Missing All Upper or 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.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Dentures Attached
Removable Prosthesis (Overdenture)
One option is to have two to four implants placed in your lower or upper jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these implants. This option allows your denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture, and sore spots may occur if any food particles are caught underneath. As with all removable teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.
Bar Attachment Denture
Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape, into your lower jaw. 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 onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. This is called an “overdenture.” The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Dentures Attached
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
Screw Retained Denture
A third option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent 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 permanent denture prefer this option.
Individual Implants
The final option is to have all your teeth individually replaced so that they will appear to be growing out of your gum tissue and will 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. Overall, this is the most costly option, because it requires the most implants and individual replacement tooth fabrication. Your replacement options may also be limited by the current size and shape of your jawbone.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Healing Completed
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At West Texas Oral Facial Surgery, we know how to help you. Our board-certified surgeons and expert staff can provide the care you need to relieve the discomfort you feel.
