How Many Implants Are Needed For Upper Implant Supported Dentures?

Implant Supported Dentures Los Angeles, CA

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.

The oral health benefits of implant-supported dentures

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.

Fixed full-arch restoration with dental implants

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 mass and density of the patient’s jawbone
  • The full-arch dental restoration technique the dentists chooses
  • Whether the procedure is for the upper or lower jaw

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.

The ideal number of implants for full arch dental restoration of the upper jaw

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.

A brilliant smile is within reach with a simple phone call

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://www.beverlyhillsfamilydentalgroup.com or call Beverly Hills Prestige Dental Group at (310) 286-9655 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Supported Dentures in Los Angeles, CA.

 

Recent Posts

Implant Supported Dentures Vs. Conventional

Implant supported dentures give you a more comfortable experience than traditional dentures. These prosthetics combine the affordability of conventional dentures with the stability and bone preserving properties of implants.Dentures are the most economical way to replace missing teeth, particularly when you have already lost most of your teeth. Their installation is non-invasive and the process…

How Long Does The Procedure For Implant Supported Dentures Take?

Implant supported dentures are a popular tooth replacement treatment option that combines dental implants and dentures. Because they combine two already existing treatments, individuals tend to experience extremely positive results, meaning little to no failure and full functionality of the oral cavity. When considering implant-supported dentures, a popular question that arises is how long the procedure…

4 Advantages To Getting Implant Supported Dentures

Looking into your denture choices? implant supported dentures are a popular choice due to the many advantages that they offer. Those who choose this denture option need to first have a certain number of dental implants placed in their jawbone, making this a multi-month procedure.Considering getting implant supported dentures but want to learn more about…

What To Ask An Implant-Supported Dentures Dentist Before The Procedure

As the popularity of implant-supported dentures continues to increase, an increasing number of dental practices are offering them to their patients. Implant-supported dentures are a distinct prosthetic since they combine implants and dentures to create an excellent solution for those who have lost most of their real teeth.If you are like most people who find…

Recent Posts

Teeth Whitening    : What Is The Ideal Shade Of White?

Teeth Whitening 101: What Is The Ideal Shade Of White?

The ideal shade of white targeted during teeth whitening treatments is a few shades lighter than the white of the patient’s eyes. Whitening treatments can make teeth whiter than that, but the results typically would not look natural compared to the rest of the patient’s physical features. Teeth whitening treatments aim to get the patient…

Top Reasons To Consider Dental Veneers For Your Teeth

Top Reasons To Consider Dental Veneers For Your Teeth

Your teeth are one of the first things that people notice about you, and if you are not confident about your smile, a dental veneer might be on your mind as a possible solution. It is one way to change how a tooth looks, but there are many other options. So, why opt for veneers…