What if I’m missing all my bottom 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.
Denture with ball
One option is to place two implants in your lower jaw and have a denture made to fit over these implants . This option allows your lower denture to be more stable when chewing than without implants . However, there will still be movement of your lower denture , and sore spots will occur if food particles , especially seeds , get caught under it . As with all removable replacement teeth , you will still need periodic appointments for denture adjustments .
Dental prosthesis for attaching rods
Another option involves placing four to six implants , depending on the size or shape of your jaw , in your lower jaw . Once healing is complete , the implants are connected to a custom-made abutment . Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach to the abutment band , allowing the denture to snap securely 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 movement of the denture . Your denture can still be removed for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Screw-retained prosthesis
The third option involves placing five or more implants in the jaw and attaching a permanent denture . Your denture is held in place by screws or clips that secure it to abutments or abutments . It does not touch the gum tissue , allowing you to clean under your denture without removing it . This denture will replace all of your missing lower teeth and will not be removed except for maintenance visits . Although cleaning under your denture without removing it takes longer and requires more dexterity , many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.
Individual implants
The final option is to replace all of your teeth individually, so that they appear to grow out of your gum tissue and most closely resemble the appearance of your natural teeth . This option typically requires eight or more implants . Individual abutments or posts will be made for each of these implants, and crowns will be placed for each missing tooth . The teeth are often joined together for a sinus graft to replace the bone height for strength and support . Overall, this is the most expensive option because it requires the most implants and custom fabrication of the replacement tooth . Your replacement options may also be limited by the current size and shape of your jawbone .
What if I’m missing all my upper teeth ?
A similar range of treatment options are available for your upper jaw . However, because the bone is not as strong as that in the lower jaw , people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth .
Implant-retained upper denture
Depending on the number of implants to be placed , it may be possible to eliminate the need to cover the palate with a full 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.
Why Choose Dr. Dimitrov
Elite Training: Earned his DMD from the University of Connecticut and completed residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident.
Proven Leadership: Awarded the prestigious Professor’s Cup for excellence in surgery, patient care, and academic achievement.
Meet Dr.Kroum Dimitrov
