Q. I have had various full top dentures since I was 21 and I am now 58. If I stop wearing dentures and have implants wont my top lip cave in as my gum will probably have receded. Will I need a bone graft and how many implants are used for a full top set. Is this the only solution, as I dislike wearing dentures.
A. There are a few options for you if you are considering having implants.
1) implant retained denture. 3-4 implants are placed in the top jaw and a horse shoe shaped denture is made. This feels better than a normal denture as it does not cover the palate and it is fixed firmly into place. You do however still have to take it out at night. You may not a bone graft for this and you will not loose any facial support.
2) implant retained bridge. 6-8 implants are placed in the top jaw. a full arch bridge is made and this is permanently fixed into position. You don’t have to remove it. You may need bone grafts for this or sinus lifts which are not as invasive. To help the facial support an extra piece of pink porcelain can be added to the bridge to fill out your lip.
3) individual implants. You would need 12 implants to fill out the upper jaw. You would definately need bone grafts for this and it is more difficult to provide extra facial support.
I think option 2 would be best for you. It is very difficult to give exact costs but you are definately looking at above £10,000.
Kind regards

Dr Komal Suri
Smile Design Dental
www.smiledesigndental.co.uk
Tel: 01296 624163
33 High Street
Wendover Buckinghamshire
HP22 6DU