Dental implant in the upper jaw vs. lower jaw
There is no general difference between maxillary and mandibular implants. It always depends on the bone structure and the bone supply, which type of implant and which size is used. Dental implants differ not only in length but also in thickness.
If the bone is thin, for example in the region of the lower front teeth, thinner implants can be used than in the upper jaw. However, the thickness of the existing bone varies from patient to patient. It is not necessary to use the thicker or longer implant, even though there is a lot of bone.
Often the smaller one holds just as well. Every dentist has his or her own preferences and experience as to which implant is best suited for which region.Of course, it is obvious that the implant must be thin enough and short enough to not hit adjacent anatomical structures. For example, the nerve canal in the lower jaw or the maxillary sinus in the posterior region in the upper jaw. One notable difference between the bone structure in the upper jaw and lower jaw is that the lower jaw is much more densely packed than the somewhat airier upper jaw bone. The stability in the lower jaw is accordingly much higher.
When is bone augmentation needed for a dental implant?
Basically, a bone augmentation is needed if the bone is too short or too thin to attach an implant. The implant needs a certain height and thickness in order not to be levered out again. However, the abutment is not absolutely necessary if the implant could be placed in a different location.
Nowadays there are also mini-implants that can be used for more than just temporary restorations. This is because bone augmentation is often not possible, or does not “work”. In such cases the short implants are often used.
In addition, the bone augmentation depends on the later prosthetic restoration. Bone is often built up in the maxillary anterior region, although there may be enough bone available just to achieve a better esthetic result. In this way a harmonious dental arch can be restored.
If, for example, an implant-supported prosthesis is planned and the patient has a bone loss in one place compared to the rest of the alveolar ridge, the loss should be compensated. There are no typical places where bone is often built up. It depends on the patient, where which teeth were before and how long the bone was loaded.
In addition to bone augmentation, there is the sinus lift procedure for the upper jaw. This involves lifting the floor of the maxillary sinus, which is located above the upper molars. Bone replacement material is then filled into the created cavity. In this way a “bone augmentation” in the figurative sense is achieved. More bone substance is then available before the socket for the tooth implant is drilled into the bone.
