How Do Dental Implants Help If I Have Full Dentures or Partial Dentures?

If you currently wear full and partial dentures, you may have wondered whether dental implants could offer additional support. It is a common and perfectly reasonable question — and one we hear regularly from patients at our London practice.

Dentures have helped millions of people eat, speak and smile with greater confidence. However, some wearers experience challenges with movement, retention or comfort over time. In certain cases, dental implants can be used alongside dentures to help improve stability and function — though results vary depending on individual anatomy, bone support and the type of denture involved.

This guide explains how dental implants London can work with full and partial dentures, what options may be available and what factors influence suitability. It is written to help you understand your choices — not to suggest that dentures are inadequate or that implants are always necessary.

Common Challenges With Full and Partial Dentures

Dentures are a well-established and effective form of tooth replacement. They are suitable for many patients and can provide good function and appearance when well-made and properly maintained. That said, some denture wearers do experience challenges — particularly over time — that may prompt them to explore additional options.

Movement During Eating or Speaking

Some patients find that their dentures shift or move during certain activities, such as eating harder foods or speaking. This can be more pronounced with lower dentures, which sit on a narrower ridge of bone and do not benefit from the same level of suction as upper dentures.

Fit Changes Over Time

After teeth are lost, the jawbone gradually remodels and may lose volume over time — a natural process known as resorption. As the shape of the ridge changes, a denture that once fitted well may begin to feel less secure. Relines and adjustments can help, but the underlying bone changes may continue.

Comfort and Confidence Considerations

For some wearers, concerns about denture movement or the need for adhesives can affect how comfortable they feel in social or eating situations. These are personal experiences that vary widely from patient to patient — many people wear dentures very successfully and comfortably for years.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures are dentures that gain additional stability from dental implants placed in the jawbone. Rather than resting solely on the gum tissue, the denture connects to the implants, which help hold it more securely in place.

How Implants Can Support Dentures

Dental implants are small posts — usually made from titanium or zirconia — that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Over a period of weeks, the bone bonds with the implant surface through a process called osseointegration. Once integrated, the implants can serve as anchor points for a denture, using attachments such as locators, bars or ball fittings.

The denture itself may be modified to clip or press onto these attachments, providing additional retention beyond what the gum ridge alone can offer.

Support vs Replacement

It is important to understand that implant-supported dentures are not necessarily a replacement for dentures — they are a way of enhancing how a denture functions. In many cases, the denture remains removable, and the implants simply provide extra stability. This can be a practical middle ground for patients who want improved retention without committing to a fully fixed restoration.

Removable vs Fixed Options

Implant-supported dentures can be broadly categorised as removable or fixed. Removable options clip onto the implants and can be taken out for cleaning. Fixed options are secured more permanently and can only be removed by a dentist. Each approach has its own considerations in terms of maintenance, cost and clinical requirements, and neither is inherently better — the right choice depends on the individual patient.

How Dental Implants Can Help Full Dentures

Full denture wearers — particularly those with lower dentures — are among the most common patients to enquire about implant support. Lower full dentures can be particularly challenging because the lower jaw typically offers less surface area and suction compared to the upper jaw.

Improved Stability in Some Cases

By placing implants in the jawbone, a full denture can be anchored to fixed points rather than relying entirely on the gum ridge and suction. This may help reduce movement during eating and speaking, though the degree of improvement varies between patients depending on factors such as bone quality, implant positioning and denture design.

Reduced Reliance on Adhesives

Some full denture wearers use adhesive products to help improve retention. With implant support, the need for adhesives may be reduced or, in some cases, eliminated. However, this depends on the individual situation and should not be assumed as a guaranteed outcome.

Bite Force Distribution

Implants can help distribute biting forces more evenly across the jaw, rather than concentrating pressure on the gum tissue alone. This may make eating certain foods more manageable, though chewing ability with implant-supported dentures still differs from natural teeth and results vary between individuals.

How Dental Implants Can Help Partial Dentures

Partial denture wearers may also benefit from implant support in certain situations, though the considerations are somewhat different from those for full dentures.

Supporting Remaining Natural Teeth

Traditional partial dentures often rely on clasps that hook around existing natural teeth for retention. Over time, these clasps can place stress on the supporting teeth. In some cases, implants can be used as alternative anchor points, potentially reducing the load on natural teeth — though this depends on the specific clinical situation.

Improved Retention

Just as with full dentures, implants can help improve the retention of a partial denture by providing additional fixed points within the jaw. This may reduce the tendency for the denture to lift or shift during function.

Long-Term Planning Considerations

For patients with partial dentures, it is worth considering longer-term treatment planning. If further tooth loss is anticipated, your dental team may discuss how implants could form part of a phased approach to maintaining oral function over time. This kind of forward planning is best discussed during a thorough clinical assessment.

How Many Implants Are Typically Used?

One of the most common questions patients ask is how many implants are needed to support a denture. The honest answer is that it varies considerably depending on the individual case.

Varies by Jaw and Denture Type

• Lower full dentures — as few as two implants may be sufficient to provide meaningful improvement in retention for a lower overdenture, though more implants may be recommended in some cases
• Upper full dentures — the upper jaw typically requires more implants (often four or more) due to the softer bone quality and the forces involved
• Partial dentures — the number of implants depends on the number and position of missing teeth, the condition of remaining teeth and the overall treatment plan

Bone Quality Considerations

The quality and volume of available bone plays an important role in determining how many implants can be placed and where. Advanced imaging such as CBCT scans allows your dental team to assess bone levels precisely and plan accordingly. In some cases, bone grafting may be needed before or alongside implant placement.

No One-Size-Fits-All Number

There is no universal number of implants that suits every patient. The right approach depends on your anatomy, your current denture, your goals and your budget. Your dentist will discuss the options and their respective trade-offs during the planning process.

Are Implant-Supported Dentures Comfortable?

Comfort is a natural concern for anyone considering a change to how their denture functions. As with any dental treatment, experiences vary between individuals.

Adaptation Period

After implants are placed and the denture is modified or replaced, there is typically an adaptation period during which you get used to the new feel and function. Some patients adjust quickly, while others may need several weeks to feel fully comfortable. Your dental team will provide guidance and support throughout this process.

Individual Comfort Differences

Comfort is subjective and influenced by many factors, including the type of attachment system used, the fit of the denture, the health of the underlying tissues and the patient’s expectations. While many patients report improvements in how their denture feels and functions after implant support is added, individual experiences differ and no specific comfort outcome can be guaranteed.

Importance of Follow-Up

Regular follow-up appointments are essential after implant-supported dentures are fitted. These allow your dentist to check the implants, assess the fit of the denture, make any necessary adjustments and monitor your oral health over time. Ongoing maintenance is an important part of long-term success.

Who May Not Be Suitable for Implants With Dentures?

While implant-supported dentures can be a helpful option for many patients, they are not suitable for everyone. A thorough assessment is needed to determine whether implants are appropriate in each individual case.

Bone Volume Considerations

Dental implants require adequate bone to support them. Patients who have experienced significant bone loss — which can occur naturally after tooth loss — may need bone grafting before implants can be placed. In some cases, the extent of bone loss may make implant treatment more complex or, in rare circumstances, unsuitable.

Medical Factors

Certain medical conditions and medications can affect healing and implant integration. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune disorders and some medications (including certain bisphosphonates) may require additional consideration. Your dental team will review your full medical history as part of the assessment process and may liaise with your GP or medical specialist where appropriate.

Importance of Assessment

Suitability for implant-supported dentures can only be determined through a comprehensive clinical examination, including dental imaging and a review of your medical and dental history. If you are considering this option, an implant assessment appointment London is the essential first step.

What Is the Process for Adding Implants to Dentures?

If implant-supported dentures are deemed suitable for you, the treatment process typically involves several stages. Here is a general overview of what to expect:

Assessment and Planning

The process begins with a thorough consultation, including clinical examination, 3D imaging (CBCT scan) and a discussion of your goals and expectations. Your dental team will assess your bone levels, gum health and current denture, and develop a personalised treatment plan.

This is also the stage where you can discuss the cost of implant-supported dentures London and explore any finance options that may be available.

Implant Placement

Implant surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic, with sedation available for patients who feel anxious. The implants are placed into the jawbone at carefully planned positions. The procedure is typically well-tolerated, and most patients are able to continue wearing their existing denture (sometimes with temporary modifications) during the healing period.

Healing and Integration

After placement, the implants need time to integrate with the surrounding bone. This healing period — typically between eight and sixteen weeks depending on the jaw and individual healing — is essential for establishing a stable foundation. During this time, regular check-ups allow your dental team to monitor progress.

Denture Modification or Replacement

Once the implants have integrated, your existing denture may be modified to incorporate the attachment system, or a new denture may be fabricated specifically to work with the implants. The attachment type — whether locators, bars or another system — will have been discussed and agreed during the planning stage.

Implant-Supported Denture Options in London

At our CQC-registered practice in South Kensington, we understand that every denture wearer’s experience is different. Some patients are happy with their current dentures and simply want reassurance. Others are looking for ways to improve retention and stability. We welcome both conversations.

Our approach is to listen to your concerns, carry out a thorough clinical assessment and discuss the options that are genuinely relevant to your situation. We do not recommend implants unless there is a clear clinical rationale, and we always explain the benefits, limitations and alternatives before any treatment begins.

Whether you are exploring implant-supported dentures for the first time or would like a second opinion on a recommendation you have received elsewhere, our team is here to provide honest, balanced guidance in a calm and supportive environment.

If you would like to discuss how dental implant solutions in London could work alongside your existing dentures, please book a consultation in London to arrange an initial appointment. We look forward to helping you explore your options with clarity and confidence.

This article provides general information about dental implants and dentures and is not a substitute for personalised clinical advice. The suitability of implant-supported dentures depends on individual anatomy, bone quality, oral health and other clinical factors that can only be assessed in person. Outcomes vary between patients, and no specific results regarding comfort, stability or longevity can be guaranteed. Please consult your dentist for guidance specific to your situation.