Implant-Supported Dentures in Rapid City & Spearfish, SD

You know the feeling. You’re eating and your lower denture shifts. You’re talking and it loosens. You reach for the adhesive again, knowing it’ll hold for a few hours before you’re back to the same routine. It’s exhausting — and it’s not what you signed up for when you got dentures in the first place.

Implant-supported dentures solve the problem that regular dentures can’t: stability. A small number of implants are placed in the jawbone, and your denture snaps directly onto them. It clicks into place, stays there while you eat and talk, and comes out when you’re ready to clean it at night.

Dr. Garner talks about this with patients regularly — he always encourages people to consider an implant-retained option because the difference in function and quality of life is that significant. Traditional dentures float on your gums. Implant-supported dentures are anchored in bone. That’s not a small upgrade. It changes what you can eat, how clearly you speak, and how confidently you show up in the world.

At Orchard Meadows, implant-supported dentures are placed in-house at both our Rapid City and Spearfish offices. Dr. Garner handles the implant placement, and the denture is fabricated to snap securely onto the implants once they’ve healed.

How Implant-Supported Dentures Work

Two to four implants are placed in the jawbone — typically in the lower jaw, where traditional dentures tend to cause the most frustration. After the implants integrate with bone over several months, your denture is fitted with attachments that click onto the implant posts. The result is a removable denture that locks into place with real retention — not adhesive, not suction, not hope.

Implant-supported dentures work for both full dentures and partial dentures, depending on your situation. The number of implants needed depends on your bone quality and the type of attachment used. We plan every case with 3D imaging so the solution fits your mouth, not a generic template.

What are implant-supported dentures?

Implant-supported dentures are removable dentures that snap onto dental implants placed in the jawbone. Unlike traditional dentures that rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place, implant-supported dentures click onto implant posts for secure retention. You can remove them for cleaning, but while they’re in, they stay firmly in place — no shifting, no slipping, no adhesive.

How much do implant-supported dentures cost in Rapid City, SD?

Cost depends on the number of implants placed, whether grafting is needed, and whether you’re upgrading an existing denture or having a new one fabricated. Implant-supported dentures are more affordable than fixed full-arch implants while still providing a major upgrade in stability and comfort. Financing through CareCredit is available, and our in-house dental savings plan offers a discount. We provide a full cost breakdown during your consultation.

Do implant-supported dentures hurt?

Implant placement is done under local anesthesia, and nitrous oxide is available if you’d like additional comfort. The number of implants needed is typically smaller than for fixed full-arch treatment, so recovery is often quicker. Most patients manage soreness with over-the-counter pain relief and return to normal activities within a couple of days.

How long do implant-supported dentures last?

The implants themselves can last decades or a lifetime with proper care. The denture that snaps onto them will likely need to be relined or replaced over time due to normal wear — similar to any denture. Attachment components may also need periodic replacement. Regular checkups  help us stay ahead of maintenance.

What’s the difference between implant-supported dentures and fixed full mouth implants?

Implant-supported dentures snap on and can be removed for cleaning. Fixed full mouth implants are permanently attached and stay in 24/7 — you brush them like natural teeth. Both are anchored in bone, but they serve different needs and budgets. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can choose what fits your life.