Missing All Lower Teeth
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Grand Rapids & Rockford MI
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 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 still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
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 onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. This is called an “overdenture.” The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
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 more dexterity, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Denture Attached
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 for each one of these implants will be made and crowns for each missing tooth will be placed. The teeth are often joined together for sinus grafting to replace bone height strength and support. Overall, this is the most costly option, because it requires the most implants and individual replacement tooth fabrication. Your replacement options may also be limited by the current size and shape of your jawbone.
1. Before
2. Implants Placed
3. Healing Completed
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. Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
Implant Retained Upper Denture
Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
Individual Upper Implants
If you want a restoration that is similar to your natural teeth and therefore not removable, you probably will need eight to ten individual implants placed. This is followed after healing by the placement of the abutments and new replacement crowns.
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Patient Review By Cami Z
First (and hopefully only) dental implant - Dr and her Assistant explained every step in the process and how to care for the area after the initial surgery. Plus all information was provided in writing. They both patiently answered my questions and continued to explain what was happening throughout. No pain and totally felt comfortable and that I was in "good hands". Thank you!
- Cami Z
Patient Review By Darin S
This was my last procedure for my implant of installing the post. Mark Grinzinger DDS,MD performed the surgery and was exceptional at his job. Asking me through out process if I was okey or uncomfortable. Went above and beyond from other places I’ve had work at. His assistants were stellar also in making me as comfortable as possible and even bringing in a fan for me or asking if I’d like window open. If you need any oral surgery I highly recommend this place and Dr Grinzinger. AAA+++ By the way. Grinzinger isn’t in drop down so we chose Emily at random
- Darin S
Patient Review By Harold R
The doctor and staff have excellent "bed side manner". They were very good at helping me be comfortable and helping me feel that I was in good hands. At this point, I have had a double extraction (including one wisdom tooth) in December of 2021 and an implant in March of 2022. All has went as prescribed and I am very satisfied.
- Harold R
Patient Review By Marilyn J
Dr. Emily and her staff are great!!!! They tell you everything that is going on, and every step that is being done. They make you feel comfortable right from the beginning. I would definitely recommend to anybody.
- Marilyn J
Patient Review By Richard B
Dr. Pisano was very good at explaining everything he was doing, and was very friendly. I felt like I was in really good hands during the extraction and then the implant placement. The assistants were also very friendly. I highly recommend the Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants for anything that requires an oral surgeon.
- Richard B
Patient Review By Chuck N
Dr. Emily VanHeukelom and her staff have done a wonderful job with my three implants. They have been patient, answered every question that I have had, and even made me smile. I am very please their professional work and kindness.
- Chuck N
Patient Review By Diana B
Dr. Panek is definitely a man doing what God created him to be. His knowledge in oral and maxillofacial surgery is exceptional; in addition, very rare in Michigan. By the time I heard of Dr. Panek, I had already exhausted many specialists. A sinus lift with 4 implants already failed from another dentist. I had no bone in my mouth and my arch of my mouth was little to none. No matter how my dentures fit, I could not keep them from falling out. I was without teeth for a year before I was informed of Dr. Panek. He was very patient, compassionate, and understanding. He listened to my story and then tried to explain my predicament. I did not know anything at the time of zygoma implants, however he stated that it would be the best way and actually the only way of guaranteeing me to have teeth. He would do 4 zygoma implants. All the way through surgery, as well as the six months of healing, Dr. Panek and his assistants were nothing short of courteous, considerate and caring, going above and beyond the call of duty. It was as if they were traveling with me on this new journey. Dr. Panek is truly gifted. I can honestly say that a day doesn’t go by without my utmost gratitude for Dr. Panek and his assistants. I would still be toothless today if he would’ve been like all the rest stating, ‘There is nothing more we can do for you.’ But instead, he did an extremely difficult surgery, flawless and with brilliance. Dr. Panek, without a doubt, is # 1 in my book!
- Diana B
Patient Review By Diana B
Dr. Panek is definitely a man doing what God created him to be. His knowledge in oral and maxillofacial surgery is exceptional; in addition, very rare in Michigan. By the time I heard of Dr. Panek, I had already exhausted many specialists. A sinus lift with 4 implants already failed from another dentist. I had no bone in my mouth and my arch of my mouth was little to none. No matter how my dentures fit, I could not keep them from falling out. I was without teeth for a year before I was informed of Dr. Panek. He was very patient, compassionate, and understanding. He listened to my story and then tried to explain my predicament. I did not know anything at the time of zygoma implants, however he stated that it would be the best way and actually the only way of guaranteeing me to have teeth. He would do 4 zygoma implants. All the way through surgery, as well as the six months of healing, Dr. Panek and his assistants were nothing short of courteous, considerate and caring, going above and beyond the call of duty. It was as if they were traveling with me on this new journey. Dr. Panek is truly gifted. I can honestly say that a day doesn’t go by without my utmost gratitude for Dr. Panek and his assistants. I would still be toothless today if he would’ve been like all the rest stating, ‘There is nothing more we can do for you.’ But instead, he did an extremely difficult surgery, flawless and with brilliance. Dr. Panek, without a doubt, is # 1 in my book!
- Diana B
Patient Review By Chadwick B
This is my second extraction and implant with Dr. Panek. Both procedures were quick and pain-free. Dr. Panek has had a lot of experience with these procedures, and it shows! I highly recommend him and his courteous staff.
- Chadwick B
Patient Review By Cheryl C
Special thanks to Daina for her support and Dr. Panic for the comfort and ease of my dental procedures. The entire staff was friendly and highly professional and I would recommend this office for everyone in need of these dental services.
- Cheryl C
Patient Review By Donna H
Dr Roseanne is the best oral surgeon that I have ever been to. She was so kind and very professional and worked fast but carefully.She is the best!
- Donna H
Patient Review By Ruth J
There is a lot of contact with staff and the physician. You are well taken care of before, during, and after the surgery. Before the surgery, there is a complete explanation of the procedure that is so reassuring. During surgery there is on-going communication with the patient about what is being done as well as how much time is left to complete the procedure. After surgery care is well-explained and you are encouraged to call their office with any questions or even if you need reassurance that any discomfort you may be feeling is normal or needs a follow-up. A letter is then received from the office two days after the surgery letting you know that your recovery is important to them along with numbers to call with any questions or concerns. I have never felt more taken care of. I highly recommend this office for any oral surgery needs. I've had two extractions and one implant at this office, and it's always as I've described. They care, and this is the only place I will go to have dental surgery.
- Ruth J
Patient Review By Jeana H
Very friendly and professional team
- Jeana H
Patient Review By Theresa T
The Rockford location staff were kind and courteous. Everyone I encounters were knowledgeable about the procedure and after care. The office was clean and tidy.
- Theresa T
Patient Review By Jill H
I have had numerous procedures done by the surgeons here and every experience has been exceptional. Highly recommend them!!
- Jill H
Patient Review By andre C
Very pleasnant easy experience considering the procedure . I was expecting a lot more pain and discomfort . Pleasantly surprised of how smootheverything went
- andre C