Missing All Upper or Lower Teeth

For patients who are missing an entire arch of teeth, there are several tooth replacement options to consider, including different approaches to implant-supported dentures for the lower arch.

Ball Attachment Denture

The ball attachment denture involves having two implants placed in the lower jaw, then a denture that will snap into place on those implants. The implants provide a level of stability that dentures alone could not match. The downside is that, just like with other denture-based solutions, there will still be movement of the lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles get caught under it. Additionally, periodic appointments will be needed to adjust the denture, ensuring ongoing comfort.

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.

Screw Retained Denture

A screw retained denture includes a denture anchored in place with five or more implants. The denture may be held in place using either screws or clasps, which secure it to a support bar or to support posts. Because the denture does not actually touch the gum tissue, it is easy to clean the denture without having to remove it. In fact, screw retained dentures do not ever have to be removed except at routine maintenance visits. This can be a good, comfortable option for patients who need to replace an entire row of teeth.

Individual Implants

Dental implants represent the highest standard of care for patients with missing teeth. Each implant functions as an artificial tooth root, on top of which your surgeon will place an abutment, or connective piece. Your regular dentist will then place an individual replacement tooth on top of each abutment. If you do not have enough jaw bone, a sinus graft will be performed to offer bone height, strength, and support. While this can be more costly and time-intensive, it also represents the most permanent solution and also the best way to prevent further degradation of your surrounding teeth or underlying bone tissue.

What If I’m Missing All of My Upper Teeth?

For patients who are missing their upper teeth, there is a similarly diverse range of treatment options. The big difference is that the bone in the upper jaw is not as hard as the bone in the lower jaw, which means that most patients do require implants to support their replacement teeth.

Implant Retained Upper Denture

Depending on the number of implants required, you may not need a denture to cover the roof of your mouth, which can have a positive impact on your ability to taste and enjoy food. An implant retained upper denture also provides a more natural feel. Finally, implant retained upper dentures are easy to remove, which can make denture maintenance quite a bit easier and more straightforward.

Individual Upper Implants

For a non-removable restoration that looks and feels completely natural, the best approach is to have individual replacement teeth supported by at least eight to 10 implants. As with implants in the lower jawbone, upper implants will take some time to heal, but ultimately provide a permanent solution that does not require you to damage any of your adjacent teeth. Additionally, implants help to preserve your natural jawbone and facial appearance.

Schedule Your Consultation

Contact Minto Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Fairhope, AL at (251) 990-5959 to schedule your consultation.