Treatment Options - If All Your Teeth Are Missing

If you have lost all your teeth, Midland Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Bannan has several treatment options available.

One option would be the placement of a removable denture. A denture sits loosely over your gums with no secure connection to the jaw bone. Another option would be choosing a dental implant based treatment. Implants are secured to the jaw bone, replacing the function of your natural tooth roots.

A removable denture is custom fitted to your jaw bone but as it shrinks over time, the removable denture becomes loose. This movement may cause soreness of gums, difficulty in chewing and trouble speaking. Over the years, the denture may need remodeling so that it fits the changing shape of the jaw. This can be very frustrating for a patient who experiences the cycle of denture maintenance for many years. With bone loss, it becomes increasingly difficult to stabilize the denture. The remaining bone may not be thick enough to protect one of the jaw's main nerves from the pressure of biting and chewing. This type of pressure may cause extreme pain and discomfort.

The only proven way to prevent or stop bone loss is to replace your natural tooth roots with dental implants.

One option may involve the placement of two or three dental implants. The implants help prevent bone loss and provide a stable foundation for a denture. A connection type, known as the ball and O-ring attachment is used so that the specialized denture can be secured to the implants, yet removable by the patient for cleaning.

A second option involves the placement of four dental implants.  A customized bar is fabricated and attached to the implants. A denture is designed with clips that securely snap into place over the bar. This type of connection is known as the bar and clip attachment. This denture may also be removed by the patient for cleaning.

A third option involves the placement of five or six dental implants. Specialized attachments cover the implants to facilitate the placement of what is known as a fixed, detachable denture.  The denture is designed with small holes that allow screws to pass through and connect it directly to the implants. This is a very stable and secure treatment option that can only be removed or detached by a dental professional.

A fourth option, known as a fixed implant bridge, commonly involves the placement of eight, ten or twelve dental implants. Standard abutments are attached to the implants to prepare for the placement of the crowns. The crowns are then cemented to the implants as one piece. This option most closely resembles the look and feel of natural teeth, while virtually eliminating bone loss.