Have you been struggling with multiple missing teeth and looking for a permanent solution? Have you heard about full mouth dental implants but not sure what they are all about? Look no further, as we have all the information you need to understand the basics of full mouth dental implants.
What are Full Mouth Dental Implants?
Full-mouth dental implants, full arch dental implants, or whole-mouth reconstruction with dental implants replace all or most upper or lower jaw teeth. It is a life-changing therapy for people with several missing or damaged teeth. This procedure involves surgically placing dental implants, which are titanium posts, into the jawbone to hold prosthetic teeth in place.
Unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gums or attach to remaining teeth, full mouth dental implants are securely anchored directly into the jawbone. This provides a more stable and natural feel compared to traditional dentures, eliminating the risk of slipping or moving while talking or eating.
The Procedure
The process of getting full mouth dental implants typically involves multiple steps and can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. It starts with consultations and evaluations with your dentist to determine if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.
Once deemed suitable, the surgery will begin by placing titanium posts into the jawbone. These posts will serve as artificial roots for the prosthetic teeth that will be attached later on. After this initial surgery, a healing period of 3-6 months is necessary to allow the implants to fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
Once osseointegration is complete, abutments will be placed on top of the implants. These abutments act as connectors between the implants and the prosthetic teeth. Then, impressions will be taken to create custom-made prosthetic teeth that fit perfectly on top of the abutments.
Finally, after a few appointments for adjustments and fittings, your dentist will secure the fixed prosthesis onto the abutments, completing the full mouth dental implant procedure.
Benefits of Full Mouth Dental Implants
The benefits of full mouth dental implants go beyond just aesthetics. Here are some of the reasons why many people choose this option for their oral health:
- Improved chewing ability: Unlike traditional dentures that can come loose or restrict certain foods, full mouth dental implants act like natural teeth and allow for a more varied and efficient chewing experience.
- Long-lasting solution: With proper care and maintenance, full mouth dental implants can last a lifetime. This is because the titanium posts actually fuse with the jawbone, making them a permanent part of your mouth.
- Improved oral health: Traditional dentures can cause damage to surrounding teeth and bone structure over time. Full mouth dental implants, on the other hand, help preserve the integrity of the jawbone and prevent further tooth loss.
- Natural-looking results: Custom-made prosthetic teeth are designed to look and feel just like natural teeth, giving you a natural and confident smile. They are also more secure than removable dentures, which can shift or come loose.
- Convenience: Unlike traditional dentures that require daily removal for cleaning, full mouth dental implants can be cared for just like natural teeth. This means no need for messy adhesives or special cleaning routines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Full Mouth Dental Implants
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about full mouth dental implants:
- How long does the procedure take?
The timeline for a full mouth dental implant procedure varies depending on individual cases, but it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. This includes the initial consultation, surgery, and healing time.
- Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. Some discomfort and swelling may be expected after the surgery, but this can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your dentist.
- Can full mouth dental implants be done in one day?
Yes, there are now advanced techniques such as All-on-4 or Teeth-in-a-Day that allow for full mouth dental implants to be completed in just one day. This can save you time and reduce the number of appointments needed.
- Am I a candidate for full mouth dental implants?
If you have missing or severely damaged teeth, you may be a candidate for full mouth dental implants. Your dentist will assess your overall oral health and bone structure to determine if you are a good candidate.
- Are full mouth dental implants expensive?
The cost of full mouth dental implants can vary depending on individual cases and the type of procedure needed. However, they are often more cost effective in the long run compared to other tooth replacement options, as they can last a lifetime with proper care.
- How do I take care of my full mouth dental implants?
Taking care of your full mouth dental implants is similar to taking care of natural teeth. You should brush and floss regularly, visit your dentist for check-ups and cleanings, and avoid damaging habits such as chewing on hard objects.
- Will my full mouth dental implants look natural?
Yes, full mouth dental implants are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth. Your dentist will customize the color, shape, and size of the implant to match your existing teeth for a seamless appearance.
- How long do full mouth dental implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, full mouth dental implants can last a lifetime. This makes them a long-term solution for tooth loss, unlike other options such as dental bridges or dentures which may need to be replaced over time.
- Can I eat normally with full mouth dental implants?
Full mouth dental implants are designed to function just like natural teeth, so you can eat and chew your food normally. However, it is important to avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage the implants.
River District Smiles Dentistry offers full mouth dental implants as a reliable and long-term solution for tooth loss. Whether you have lost multiple teeth due to decay, injury, or age, our experienced dentists can help restore your smile and improve your oral health with this innovative procedure.
With the use of advanced technology and personalized treatment plans, we strive to provide our patients with the best possible results. Call us to learn more!
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Dr. Matthew Hubis
For all of his years as a General Dentist since 2007, Dr. Hubis has prided himself on far exceeding the continuing education requirements for licensure. His studies have taken him to many parts of the United States and a few foreign countries.
Dr. Emily Hubis
She likes to apply the “southern hospitality” she was raised with to dentistry, and she enjoys interacting with patients and providing quality dental care in a friendly, compassionate, and relaxed environment.
