Options for Missing 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. Our surgeons and the whole Optima Dental Surgery team can help you decide if dental implants are the right choice for you.
Locator 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.
All-on-4 (Teeth-In-A-Day)
An extraordinary procedure has been developed that permits placement of 4 dental implants and a fixed bridge in as little as one appointment. Teeth-In-A-Day could allow an entire mouthful of teeth to be replaced with implants and provide a non-removable set of new teeth in as little as one day. There is not even bone grafting in most cases.
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 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.