Dental Implants in the Upper Jaw

posted in Treatment Planning & Complications

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Greg, a patient, asks us:
I suffered the loss of the entire roof of my
Mouth, Maxilla, Upper Jaw, and teeth.  This was all caused by an auto
accident thirty years ago in which a drunk driver hit the vehicle I was in
head on. 

Currently I am wearing and have been fitted with a Prosthesis
that looks like a big denture.  Would dental implants work for me ?  I
have been to oral surgeons, and have had different views
ranging from yes to no and maybe.  I was told that Bone Grafting is the
only way to go and then told by other specialists that I definitely DO
NOT want bone grafting as those areas are very risky and there are good chances
that it would not take.  Any suggestions. I look forward to your comments.

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4 Responses to “ Dental Implants in the Upper Jaw ”

  • Anonymous June 27th, 2006

    You should be able to be helped with implants but clearly need to have some bone grafting and reconstructive surgery first. It sounds like your injuries are unusual, so you should seek a surgeon or surgical team that is used to treating complex cases. More frequently, you will find teams with this experience and skill set in specialty or tertiary hospitals, particularly where they have an active oral cancer and/or trauma treatment/reconstructive surgical team. There are several centers like this around the country.

  • Anonymous June 28th, 2006

    No one can say for certain what your needs are without a proper clinical and radiographic evaluation. However, I know from 15 years of personal experience that the zygoma implant option which was invented by Professor P-I Branemark initially to treat patients who have had much, or all, of their maxilla removed for cancer treatment can work well in these situations.
    In this treatment option longer than usual implants are used to go up into the cheekbone, and two can be placed into each side, to provide a long term stable platform for a fixed prosthesis. There is nearly 20 years of follow-up for this treatment now. The successful survival rate of these implants is 95%, and higher in some centers. Many centers around the world offer it, including in the U.S. Also with this procedure bone grafts are usually NOT required, despite the obvious lack of upper jaw bone.

  • Anonymous July 4th, 2006

    I am sorry to hear of your unfortunate accident. However, I do agree with the writer above that no official diagnosis or treatment options can be given without a thorough clinical and radiographic examination.

    I’m in oral & maxillofacial surgery resident, and I can tell you that I have seen MANY cases like the one you describe successfully undergo reconstructive surgery. I have participated on numerous cases from RPG injuries on soldiers form Iraq to major tumor resection/and reconstructions.

    Your case will likely involve multiple steps and surgeries and a sequence that could take from 1-2 years.

    Your best bets are to seek consultation from Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons who can provide Microvascular Surgical procedures as well. There are excellent surgeons who are experienced in this work at University of Maryland Baltimore, LSU-Shreveport, University of Florida at Jacksonville, University of Miami to name a few…

  • Dr. Bill Woods July 21st, 2007

    You CAN have teeth over implants in almost any area if you are willing to do what is necessary and there are no medical contraindications. Some rehabilitations can take a few years from start to finish. It can be done and you will most likely benefit from continuing to pursue all options. A good plan will take time to complete. Bill

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