TOOTH REPLACEMENT
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-retained dentures providing enhanced retention, stability and comfort compared with conventional removable dentures.
What Are Implant Supported Dentures?
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction or adhesives to stay in place, which is why they can slip, rock, or feel uncomfortable. Implant supported dentures work differently: they attach directly to dental implants placed in the jawbone, providing additional support and retention compared with conventional dentures.
At Dentists @ Canning Vale, Dr. Desmond Ng designs personalised implant supported denture solutions for patients experiencing tooth loss, combining dental implant support with a denture restoration.
Removable vs Fixed, Two Design Options
Patient-Removable
Removable Implant Denture
- Snaps onto implant attachments
- Removed by patient for cleaning
- Typically supported by 2–4 implants
- May involve different costs compared with fixed options
- Can be removed by the patient for cleaning and maintenance
Dentist-Removed Only
Fixed Implant Denture
- Fixed to implants and removable by the dentist when required
- Removed only by your dentist
- Provides a fixed implant-supported restoration
- Typically requires more implants
- Typically uses additional implant support compared with removable designs
Potential Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
🔒 Additional Stability
Implant support may reduce unwanted movement of the denture during function.
🍽️ Chewing Function
Implant support may improve denture stability during chewing. Individual function varies between patients.
💬 Speech and Denture Stability
Improved denture stability may assist some patients during speaking.
🦴 Implant Support Within the Jawbone
Dental implants are placed within the jawbone to provide support for the denture.
🚫 May Reduce Reliance on Denture Adhesives
Depending on the denture design and individual circumstances, implant support may reduce the need for denture adhesives.
💪 Fixed or More Retentive Denture Options
Improved denture retention may be beneficial for patients who experience movement with conventional dentures.
Your Treatment Journey
Consultation & Assessment
We examine your mouth, discuss your goals, and evaluate your existing denture situation. Appropriate imaging, which may include 3D CBCT imaging, may be used to assess available bone and assist in determining suitability for implant treatment.
Personalised Treatment Planning
Dr. Desmond Ng develops an implant treatment plan based on your individual clinical requirements, determining the number and position of implants, the type of denture attachment, and the sequencing of treatment stages.
Implant Placement
Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone under local anaesthesia. A healing period follows to allow the implants to integrate with the surrounding bone (osseointegration).
Attachment Fitting
Once appropriate healing and implant stability have been confirmed, the connecting attachments or abutments are fitted. These are the components your denture will snap or screw onto.
Denture Delivery
Your custom-made denture is fitted to the implants, checked for fit, bite, and aesthetics, and adjusted as needed. The denture is fitted and assessed for fit, bite, function and appearance.
Implant Supported vs Traditional Dentures
Traditional Dentures
Rests on gums
- Can slip during eating & speaking
- Requires adhesives for retention
- Does not provide implant support within the jawbone
- May need frequent adjustments as bone shrinks
- Chewing function may be affected by denture stability and fit
Implant Supported Dentures
Anchored to implants
- Implant support may provide additional denture stability and retention
- May reduce or eliminate the need for adhesives, depending on the denture design
- Implants provide support within the jawbone
- May provide additional stability compared with conventional dentures
- May assist with chewing function
🧼 Caring for Your Implant Supported Denture
- Clean your denture daily, remove and rinse after meals if removable
- Brush the implant attachment areas and surrounding gum tissue gently
- Use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive cleaner around implant sites
- Attend routine professional clean and implant maintenance appointments
- Report any discomfort, looseness, or changes to your bite promptly
- The longevity of implant-supported dentures varies between patients and depends on factors including oral health, maintenance and individual clinical circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many implants are needed to support a denture?
The number depends on the type of denture and your individual jawbone structure. Removable implant dentures typically require 2–4 implants per arch. Fixed designs usually require more. Dr. Desmond Ng will assess the number of implants that may be appropriate based on your individual clinical circumstances.
Can I sleep with implant supported dentures?
If your denture is removable, we generally recommend removing it at night to allow gum tissue to rest and to allow thorough cleaning. Fixed implant dentures are worn overnight as they cannot be removed by the patient. Your dentist will advise on the best routine for your specific design.
How will implant-supported dentures look?
The denture can be customised with consideration of factors such as tooth shape, colour, gum appearance and facial features.
Am I suitable for implant supported dentures?
Suitability depends on your overall health, oral health, and jawbone volume. Suitability is determined individually and depends on factors including general health, oral health and available bone. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting may be considered where there is insufficient bone for the proposed implant treatment. A comprehensive clinical assessment can help determine whether implant-supported dentures may be appropriate for you.
Considering Options for Loose or Unstable Dentures?
Book a consultation with Dr. Desmond Ng and discuss whether implant-supported dentures may be an appropriate treatment option for your individual circumstances.
Important Information
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment suitability, results and costs vary between patients.
Dental procedures, including surgical procedures, have potential risks and limitations. Your dentist will discuss those relevant to your proposed treatment.
A consultation with one of our dentists is required to assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you. Book a consultation or call 08 9256 2588.
References & Further Reading
This page is based on current clinical literature and guidelines from recognised Australian and international dental and health authorities.
- Australian Dental Association. ada.org.au
- Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). dentalboard.gov.au
- Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (ASID). asid.com.au
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - Medical Devices. tga.gov.au
- Australian Periodontology - ADA Oral Health Topics. ada.org.au/Dental-Professionals/Publications/Oral-Health-Topics
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. anzaoms.org
Content reviewed by Dr Desmond Ng, BDSc (Hons) University of Queensland | Principal Dentist, Dentists at Canning Vale. Last reviewed July 2026.