Missing All Lower Teeth
Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.
Locator Attachment Denture
One option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw, and a denture made that snaps onto these implants. This option makes your lower denture much more stable than without implants. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture, and sore spots may occur on the gum tissue. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment. This is a very economical option.
Bar Attachment Denture
Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach to the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows minimal denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
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Screw Retained Fixed Denture
A third option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a fixed denture. Your denture is held in place by screws or clasps that secure it to the support posts or bar. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all your missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a fixed option prefer this option.
Individual Implants
The final option is to have all your teeth individually replaced so they will appear to grow out of your gum tissue. They most closely resemble the appearance of your natural teeth. This option usually requires eight or more implants. Separate abutments or support posts for each one of these implants will be made, and crowns for each missing tooth will be placed. The teeth are often joined together for sinus grafting to replace bone height, strength, and support. This is the most costly option because it requires the most implants and individual replacement tooth fabrication. The current size and shape of your jawbone may also limit your replacement options.
What If I’m Missing All Of My Upper Teeth?
A similar range of treatment options is also available for your upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth. Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
Implant Retained Upper Denture
Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
Individual Upper Implants
If you want a restoration that is similar to your natural teeth and therefore not removable, you probably will need eight to ten individual implants placed. This is followed after healing by the placement of the abutments and new replacement crowns.