Full-Mouth Dental Implants & All-On-4 Solutions for Missing Teeth | San Diego

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.

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 it would be 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 will still need periodic appointments for denture adjustments.

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 to the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. This is referred to as an “overdenture.” The advantage of this option is that it is significantly more stable than the first option, allowing for minimal denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.

All-On-4 Dental Implants

All-On-4 dental implants utilize four strategically placed implants in the lower jawbone to support a permanently fixed arch of replacement teeth resembling a denture. This lightweight denture is attached directly to the dental implants using abutments. The result is a permanent solution that cannot be removed. Instead, you care for them like your natural teeth. They can only be removed by a dental professional. Our All-On-4 dental implants in San Diego can last a lifetime with proper care and do not require removal at night. With All-On-4 implants, many patients who would otherwise require bone grafting can achieve full-mouth implants, as we can utilize areas of the jaw with the greatest bone density

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 greater dexterity, many patients who prefer a permanent denture opt for this option.

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 will be made for each of these implants, and crowns will be placed for each missing tooth. The teeth are often joined together for sinus grafting to replace bone height, strength, and support. Overall, this is the most costly option, as it requires the most implants and individual replacement tooth fabrication. The current size and shape of your jawbone may also limit your options for replacement.

Full-Mouth Dental Implants: Which Option is Right for You?

The term “full-mouth dental implants” covers several different options, including All-On-4, implant-supported dentures such as bar attachment and ball attachment dentures, and screw-retained dentures. Each of these supports a full set of replacement teeth in some way, and each has specific advantages and limitations. Ask yourself these questions to help you decide which type of full-mouth dental implant option is best for you:

• Do I want a denture that I can remove for cleaning and sleeping at night?
• Would I prefer a permanent denture that cannot be removed?
• Is a hybrid denture that I can clean underneath but doesn’t need to be removed appealing to me?
• Do you have some bone loss but would like to minimize the need for bone grafting?

Discussing the answers to these questions with Dr. Sidal is the best way to determine which type of full-mouth dental implant will best fit your needs.

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. However, the denture that is attached usually does not need to cover the roof of the mouth. The dental implants hold the denture in place, eliminating the need for suction against the upper palate that a traditional denture requires to stay in place. The result is a more comfortable, natural fit.

Finding the best options when you’re missing all your teeth is a highly personal decision. Searching for “full mouth dental implants near me” can yield numerous results that lead to more confusion than answers. We hope the information we’ve provided gives you a starting point in your journey toward the right solution for you. The next step should be an appointment with Dr. Sidal at Torrey Pines Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery to discuss all the options available for full-mouth dental implants in San Diego. Together, you can discover the perfect way to restore your smile and your dental health!

Call Scripps Medical Building, Carmel Valley office Phone Number 858-793-3393 to schedule your free consultation.