Alternatives to Dentures?

Dianne asks:

I have a full denture with 2 implants on lower denture.I had a lot of gum loss before the implants. My dentures never really fit right and hurt my mouth after wearing them for a day. I hardly ever wear my bottom teeth and I guess that doesn't help. The time has come. I have to do something soon. What procedure would you recommend?

Answered by: Dr. Steven M. Moss

Rutherford, NJ

Hi Dianne

The answer really depends on what you desire. If you are searching for an alternative that is no longer removable (i.e. a fixed bridge), then you would need additional implants.

Typically, however, many denture wearers no longer have the volume of bone that is needed in the back of their jaws to easily place implants and so many are told they are not candidates without bone grafting prior to implant placement.

Fortunately, for almost all of these patients, and possibly for you, the All-on-4 technique is a viable option. By angling the posterior implants (one on each side) so they engage the dense bone in the front part of the jaw, but still exit the gums posteriorly, enough support can be gained to allow for a fixed bridge to be placed. You may want to look into this solution as it may be the right one for you.