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.
Ball 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 allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
Bar Attachment Denture
Another option involves placing implants on your lower jaw for a bar attached denture. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with clips that attach onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Screw Retained Denture
Another option involves placing four to six implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent bridge to the implants. This bridge replaces all your missing lower teeth and is not removable. Your dentist can remove it, if needed, during your regular maintenance visits.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
Individual Implants
The option to replace your missing teeth with individual implants is also available. On your consultation appointment, the best treatment choices will be reviewed by Dr. Kilkuts.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Healing Completed
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 dense as the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth.
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.