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.
See the missing all upper or lower teeth process.
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. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.
1 / Before
2 / Implants Placed
3 / Denture Attached
1 / Before
2 / Implants Placed
3 / Denture Attached
Ball Attachment Denture
1 / Before
2 / Implants Placed
3 / Denture Attached
1 / Before
2 / Implants Placed
3 / Denture Attached
Screw Retained Bridge (also referred to as All-On-4)
A third option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent bridge. 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 bridge without removing it. This bridge 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 bridge prefer this option.
1 / Before
2 / Implants Placed
3 / Denture Attached
1 / Before
2 / Implants Placed
3 / Denture Attached
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
1 / Before
2 / Implants Placed
3 / Healing Completed
What if I’m missing all of my upper 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 implantsplaced. This is followed after healing by the placement of the abutments and new replacement crowns.
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 implantsplaced. This is followed after healing by the placement of the abutments and new replacement crowns.
Oral, Facial, and Dental Surgery Services
Surgeons Peter H. Kim, DDS; Serv S. Wahan, DMD, MD; Daniel T. Brady, DDS; and Dustin Altmann, DMD, Dr. Gross, DMD, MD, provide a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, from corrective jaw surgery and wisdom tooth removal to advanced dental implant and bone grafting procedures, as well as diagnosis and treatment of facial pain, facial injuries, and TMJ disorders. Our clinical team is highly trained in assisting with I.V. sedation in a modern, state-of-the-art office setting, so you can receive care comfortably and safely.
Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Washington State
- Board-Certified Specialists
- Trusted by Referring Dentists
- State-of-the-Art Technology
- Proven Outcomes & Satisfaction
- Personalized Patient Experience
- Comprehensive Care
- Advanced Surgical Expertise
- Safe Sedation
- Four Local Offices
What Our Patients’ Say
FAQs
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