Implant-Retained Overdentures in Lakewood, WA

For many people in Lakewood and Tacoma, the biggest complaint about traditional dentures isn’t how they look, it’s how they move. At the office of Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we solve this “loose denture” problem with Implant-Retained Overdentures. This solution uses a small number of dental implants (usually two to four) to act as anchors. Your denture “snaps” onto these anchors, giving you the security to eat and speak without the fear of your teeth slipping, while still being easy to remove for cleaning.

The “Hybrid” Approach to Comfort

As a specialized Dental Implant Periodontist, Dr. Kim views the implant-retained overdenture as the perfect middle ground between traditional dentures and fixed full-arch implants. It is called “implant-retained” because while the implants keep the denture from moving side-to-side or falling out, the denture itself still rests gently on your gum tissue for support.

This approach offers several unique advantages for our neighbors in University Place and Steilacoom:

• Rock-Solid Retention: Using specialized “Locator” or ball-and-socket attachments, your denture stays firmly locked in place until you are ready to remove it.
• Affordability: Because this system typically requires fewer implants than a fully “fixed” bridge, it is often a more accessible option for patients looking to upgrade from traditional dentures.
• Preserving the Jawbone: Even with just two implants, the titanium posts stimulate the bone in your chin area, helping to prevent the “sunken look” that occurs when the jawbone begins to shrink after tooth loss.
• Easy Hygiene: Since you can snap the denture out at night, it is incredibly simple to keep both the prosthetic and the implant sites perfectly clean.

A Solution for “Impossible” Bone Loss

Patients from Oakbrook to JBLM often come to Dr. Kevin Kim because they have been told they don’t have enough bone for a full set of implants. As a specialist, Dr. Kim can often use Mini-Implants or strategically place implants in the front of the jaw where bone is naturally denser. This allows him to provide a stable, “snapping” denture to patients who were previously told they were not candidates for implant surgery.

The Specialist Difference

We don’t just “fit” dentures; we engineer foundations. Dr. Kim utilizes CBCT 3D Imaging to plan the exact position of your anchors, ensuring they are placed for maximum stability and long-term health. By combining 20+ years of periodontal expertise with the latest in restorative technology, he ensures your overdenture fits your lifestyle perfectly.

To learn more about how overdentures can improve your quality of life and nutrition, you can explore resources from the American Academy of Periodontology or the American College of Prosthodontists. Dr. Kevin Kim and his team are proud to bring this life-changing stability to the South Sound community.