Missing most or all of your upper teeth? Upper implant-supported dentures, or upper denture implants, can fill those gaps with a tooth replacement solution that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth. With these implants, you don’t have to worry anymore when you eat, speak, or smile. But implants are a more advanced and higher-cost procedure, which leaves patients wondering how many they need to replace their teeth. This article will explore how many implants dentists generally recommend and a few factors that determine the exact number of implants you may need.  

The general recommendation for upper denture implants 

Dentists typically use four to six implants for most patients to support a full-arch upper denture restoration. In either case, your dentist can replace your full arch without putting an implant in every tooth socket. That means a faster procedure, smoother recovery, and fewer costs. 

An alternative option for restoring a full set of missing teeth is fixed full arch dental implants, which provide a long-lasting solution that looks and feels like your natural teeth. This approach offers enhanced stability and function.

Factors determining the number of implants you may need

Although implant-supported dentures with four and six implants are common options, your dentist will consider a few things when determining the number of implants you may need: 

Jawbone density

Jawbone density is key to implant success. Have a strong, healthy jawbone without any erosion? You may not need as many implants to support your fixed dentures since your jawbone can bear more concentrated force in each implant area. Implant-supported dentures with four implants might work better. But perhaps your jawbone has eroded a small amount, but not enough to require a bone graft. Six implants or even more might be better to spread biting forces out over a larger area. 

Overall health 

The more implants you get, the more resources your body needs to heal after surgery and integrate the implants. Patients in great oral and overall health can do fine with implant-supported dentures. But patients with conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders might need a slower approach. That doesn’t mean multiple implants are out of the question. It just means the dentist may decide against placing all the implants in one procedure. This will put less strain on your body’s ability to heal and let your dentist evaluate how well you recover from each. 

Jaw space 

Jaw shape and size can change the number of implants you need or are viable. Your upper jawbone is softer and thinner than your lower jaw. A broader jaw means any point on the jawbone can’t take as much force. Six implants will fit in the jaw and could work better by spreading that force out more evenly. 

On the other hand, four implants may work well on narrower and smaller jaws. A smaller jawbone will be denser and have less surface area to spread that force out. Implant-supported dentures with six implants may not even work in some jaws. That’s why dentists spend some time carefully measuring your jaw width and height, as well as getting X-rays to evaluate your jawbone. 

Your preferences 

No matter what your dentist recommends, you still get some input. For example, some patients may prefer the most stable, secure option despite having a strong jawbone. They might ask for six implants despite higher costs and longer procedure and recovery times. Others may want as short and low-cost a procedure as possible. Getting four implants might work for their dentures, assuming their jawbone is in good shape. 

Find the right solution to restore your smile

Every patient is different, so it’s important to find the right solution when considering dental implants in Owensboro. Some may get by with four implants for their upper implant dentures, whereas others may need six or more for extra support. That’s what your dentist is for. They look at your oral and overall health histories and examine your mouth and jaw. So, if you’re ready to restore those upper teeth with a sturdy, long-lasting tooth replacement solution, speak with your dentist about upper denture implants.