Food Getting Stuck in Implant Overdenture: What's the Solution?

Aaron asks:

I had 5 implants inserted into bottom jaw, with a full bottom denture installed (clip on type). There is a lot of food residue on the inside of the denture, where it clips onto the implant 'bridge'. I have to clean the denture after every meal. What is the problem and the solution here?

Answered by: Dr. David R. Edenbaum

Marlton, NJ

What you are describing is an implant retained overdenture. This type of prosthesis uses dental implants to make your denture more stable. However if your denture is a 'clip-on type' it still rests on the soft tissue (gum) for support. While an implant overdenture is a huge benefit to patients who have had little success keeping a conventional denture in place, it will still move slightly with chewing or biting force.

There are two possible solutions to the problem you have described. If your dentist feels that a removable denture is best for you, then attempting to reline the denture to get a tighter seal around the edges might help with food impaction. As the tissue changes over time this process may require repetition periodically.

The other solution is to convert your removable denture into a fixed implant supported denture. This is a fixed (not a removable) prosthesis that relies solely on your implants for support and does not rest on the soft tissue. It is cleansable and stable. If you have five well spaced well-integrated implants and are not having the success you envisioned with the removable overdenture, I would discuss this option with your dentist.