Removable Restorations

Implant Assisted Removable Partial Dentures

Sometimes we do not have the bone availability or the finances to place implants and have fixed bridges. An alternative treatment option is to utilize implants to support and retain removable partial dentures. These key implants may eliminate unsightly clasps, reduce the display of metal parts on the RPD and will increase the support, stability and retention of a final restoration.

Dr. Chao or Dr. Nguyen attempts to design her partials to be modified to add additional teeth that may be lost in the future. This saves patients money in the along run. This implant restoration should be routinely evaluated at time intervals that are dependent upon the conditions of the remaining natural teeth and the implant RPD. The denture teeth and retentive elements will be subject to wear and will need to be replaced when necessary. Denture teeth will generally last for years but most retentive elements need to be replaced on a six-month or longer basis.

Here are a few patients that were treated by Drs. Chao or Nguyen to restore multiple missing teeth:

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Our patient has been in the care of a periodontist for years. Despite immaculate oral hygiene, she lost a few more lower front teeth. After reviewing her treatment options, she decided that she did not want to lose her last 3 remaining teeth. She did not have adequate bone for back tooth (posterior) implants. We treatment planned for two implants and an implant retained removable partial denture. It was designed so that if and when she lost her remaining teeth, an additional implant may be placed and teeth added to her lower partial denture. She loves her salads and her partial has allowed her to eat everything she wants to!- Actual patient treated by Drs. Chao or Nguyen

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Similar to our patient above, this gentleman has struggled for years to hold onto his teeth. Although he only has 4 teeth on his upper arch, he wasn’t ready to let them go. We treatment planned him for 3 implants and an implant-assisted removable partial denture. It is designed so that if his remaining upper teeth are lost in the future, one additional implant may be placed and the partial can still be used.- Actual patient treated by Drs. Chao or Nguyen