Upper Molar Implant Example
Here is a nice basic case to follow from beginning to end.
This man’s upper molars on one side were in bad shape:
The teeth were extracted and replaced with three dental implants in my office in Burbank. He also had a deep cleaning.
The color denotes the size of the implants.
Standard abutments were able to be used rather than custom abutments. This helps reduce cost, but many implant surgeons don’t know how to place implants to prevent having to use custom abutments.
He was really happy to have teeth again. He can eat anything he wants! The bone is stable and the gum is healthy.
Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Burbank, California
Ramsey Amin DDS words have logic.
Dr. Amin,
I need to have molars #14 and 15 removed because of cavities that have gone below the gum line. My dentist wants to put in implants for both teeth. I noticed in these photos that you did not place an implant for the very back molar. Is there a reason for that? Also, if I choose to have the teeth pulled and do the implants at another time, do I need to have bone grafting? How long does bone grafting last?
Thank you.
Catherine
If you have both teeth opposing on the bottom then it is best to have two implants up top. Generally in this area I would suggest the implants be connected for strength and durability to increase longevity for the bone graft and implants. Oftentimes tooth number 15 is not replaced because the opposing lower molar is not present or it provides enough of a bite with a single tooth. This would be a compromise as opposed to having two upper molar connected dental implants. There is also a high likelihood that you would need sinus bone grafting just based on anatomy.
Dr. Amin,
I am in braces now and I am getting them off soon, I am having an implant put in No. 3 upper molar …would you recommend the traditional implant 4-6 mm, with longer heal time (4-6 months)… or mini- 1-2 mm with a 4 – 6 week heal time? I am finding conflicting information on the internet and opinions from local surgeons and dentists…
Hi Wade,
Definitely have the real implant done. The mini is not designed for long term tooth replacement. They bend and break when used for this application. Your molars are an area of high force. The regular implant is the way to go without question. It is a bit unusual that you were even offered a mini implant here IMHO.
I hope this helps you!
Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Hello,
I am just getting a crown done on an implant that I had done 2 years ago. I have just had first fitting but asked to have it redone, because it wasn’t aligning properly. However, the crown also seems too flat and not at all cone shaped as I see mostly. Is that correct so? It just sits on the implant as on a stick.
Looking at your work, which is really nice, I see they are cone shaped. Also, does the gum grow around it eventually? In my case where the gums have grown around the implant, could they be cut when the crown is fitted so they better wrap around the tooth?
Not sure if you are still checking this page but any feedback would be really great.
Thanks a lot,
Monika
Hi Monika,
Did you have a temporary crown on the tooth for the last two years to “shape” the gums?
Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry
No, I did not.
Hello Dr.Amin
I recently lost my right side upper molar teeth, is it possible to get these as replacements. How much is the cost? I am in Canada.
regards
Muhammad
Hi Muhammad,
A dental implant can replace any tooth in the mouth. Certainly molar teeth are extremely important. I would suggest you replace them as soon as possible to prevent bone loss and bite collapse.
Rather than shop for a body part by price, find a well qualified, experienced dental implant dentist that you are comfortable with.
Typically those with the most experience can do the procedure for less cost and better results. Average cost is about $4000 to $5000 in 2013.
Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Burbank, CA
One last question….with reference to the stayplate mentioned above…would they be adequate for chewing, especially if someone is missing more than one upper molar and wants to get multiple upper molars replaced. I can see how chewing function would be compromised during the implant process if multiple molars were missing. Thanks again for your respsonse. Great blog and wonderful website…best I have ever seen for dental issues!
Hi Steve,
The stayplate is “ok” for chewing when you are having multiple molars replaced. It is more for cosmetic purposes and holding the other teeth from shifting. It shouldn’t be “sugar-coated” to say it is easy and wonderful. Many patients opt not to have a stayplate for the back teeth during healing.
Fortunately, the temporary time is short-lived. It is a short-term sacrifice for a long-term benefit.
Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S., D.A.B.O.I.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Burbank, CA
I was wondering what the total time would be to replace an upper first molar, from pre-planning and grafting to the time the implant is placed…barring any complications. Also, is a CT scan always required when placing upper molar implants and how many are usually taken?
Thanks,
Steve
Van Nuys, Ca.
Hi Steve,
If the tooth is not present, the average time would be about four months. If the tooth is present, then extraction and possible bone grafting would be done allowing about four months for healing before the dental implant. Often times, if the anatomy is ideal, the implant can be placed at the same time as the extraction. So the shortest time would be three to four months and the longest about eight to nine months.
A CT scan determined on a case by case basis. If the scan is needed for the dental implant, one is usually sufficient.
Does this help?
Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S., D.A.B.O.I.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Yes. Thank you. Glad you are so close in Burbank as I may be heading your way! Much appreciated.
Steve
Thanks for the response Dr. Amin.
Alex
Hi Alex,
He had been missing these teeth for many years.
If teeth are desired during the healing process, a stayplate denture can be made as a temporary very easily.
Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Burbank, California
Voted Best Dentist in Burbank -2006, 2008, 2010, 2011
http://www.burbankdentalimplants.com
Dr. Amin,
Did this gentlemen wear a partial denture until the implants were placed, so that he could chew as normal as possible until implant placement. How does one deal with missing upper molars until implants treatment is done?
thanks,
alex