A set of implant supported dentures can restore a smile by creating a permanent set of artificial teeth. The first benefit of permanent or fixed dentures is that they function like natural teeth, which means no slippage. The second upside of implant-supported dentures is their contribution to the health of the jaw.
A missing tooth leaves a gap that goes all the way into the jaw, which is less than ideal. The absent tooth root is no longer there to stimulate bone regeneration in the jaw. This puts the jawbone at risk of losing bone mass. In the long term, people who stick to removable dentures start to lose definition in their lower face.
Dental implants act as replacements for tooth roots. Like a natural tooth root, a dental implant will flex in the jawbone as its wearer chews or bites down. The minimal movement of the implant stimulates the regeneration of the jawbone. To put it another way, an implant triggers the jaw to create new bone tissue to replace the minerals it loses to resorption.
One dental implant can support a single dental restoration. Several dental implants in strategic positions can support a prosthetic replacement for every tooth on a dental arch. This is what full-arch restoration means: The use of an implant-supported denture to replace every tooth on the jaw.
How many implants will a dentist use to support a patient’s permanent dentures? It depends on:
The rest of the article looks at the ideal number of implants necessary for the success of implant-supported dentures on the upper arch.
Full arch restoration on the upper jaw
A good dentist will walk their patient through the process of full-arch dental restoration. They will explain the treatment plan they craft for their patient. The explainer should cover the number of implants needed and the reason why said implants go in certain spots.
The upper and lower jawbones are different in their structure. The lower jaw is stronger with far greater bone density than the upper jaw. It also has fewer adjacent structures to tiptoe around during implant surgery.
In contrast, the upper jaw has less bone density, making it the soft board to the lower jaw’s hardwood. Now, a solid jawbone provides solid support for a dental implant, which becomes a solid anchor for a restoration or prosthetic. This is the main consideration that a dentist accounts for as they work out how many implants their patient needs.
For the patient who is an excellent candidate for treatment, the dentist will use four implants. If the bone density of the patient’s upper jaw is on the low side, the dentist may use five or six implants.
As a rule of thumb, an oral surgeon will avoid areas of the upper jaw that sit close to sinus cavities and certain nerves. This is the reason why it is rare to find a dentist who recommends eight implants. In contrast, a healthy lower jaw can easily accommodate eight implants.
Implant-supported dentures can turn your smile around and restore full function to your mouth. Call our office to find out if this is an option for you.
Request an appointment here: https://delcodental.com or call Delaware County Dental at (484) 223-1780 for an appointment in our Morton office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Implant Supported Dentures in Morton, PA.
Nowadays, people looking to replace missing teeth can choose between options like All-on-4®, bridges and traditional dentures. A few years ago, dentures were the most common option for replacing several missing teeth. This article compares teeth replacement options and why you should choose All-on-4 implant dentures.Dentures have seen significant improvements over the years, especially in…
The All-on-4® procedure is a popular tooth replacement option for those looking to transform their smiles. It relies on dental implants and dentures to create a replacement set of teeth. One common question that comes along with the All-on-4® procedure is how affordable it is. When considering tooth replacement, the price is often a concern. The…
If you wear dentures, you understand how important of a role they play in your life. Not only do dentures make eating easier, but dentures will help you with speaking and to tackle all your day-to-day activities. Your dentures are a part of you, so it is no wonder why you may feel a surge…
Let's cut to the root of the matter: wearing loose dentures is uncomfortable, dangerous, and often a source of embarrassment for their wearers - mainly when speaking or enjoying a meal. Many patients don't realize the potential long-term impact of wearing loose dentures or that they don't have to spend months or years dealing with ill-fitting…
Dentists often prescribe medication to prevent infection and aid in the overall healing process.
If you are in a new location or just need to find a new "dentist…
A root canal may seem like a complex procedure, but it is a routine process…
The right cosmetic dentist can improve your smile and dental function at the same time.
When searching for a kid-friendly dentist for a child’s first dental appointment, it is important…
Learn how same-day denture repair services can help you. When your dentures chip, crack or…
