Missing All Lower Teeth

In many cases, most or all of the teeth are lost on a single arch. Losing one tooth increases the risk of losing more, and the problem advances from there. If you’re missing all lower teeth you can get effective treatment with our team. Dental implants are the best solution when missing all lower teeth. They ensure functionality and a natural aesthetic.

Dentures can be uncomfortable, unstable, and nearly impossible to chew with when you are missing all lower teeth. If you want a strong bite that feels more natural, there are implant options available.

• Conventional Lower Denture – This treatment is the cheapest but also the least effective, especially if you are missing all lower teeth. A conventional denture works like a suction cup to maintain stability and this suction seal is constantly disrupted by the tongue. Many patients find conventional lower dentures, without any implant support, uncomfortable and nearly impossible to chew with. Using even 2 implants to stabilize a lower denture can be an extremely cost-effective upgrade for a conventional lower denture.
• Ball Attachment Denture – This treatment for missing all lower teeth will use two to four implants to support a denture that snaps onto the implants. This is a comfortable option but the denture will help stabilize the denture and improve your ability to chew and speak with the denture in place.
• Bar Attachment Denture – With four or six implants, a custom-made support bar will run along the arch. A custom denture can be attached to this and snapped into place. This is a comfortable option that helps to preserve the jaw and retain most of your natural bite force. The restoration can look incredibly natural.
• Screw-Retained Denture – Missing all lower teeth can be effectively treated with a screw-retained denture, often referred to as an “All on 4” dental restoration. A custom denture will be permanently attached to four or more dental implants in the jaw. It sits just above the gum to allow for cleaning between the denture and the soft tissue. This type of denture is fully fixed and can only be removed by your dentist using special tools. This makes it more like natural teeth than the locator or bar options above. With good home care and hygiene this option can be the most cost effective option for a fully fixed set of replacement teeth which closely mimics your natural teeth’s function.
• Individual Tooth Implants – You could also have individual tooth implants placed for the lower teeth. Implants will act like natural tooth roots while abutments and crowns on top will replace your teeth. This is the most aesthetic and functional treatment but it’s also the most expensive and isn’t available for every patient, depending on the condition of the jaw bone.

At Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery, we offer the most extensive treatment options for tooth loss. Book your appointment with one of our surgeons to explore the best options for your unique case.

Missing All Upper Teeth

If you’re missing all upper teeth there are similar treatment options available.

• Conventional Upper Denture – When missing all upper teeth, this treatment option is the cheapest way to replace of your upper teeth. Many patients find the upper conventional denture more functional than a lower conventional denture. However, it still has limited chewing function and covers the roof of the mouth which can lead to undesirable changes in sensation and taste.
• Ball or Bar Retained Upper Denture – This is an effective treatment for missing all upper teeth. Four to six implants are placed in order to effectively anchor a denture. This significantly improves the functionality of the denture, but it still needs to be removed every night to keep it clean. Just like your natural teeth, if you do not keep it clean it will not last, but when kept clean this can be a cost-effective, life long solution to missing all upper teeth.
• Screw-Retained Denture – Missing all upper teeth can be effectively treated with a screw-retained denture, often referred to as an “All on 4” dental restoration. A custom denture will be permanently attached to four or more dental implants in the jaw. It sits just above the gum to allow for cleaning between the denture and the soft tissue. This type of denture is fully fixed and can only be removed by your dentist using special tools. This makes it more like natural teeth than the locator or bar options above. With good home care and hygiene this option can be the most cost effective option for a fully fixed set of replacement teeth which closely mimics your natural teeth’s function.
• Individual Tooth Implants – You could also have individual tooth implants placed for the upper teeth. Implants will act like natural tooth roots while abutments and crowns on top will replace your teeth. This is the most aesthetic and functional treatment but it’s also the most expensive and isn’t available for every patient, depending on the condition of the jaw bone.

Missing all upper teeth isn’t something that you have to simply accept, and you don’t need to wear uncomfortable dentures. We provide the most effective treatment with implants for missing all upper teeth.

All-On-4 Implants

If you’re missing all upper or lower teeth you could be a candidate for treatment with All-on-4 implants. All-on-4 is a permanent denture solution where a permanent prosthetic is attached to four or more implant posts distributed across the ridge of your jawbone. All-on-4 implants are reliable and cost-efficient, and can often be placed within 24 hours of surgery. All-on-6 is an alternative to All-on-4 where six implants are used instead for additional stability.

If you are interested in All-on-4 implants you can start your consultation at Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery to compare your options.

Removable Dentures or Dental Implants?

When you’re missing all upper or lower teeth, you could consider dentures to treat tooth loss. When looking at removable dentures or dental implants, there are some vast differences between the treatment types.

When considering removable dentures or dental implants, keep the following in mind…

• Dentures don’t look as natural as dental implants.
• Implants can restore the function of your smile. Dentures only partially restore function.
• Traditional dentures can be uncomfortable. Implants feel natural.
• With dentures that simply sit on the gums, there’s a risk of them slipping.

Cost is something you might consider when looking at removable dentures or dental implants. While dentures might have a lower cost upfront, they require long-term maintenance and eventual replacement. The cost gap shrinks over time. The difference in cost between removable dentures or dental implants is smaller than most people think.

You can get an honest assessment and treatment recommendation when you’re missing all upper or lower teeth. Book your visit to Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery by calling 650-342-0213 today.