If you are facing complete tooth loss or have already lost all your teeth and are struggling to cope, some excellent solutions could help you and which extend far beyond conventional full dentures. Full dentures have been around for hundreds of years, and although the materials used to fabricate them today are far more sophisticated and lifelike, they still create numerous problems for users and are a far from perfect solution, especially in the longer term.
Why Look Beyond Ordinary Dentures for Complete Tooth Loss?
Conventional dentures may still be a good solution for some people, but most will find that their full denture that initially fitted well gradually becomes looser and more difficult to keep in place. The problem with conventional dentures is that they rest directly on the gums, and the pressure created accelerates bone loss that naturally occurs after teeth are removed.
It’s the reason why the ridge of bone that used to support your teeth gradually changes shape, losing height, and width. As the ridge becomes flatter it offers less support and retention for a denture, and although the denture can be remade or the fitting surface relined, it doesn’t address the underlying problem of jawbone loss.
It’s why an increasing number of people facing complete tooth loss or who may have worn dentures for years are choosing dental implants.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants are unique in that they are specifically designed to mimic real tooth roots. They consist of a post or screw that is surgically implanted into the jawbone, where it gradually bonds or fuses with the bone around it, forming a strong anchorage point for a replacement tooth.
When you have multiple dental implants, these can support a fixed bridge of teeth, even a complete arch, or a removable implant-supported denture. The huge advantage of dental implants is their protective effect on your jawbone. Because the implant post closely replicates a real tooth root, it provides the necessary stimulation to the surrounding bone to keep it healthy and strong, preventing bone resorption around the implant.
Best of all, there are several solutions for complete tooth loss so there is almost certainly a treatment that could help you.
What Are the Dental Implant Options for Complete Tooth Loss?
The solution that will be best for you depends on the condition of your jawbone and whether you prefer a fixed or removable prosthesis. One option is to have full dental implants that restore the entire upper or lower arch of teeth using a fixed bridge.
Full Dental Implants
With full dental implants, you can restore 10 or 12 teeth that are supported by multiple implants optimally placed in your jawbone. The bridge of teeth is either screwed onto the implants or cemented in place. It might seem strange to think of your teeth being screwed in position, but it’s a technique that is frequently used and especially when restoring large bridges.
Because the bridge is screwed into position, it is more easily retrievable if you need any maintenance or to have the bridge professionally cleaned when you visit your implant dentist. The screw holes are covered with tooth-colored composite resin, so they are invisible.
One thing to bear in mind about this solution is that your jawbone must be relatively strong and healthy with enough bone to support the implants that are evenly spaced along the arch. This may be a problem for people who lost teeth quite some time ago or have seen their jawbone destroyed by trauma or gum disease.
However, even if you don’t have quite enough bone, it’s still possible to have this treatment using bone grafting techniques to build up bone in areas where it is deficient. Alternatively, you might want to consider a treatment called All-on-Four.
All-on-Four
With this technique, you can have an entire arch of teeth supported by just four dental implants, although your implant dentist may suggest using six implants when restoring an upper arch of teeth. It’s a specialized treatment that frequently avoids the need for bone grafting so it’s very appealing for people who cannot have conventional full dental implants without a bone graft. While bone grafting is effective, not everyone is suitable for this treatment or wishes to undergo bone grafting.
Unlike full dental implants where the implants are evenly spaced throughout the arch, four dental implants are placed toward the front of the mouth. The reason for locating them here is because the bone towards the front is naturally thicker and stronger and more able to support a complete arch of teeth.
The way the implants are placed is very different, too, as while two dental implants are inserted so they are vertical right at the front of the mouth, the remaining two are inserted either side but are angled backward. There is a reason why these implants are tilted backward as it allows your implant dentist to insert longer implant posts, increasing the contact with surrounding bone and therefore increasing strength and stability.
Often, with All-on-Four, an implant dentist can fit a temporary prosthesis soon after implant placement. Although dental implants must not move during the healing process, placing a temporary prosthesis after All-on-Four treatment effectively locks the implants together, splinting them and preventing movement while they heal.
It’s a tried and tested technique that provides very predictable results and which has been used for several decades, but you must visit an implant dentist experienced and skilled in this technique as it does require meticulous planning.
If you are interested in using All-on-Four for restoring an upper arch of teeth, be prepared to have a greater number of implants placed to support the implant bridge. This is because the upper jawbone is naturally weaker and thinner than the lower jawbone. However, one lovely side-effect of replacing an upper denture with All-on-Four is that you will find your new prosthesis is much less bulky to wear, and your upper palate is uncovered.
Uncovering your upper palate allows you to taste food more easily because there are lots of taste buds in this region!
Most people are suitable for implant treatment, and it certainly doesn’t matter if you are older. When you visit your implant dentist they can assess your dental and medical health and can discuss all possible solutions with you in far more detail.
If you’re facing complete tooth loss, you’re not alone—and there’s absolutely no need to settle for discomfort, instability, or the limitations of traditional dentures. Whether you’re considering full-arch dental implants, implant-supported overdentures, or conventional full dentures, each option offers distinct advantages depending on your oral health, lifestyle, and goals.
At LuxDen Dental Center, our committed team takes the time to explain each treatment path clearly and honestly—so you can choose the solution that best supports your well‑being, confidence, and budget. We’re here to guide you toward a strong, functional, and beautiful new smile.
Call LuxDen Dental Center today at (718) 717‑8866 to book your consultation. Let our experts help you rediscover comfort and confidence with a smile that lasts.
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