Types of Dental Implants

Michaels Oral Surgery is capable of handling a wide variety of implant-supported replacement options, so if you’re missing one tooth or all of your teeth, we can help! Each patient is unique and our skilled team can explain which treatment option is best for you.

1. Ball Attachment Denture

This is where you have two implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these implants. This allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.

A mouth with the lower jaw missing all of its teeth
1. Before
A mouth with the lower jaw with two implants and no bottom teeth
2. Implants Placed
A mouth with a Ball Attachment Denture latched onto the lower jaw by two implants
3. Denture Attached

Dental Implants Can Improve Your Life

Don’t suffer the consequences of missing teeth! Dental implants can replace missing teeth and restore your smile. Contact us to learn more.

Call us: 740-654-6628

2. Bar Attachment Denture

This procedure involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape, into your upper or lower jaw. After healing is complete, the dental 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. 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 mouth that has all teeth missing on its lower jaw
1. Before
A mouth without teeth and four implants connected by a metal bar on its lower jaw
2. Implants Placed
A mouth with a Bar Attachment Denture secured onto the lower jaw by four implants
3. Denture Attached

3. Screw Retained Denture

A third option involves placing four to six implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. Your denture is held in place by screws that secure it to the support posts. 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 upper or lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.

A mouth that has all lower jaw teeth missing
1. Before
A mouth that has six implants and no teeth on its lower jaw
2. Implants Placed
A mouth with a Screw Attachment Denture affixed onto the lower jaw by six implants
3. Denture Attached

4. 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.

A digital representation of the lower jaw missing all of its teeth
1. Before
A mouth showing the lower jaw with all the teeth as individual implants
2. Implants Placed
A mouth showing the healed lower jaw after individual implants were placed
3. Healing Completed

5. Implant Retained Upper Bridge

An Implant Retained Upper Denture with its implants attached

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 and texture. Your replacement teeth will feel more natural.

Dental Implants Can Improve Your Life

Don’t suffer the consequences of missing teeth! Dental implants can replace missing teeth and restore your smile. Contact us to learn more.

Call us: 740-654-6628