Missing All Lower Teeth
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Arts – El Segundo CA
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.
Are You Ashamed of Showing Your Missing Teeth?
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
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.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
Screw Retained Denture
A third option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. 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 denture without removing it. This denture 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 denture prefer this option.
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 dental 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
What If I’m Missing All Of My Upper Teeth?
A similar range of treatment options is also available for your upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth. 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.
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 implants placed. This is followed after healing by the placement of the abutments and new replacement crowns.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Arts
Patient Review By David Benson
Number 1 the best #5
- David Benson
Patient Review By Vivicca W
After interviewing 21 dentists and oral surgeons for my full mouth reconstruction and sinus lift I finally found my doctor! Dr. Cheung is a perfectionist - which is what you want in a dentist/oral surgeon. He's friendly, patient and really walks you thru every step of the way. My first surgery lasted 11 1/2 hours -- and he didn't miss a beat. He rang me every day during my recovery. His staff is amazing! Kind, friendly and understanding. Yes, he's pricey but as they say -- you get what you pay for and I got platinum service from Renny and his team. I can't recommend Dr. Cheung highly enough - five stars just isn't enough. Great caring human being and if you're lucky enough to go to him, you've reached your pot of gold. I had additional surgery (this one only took 2 hours) and I was out like a light and woke up swollen but pain free. Again, he rang me to check in on my progress. Summary: Do yourself a favor and run, not walk, to Dr. Cheung. He's got two other practice locations if the LAX office isn't close. I've been to his Woodland Hills office and his staff there were great. Tots thumbs up with a twirl!
- Vivicca W
Patient Review By Lerner C
Had a dental implant and extraction done. 5 star service from the entire staff (Mari, Ale, Val, Esther)
- Lerner C
Patient Review By Patrick C
I like the state-of-art standing, rotating X-ray of the mouth/teeth scan. Dr. Victor Ho expertise put me at ease. I definitely trust Dr. Ho for my implants.
- Patrick C
Patient Review By A O
Dr. Cheung is an excellent oral surgeon. I was referred to him for a tooth extraction and implant. His professional manner allowed me to relax and feel comfortable from start to finish. He even phoned me later on the day of the extraction to be sure I was OK. The staff were friendly and efficient. Joceline, the Office Manager, answered all of my questions about billing and insurance; Christine, the Receptionist, was very helpful in accommodating appointments to fit my schedule; the Dental Assistants (Leslie, Zoraida, Crystal, Jojo) are highly-skilled!
- A O
Patient Review By Amal G
Excellent and very professional doctor also his staff are amazing!!!
- Amal G
Patient Review By Luna M
Dr. Cheung is very knowledgeable and skilled doctor. My whole experience with Dr. Cheung has been very great. Everything went so smooth. The office staffs are nice and polite. I will absolutely come back here again!
- Luna M
Patient Review By Kelly W
If I could give 6 stars I would. Dr Cheung and staff were amazing, the level of care is top notch, the office is immaculate and I appreciated the free parking.
- Kelly W
Patient Review By Tammi J
Zoraida took care of me from start to finish. Super efficient and compassionate. She even got me a blanket and pillow
- Tammi J
Patient Review By Irma P
The experience was wonderful, will refer other patients. Jen is a great assistant!
- Irma P
Patient Review By Charlotte J
The Staff was very pleasant and professional and efficient throughout my treatment period. I will recommend them to any one who needs the same care that I have received.
- Charlotte J
Patient Review By Jose R
The office staff from the dentist on down are extremely cordial, professional, and caring. In short, having dental work was a breeze.
- Jose R