Edentulous Lower Jaw in London

Losing natural teeth to caries or periodontal disease can be considered a disability. Losing teeth affects speech and communication, self-esteem as you always try to hide your smile, and chewing ability with limitations of your food choices and causes gastric problems. Did you know that 74% of British adults have lost at least one tooth and that 6% of British adults have no teeth at all? Restoring a complete arch of missing teeth may be as stressful as the condition itself, as some replacement solutions may not be satisfactory. Restoring an edentulous lower jaw may be particularly challenging due to many reasons.

Challenges To Restore an Edentulous Lower Jaw

The lower jaw is the movable jaw for chewing and speech. It is related to multiple vital anatomical landmarks, such as the mental foramen and mandibular canal, that contain the nerves and blood vessels nourishing the surrounding teeth and soft tissues. Also, at the upper posterior end exists the articular head of the lower jaw.
These features are affected after complete tooth loss and will pose difficulties while restoring an edentulous lower jaw, especially if left unrestored for a long time.
After complete tooth loss, the alveolar bone (bony process surrounding the teeth) is lost due to bone resorption. This resorption causes a decrease in the vertical height of the mandible, causing muscle attachment and nerve and blood vessels to lie near the crest of the lower jaw in a more superior position than usual. The movement of these muscles will make it hard to retain the complete denture in place.
Also, the articular head of the condyle will exhibit some changes due to teeth loss. This will be reflected as a sunken face and muscle sagging.
All this, in addition to the limited surface area available for restoration retention of the lower jaw compared to the upper jaw, makes its restoration more challenging.

Edentulous lower jaw restoration solutions

At Dental Care Centre, we understand your stress. Our prosthodontist experts work hard to evaluate the case and build the most suitable treatment plan to suit your needs. Because your smile matters and we are here to help.Dental Care Centre offers various solutions using the most recent technologies to help you restore your missing teeth functionally and aesthetically.

Our edentulous lower jaw restoration solutions include:

Conventional dentures

Conventional dentures are tissue-supported prostheses composed of an acrylic pink base that compensates for the hard and soft tissue loss and holds the artificial teeth. Conventional dentures have been the first choice for restoring an edentulous jaw at a reasonable cost for decades. However, in cases with severe bone resorption, they may be difficult to retain in place as they depend primarily on the intimate contact between the denture fitting surface and the underlying tissues.

Conventional dentures are still favoured by patients who refuse or are contraindicated for implant placement surgery.

Implant-supported dentures

Dental implants are the new era for missing teeth replacement, not only for a single missing tooth but for a complete dentulous arch. Dentures retained with dental implants overcame all the problems faced with conventional dentures.

Implant-retained dentures offer more durable, highly aesthetic retentive restorations. An edentulous lower jaw may be restored using 4 or 6 dental implants strategically placed in the edentulous arch to allow for even stress distribution. The implant retained restoration may be fixed using screws to the dental implant or removable with attachment on their lower surface to snap over the dental implant attachment heads.

Implant-retained dentures may require an additional step of bone grafting to compensate for bone loss and to increase the dental implant’s success rate.

Our Implant Specialist

Dr Javier Perez

Dental Implant and Oral Surgeon

Lic Odont, PG Cert (Implant), MClinDent (Implant), Dip Oral Surg RCS (Eng), PG Cert Cons Sed
GDC No: 225487

Special interest in Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

Dr Javier Perez graduated in dental surgery in 2010.
His clinical practice is focused on dental implants and oral surgery, from simple single tooth replacements to complex reconstructions involving both soft and hard tissues.
Dr Javier has completed a Masters in Implant Dentistry MClinDent (Implant) in London over three years and was awarded a diploma in Oral Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, one of the most prestigious colleges in UK.
Dr Perez has trained in Oral Surgery at the Maxillofacial Unit in the Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in South England. He is at the forefront of dental implants and oral surgery regularly attending National and International conferences to develop his skills and learn about the latest trends in Implantology.
At Dental Care Centre New Cross our implant team have placed over 5000 implants, often undertaking and being referred cases from other practitioners. We also consult and treat cases where you may have been told that you are unsuitable for dental implants. Having assembled one of the countries leading dental implant teams we can treat the most advanced and complex cases here at Dental Care Centre New Cross.
Outside of work Dr Javier spends the majority of his time with his young family, recently welcoming a new son (October, 2021). He enjoys spending weekends exploring London, especially going to local food markets.

FAQs

What are the drawbacks of losing teeth?

Losing teeth will cause resorption of the jaw bone and impairment of aesthetics and speech. The masticatory function is also affected, which may cause GIT disturbances and food choice limitations.

When should I replace my missing teeth?

Missing teeth must be replaced as soon as possible to avoid bone resorption, which will make it more difficult to replace them later on.

Why is it more difficult to restore an edentulous lower jaw than the upper one?

This is due to the limited surface area compared to the upper jaw, being movable, the presence of multiple muscle attachments, and the tongue movement. All these factors make it challenging to create a retentive lower restoration.

What are the available treatments for an edentulous lower jaw?

An edentulous lower jaw may be restored with an implant-retained restoration, either fixed or removable, or conventional complete dentures. The choice depends on many factors, such as medical or health conditions, patient preference, cost, and oral conditions.

What is the difference between conventional dentures and implant-retained dentures?

Conventional dentures are tissue-born dentures where they get denture retention from close contact with the underlying tissue. Implant-retained dentures gain their retention from titanium screws or dental implants embedded in the jaw. Implant-retained dentures are more durable and retentive, but more expensive.

Which is better: conventional dentures or implant-retained dentures?

This depends on the medical and oral conditions, your needs and expectations, and your financial plan. Implant-retained dentures offer durable, aesthetic, and highly retentive restorations with no food limitation. Conventional dentures are easier to construct without the need for surgery.

How many dental implants are required for an implant-retained denture?

An edentulous lower jaw may be restored using an all-on-4 or all-on-6 dental implant technique. Consult our expert prosthodontists to learn more about your choices.

How to care for a conventional denture?

After constructing a complete denture, our professionals will instruct you about how to care for them to maintain them for a long time. These instructions include removing the dentures, brushing them after every meal, and removing them before sleep. If you don’t use your dentures, store them in a water container to avoid cracking.

How to care for an implant-retained denture?

Removable implant-retained dentures are cared for as conventional dentures. Remove them after meals to be brushed and store them in a water container before sleep. While fixed implant-supported dentures are cared for as you do for natural teeth, brush twice daily and use small interdental brushes to clean underneath them. Water picks may be beneficial for reaching inaccessible areas for cleaning.

What is the cost of edentulous lower jaw restoration?

This depends on the treatment choice, whether a conventional denture or an implant-retained denture. Consult our experts to learn more about your options, cost, and the available payment plans.

Other Specialist Dental Treatments

INVISALIGN

Straightens your teeth discreetly with a series of clear aligners

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FACIAL AESTHETICS

Safe and effective line and wrinkle treatments

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ORTHODONTICS

Choose from a range of teeth straightening treatments

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PERIODONTAL THERAPY

Treatment and prevention of gum disease

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ENDODONTICS

Root canal treatment to save the root of a tooth

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ORAL SURGERY

Complex dental surgery

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ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS

Lose teeth in their upper or lower jaw because of tooth decay

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4707

5000

Implants Completed

851

1000

Invisalign Cases Completed

Floors Dental Super Clinic

24730

30000

Patients Treated

4777

10000

Hygienist Appointments Completed

Awards and Accreditations

Smile Gallery

Invisalign adults

Invisalign children

Implant & reconstructive

Veneers

Patient Stories

Dentist Near You

If you require local dentist in London or any type of private or NHS dental treatment in New Cross, Brockley, Crofton Park, Ladywell, Forest Hill, Rushey Green, Nunhead, Peckham, Blackheath, Lee Green, Greenwich, Dulwich, Lewisham, Perry Vale, Camberwell, Downham, Sydenham, Bellingham, Millwall, Eltham , Rotherhithe, Surrey Docks, Herne Hill, Penge, Bermondsey, Gipsy Hill, Grove Park, Crystal Palace, Tulse Hill, Thornton Heath, Charlton, Bermondsey or Deptford contact the Dental Care Centre today.

Testimonials

I have been with this dental practice for the past 10 years and have always received excellent care from my dentist Dr. Prasad. I would recommend this dental practice. Friendly service and a dentist who cares for his patients’ dental health .

Undine S.

Had an appointment with Dr Romain Prassad today what a lovely and kind dentist really put me at ease and is doing everything he can to help save my tooth thankyou so much ☺️

Tor M.

I would really recommend this Dental Practice. Dr Kolar is a very attentive dentist who cares about the you as a person as well as about the health of your teeth and gums. He takes time to explain the processes he is leading you through, explains how your dental health has progressed over time and encourages you to take care of your teeth. For the first time in my life I look forward to coming to the dentist!

Toby R.

I have been registered at this dental practice now, for just over 15 years. Throughout that whole period, I have been lucky enough to have been looked after by the wonderful, and patient, Dr Prasad. He has covered many procedures in my mouth, from extraction, and root canal, right up to the most recent procedure, Composite bonding of my broken two front teeth. Do not hesitate to register at this practise, as you will be looked after with care and consideration.

Thank you Dr Prasao

Suzanne L.

Very friendly

During the lockdown period I was able to see Dr Irfan for a dental emergency I had. I’m so grateful that they have been available throughout this. Gillian the practice manager contacted me and offered me an appointment the same day. I am a long standing patient at this practice and cannot thank them enough for great service they have provided to me throughout the years. Great dentist, staff and management. Thank you all so much.

Susan L.

The Dental Care Center has been an excellent dentist surgery that I have been attending as a patient for many years. When I was young I didn’t have a pleasant experience with my local dentist on more than one occasion. I found the dentist at new cross dental care center very reassuring and comforting. The management and reception were also very welcoming.

Stewart S.

Really efficient service and friendly helpful staff, clean and fresh environment

Stephanie P.

Great desk staff and Dentists. Excellent with young children.

Spencer M.

Brilliant service from Dr Mansi Patel – she ensured I was well informed regarding my dental issues and spent a whole consultation discussing my dental history and reviewing my previous scans. She provided the means to communicate out of hours, if I had any further queries. She demonstrated empathy and encouraged collaborative decision making throughout. This is a refreshing approach, speaking from someone who’s a healthcare professional. Would recommend!

Sonia M.

I had a wonderful experience at Dental Care Centre. Dr Mani Nasir is fantastic, he listened to me, had my best interests at heart and delivered excellent and professional care. Dr Mani & his nurse Kawtar are an amazing team! I also felt very safe with the measures the practice has put in place in light of covid-19. Thank you!