How Many Implants Are Required To Stabilize My Denture?

In this video, Dr. Rameek McNair explains how the number of dental implants required can vary between the upper and lower jaws in order to ensure denture stability and longevity.

When people inquire about the number of implants needed, the answer varies depending on whether the implants are for the upper or lower jaw. For the upper jaw, we typically recommend six to eight implants. This is because the bone in the upper jaw is somewhat softer and requires more implants to securely hold the denture in place.

In contrast, the bone in the lower jaw is denser, which allows for fewer implants. Generally, we place four implants in the lower jaw, though sometimes we may use up to six if there is sufficient space and a need for extra stability.

The number of implants used aims to ensure the stability, predictability, and longevity of the denture system. I prefer to err on the side of caution and might add extra implants if feasible. I describe my approach as the “belt and suspenders” type because I like to have backups in place. This way, if one implant fails to integrate properly, there are enough remaining implants to maintain the overall success of the procedure.