that are often difficult with conventional dentures.
• No adhesives needed. You can leave the messy denture creams and pastes behind for good.
• Jawbone preservation. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to slow or prevent the bone loss that commonly occurs after tooth loss. Traditional dentures can accelerate bone resorption over time.
• Natural appearance and feel. Implant-retained dentures are designed to look and feel remarkably close to natural teeth, restoring your confidence in your smile.
• Long-lasting results. With proper care, dental implants are designed to serve as a durable, long-term foundation. The denture itself may need periodic adjustments or replacement over the years, but the implant foundation is built to endure.

For many patients, the most important benefit is something harder to measure: the freedom to eat what you want, speak without second-guessing yourself, and smile without hesitation.

Implant-Retained Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures

If you are unsure which option is right for your situation, a consultation with Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing can help you weigh the benefits based on your specific needs.

Caring for Your Implant-Retained Dentures

Maintaining your implant-retained dentures is straightforward, though it does require consistent daily care:

• Remove and clean your denture daily using a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the denture material.
• Clean around the implant sites each day using a soft toothbrush or specialized implant brush. Maintaining the health of the gum tissue around your implants is essential for long-term success.
• Rinse after meals when possible to remove food particles from around the attachments.
• Schedule regular checkups with Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing. Routine visits allow us to monitor the health of your implants, check the fit of your denture, and make any needed adjustments.

With consistent care and regular visits to Harmony Dental, your implant-retained dentures can provide a comfortable, reliable smile for years to come. Our team is always happy to walk you through care techniques in person if you have questions.

Cost and Financing Options

The cost of implant-retained dentures varies depending on the number of implants needed, the type of attachment system, and your individual treatment plan. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed estimate to avoid surprises.

Harmony Dental accepts most major dental insurance plans, and our team will work with your provider to help maximize your benefits. We also offer CareCredit financing, which allows you to break the cost of treatment into manageable monthly payments. We accept cash, checks, and all major credit and debit cards.

Investing in implant-retained dentures is an investment in your daily quality of life, from the foods you enjoy to the confidence you feel in every conversation. If cost is a concern, let’s talk through it together. We are committed to helping you find a path forward.

Why Choose Harmony Dental for Implant-Retained Dentures?

Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing bring a rare combination of advanced training and genuine compassion to every implant case. Dr. Burkett has more than 27 years of experience across every role in a dental practice – from dental assistant to hygienist to front desk to Doctor of Dental Medicine – with over 150 hours of continuing education dedicated specifically to dental implants. Dr. Ing, a former neonatal ICU nurse, brings 5 years of critical care experience and a uniquely patient-centered approach, with advanced training in implant placement and cosmetic dentistry. Both are Fellows of the Academy of General Dentistry and are actively pursuing their Mastership, a distinction held by a small percentage of general dentists nationwide.

Here in Summerlin, our practice is built on long-term relationships, not one-size-fits-all solutions. Every implant-retained denture case begins with a personalized treatment plan tailored to your anatomy, your health, and your smile goals. We use advanced technology, including digital radiographs and 3D imaging, so that every implant is placed with precision, and your comfort is never an afterthought.

Frequently Asked Questions About Implant-Retained Dentures

Schedule Your Implant-Retained Denture Consultation

If loose, uncomfortable dentures are holding you back from enjoying your favorite foods or smiling with confidence, implant-retained dentures may be the solution you have been looking for. You deserve a smile that feels secure, and Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing are here to help you get there.

Schedule a consultation today by calling (702) 562-2400 or visiting us at 1895 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89134, here in Summerlin. Our office is open Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with Friday appointments available by request. We look forward to helping you take the next step toward a more stable, confident smile.