12104 Sheraton Hills Dr Fredericksburg VA 22407
Monday - Wednesday 9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM
Friday 8 AM to 2 PM
Saturday - Sunday Off
+1(540)548-2605
Our mission is to help patients live healthier lives. We provide a caring, nurturing environment where your comfort and health is of primary importance.
While many patients comfortably wear upper dentures, some experience challenges with lower dentures, especially when eating and with overall comfort. If you are missing all your lower teeth, several implant-supported replacement options are available to enhance stability and function.
Implant-supported solutions can completely restore your smile! Contact us today to schedule your appointment
One option involves placing two implants in your lower jaw and attaching a denture that snaps onto these implants. This approach improves stability while chewing compared to traditional lower dentures. However, some movement may still occur, and food particles—especially seeds—can become trapped underneath, potentially causing sore spots. As with all removable replacement teeth, periodic appointments for denture adjustment remain necessary.
Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw’s size and 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.
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.
The final option is to replace each tooth individually so that they appear to naturally emerge from your gum tissue, closely mimicking the look of your natural teeth. Typically, this comprehensive approach requires eight or more implants, with each implant receiving its own abutment or support post and a custom-made crown for the missing tooth. In some cases, the crowns may be connected to facilitate sinus grafting, which helps restore bone height, strength, and support. This method is generally the most costly option due to the extensive implant work and individual tooth fabrication involved. Additionally, the feasibility of this option may be limited by the current size and shape of your jawbone.
A similar range of treatment options is available for your upper jaw. Because the bone in your upper jaw is not as dense as that in the lower jaw, patients often require more implants to effectively support their replacement teeth. Depending on the number of implants placed, it may be possible to forego a complete denture covering the roof of your mouth. This alternative not only allows you to fully experience the taste and temperature of your food but also provides a more natural feel. Plus, you will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
Depending on the number of implants placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for a complete denture covering the roof of your mouth. 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’ll still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
For a restoration that closely resembles your natural teeth and is permanently fixed, you’ll likely need eight to ten individual implants. After healing, abutments and custom replacement crowns are carefully placed to complete your new, non-removable smile.
Monday – Wednesday: From 9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday: From 8 AM to 5 PM
Friday: From 8 AM to 2 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed