Wisdom Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
While upper dentures are generally well-tolerated by most patients, some individuals may struggle with wearing and eating with lower dentures. If you are missing all of your lower teeth and facing difficulties with traditional dentures, there are various implant-supported replacement options that you can explore.
Ball Attachment Denture San Jose
One possibility is to have two dental implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture created that can snap onto these implants. This choice can provide more stability for your lower denture while eating compared to not having implants. However, some movement of the denture may still occur, and discomfort may arise if food particles, particularly seeds, get trapped underneath. Regular appointments for denture adjustments will still be necessary, as with any removable replacement teeth.
Bar Attachment Denture San Jose
An alternative option is to have four to six implants placed in your lower jaw, depending on its size and shape. Once the implants have healed, they are connected with a custom support bar. Your denture will be designed with internal retention clips that attach to the support bar, allowing the denture to securely snap into place. This type of denture, known as an "overdenture," offers greater stability compared to the first option and minimizes denture movement. Despite its stability, the denture remains removable for convenient cleaning and maintenance.
Screw Retained Denture San Jose
Another option is to have five or more implants placed in your jaw to support a permanent denture. The denture is secured in place by screws or clasps attached to support posts or a bar, avoiding contact with the gum tissue. This allows for easy cleaning underneath the denture without having to remove it. This type of denture replaces all missing lower teeth and is only removed during maintenance visits. While cleaning without removing the denture may take more time and dexterity, many patients who desire a permanent solution prefer this option.
Individual Dental Implants San Jose
The most advanced option is to have each of your teeth replaced individually, giving the appearance of natural teeth growing out of your gums. This typically involves eight or more implants, with separate abutments and crowns for each tooth. Sinus grafting may be necessary to strengthen bone height and support. This option is the most expensive due to the number of implants and custom tooth fabrication required. Your jawbone size and shape may also impact which replacement options are available to you.
What should I do if I am missing all of my upper teeth?
There are also various treatment options available for your upper jaw, but due to the softer bone compared to the lower jaw, more implants may be needed to support new replacement teeth. Depending on the number of implants required, it may be possible to avoid using a complete denture that covers the roof of your mouth. This alternative allows you to fully taste your food and have a better sense of its temperature, making your denture feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which simplifies the cleaning process for the support bar and denture.
Implant Retained Upper Denture San Jose
Depending on the number of implants needed, it may be possible to avoid using a complete denture that covers the roof of your mouth. This alternative allows for a more natural feeling when eating, as you can fully taste your food and have a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will also feel more comfortable. You will still have a removable denture, making it easier to clean the support bar and denture.
Individual Upper Implants San Jose
If you are looking for a permanent restoration that closely resembles your natural teeth, you may require eight to ten individual implants to be placed. After the healing process, abutments and new replacement crowns will be placed on the implants.
