The Benefits of Full-Mouth Dental Implants

If you are missing most or all of your teeth, you may be considering your options for replacement. Dental implants are the ideal solution because they look, feel, and function more like natural teeth. However, they are not the most affordable option, especially if you require full-mouth dental implants.

Esteem Dental Implant Care specializes in full-mouth dental implants. We can help you get your smile and your confidence back.

In this article, we’ll explain the benefits and risks/complications of full-mouth dental implants, as well as the types of full-mouth dental implant options and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Benefits of Full-Mouth Dental Implants

There are several benefits offered by full-mouth dental implants:

• ● Improved appearance
• ● Improved oral health
• ● Increased comfort
• ● Improved speech
• ● Durability and longevity
• ● Convenience
• ● Cost-effectiveness

Procedure for Full-Mouth Dental Implants

There are several steps involved in the procedure for full-mouth dental implants. These steps are spread out over several months or more, depending on how well your body reacts and heals along the way.

Initial consultation and evaluation

The first step is the initial consultation and evaluation. During this visit, the dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, which will include x-rays and, if necessary, other imaging such as CT scans or MRIs. The imaging will help determine if you have adequate jawbone density to support dental implants or if you may need additional procedures.

In addition, your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits will be discussed as well as your expectations for treatment.

Preparation for implant placement

In some cases, patients require additional dental work before the dental implants can be placed. This may include tooth extraction, bone grafting or sinus lifting, and gum disease treatment.

If you have remaining teeth, the dentist will take steps to salvage them if possible. If they are decayed beyond repair, extraction may be necessary.

In order for dental implants to be placed, your oral health needs to be good. If you have active gum disease, you will need to undergo treatment before surgery can be done.

If you have been missing teeth for some time, you may have experienced jawbone deterioration. In this case, bone grafting will be required to build up the jawbone. Also, if the sinuses are too close to the upper jaw, sinus lifting will need to be done to allow space for the implant to be placed.

If you require any of these procedures, you may need time to heal before the implants can be placed.

Implant placement surgery

When it’s time for the implants to be placed, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the area. This will allow you to remain conscious during the procedure, but you won’t feel anything. If you have dental anxiety and require sedation, we do have options.

The first step is to cut an incision in the gums. Then, a hole will be drilled into the jawbone for the implant to be placed in. Once the implant is in place, the incision will be stitched closed. This will be repeated for each implant that you are getting.

Healing and recovery period

Once implant placement is complete, the healing and recovery period will begin. During this time, osseointegration will occur. This is the process of the jawbone healing around and fusing with the implants.

For the first few days following surgery, you’ll want to stick to a liquid diet. After a few days, you can transition to a soft foods diet. During this time, you will want to make sure that you are getting adequate nutrition to support your recovery.

Placement of prosthetic teeth

In a few months, you’ll return to have the abutments placed and your prosthetic teeth ordered. You will be able to choose the color and material of your new teeth. The fabrication process takes a couple of weeks.

In order to place the abutments, the implant sites will be opened, and the abutments attached to the implant screw. Healing caps will be placed on the abutments to prevent the gum from healing over them.

In a few weeks, when the prosthetic teeth are ready, you will be able to come in and have them placed. First, we will ensure that they fit properly and that you are satisfied with them. If you have chosen a permanent option, the prosthetic teeth will be secured so that only the dentist will be able to remove them.

Types of Full-Mouth Dental Implants

There are several types of full-mouth dental implants:

• ● Traditional full-mouth dental implants
  Each tooth is replaced with a single dental implant. This can be expensive, but is the most natural-looking option.
• ● All-on-4 dental implants
  Replaces a full arch of missing teeth with only 4 dental implants. Two are placed in the front and two in the back. The two rear implants are angled, which allows greater bite force.
• ● All-on-6 dental implants
  Replaces a full arch of missing teeth with only 6 implants. The implants are evenly spaced along the jaw. This is recommended for patients who lack adequate bone density or who have larger mouths.

Risks and Complications of Full-Mouth Dental Implants

There are a few risks and complications associated with full-mouth dental implants:

• ● Infection
  If you do not practice proper oral hygiene, you may develop an infection.
• ● Nerve damage
  In some cases, the dentist may not be familiar with the procedure and may damage a nerve. This can be prevented with imaging such as CT scans or MRIs.
• ● Failure of implant
  Implant failure can be caused by the lack of knowledge of the dentist doing the implant surgery or by lack of properly caring for the surgical site by the patient.
• ● Allergic reactions
  Titanium is biocompatible, but there are other metals used in implant screws. Some patients may be allergic to these materials, which can cause complications.
• ● Sinus problems
  If the sinuses are located too close to the upper jawbone, the implant screw could go into the sinus cavity, which can be a problem.

Aftercare for Full-Mouth Dental Implants

Once you have your full-mouth dental implants, you’ll want to take steps to take proper care of them to prevent implant failure:

• ● Proper Oral Hygiene
  Brush twice daily and floss at least once. If you use a mouthwash, use an alcohol-free formula to prevent damaging the prosthetic teeth.
• ● Regular Check-ups with the Dentist
  You should visit the dentist for an exam and cleaning at least every 6 months. In some cases, the dentist may want to see you more.
• ● Dietary Restrictions
  During the healing process, you’ll want to stick to a liquid or soft foods diet. However, once you have completely healed, you can go back to your normal diet. You still may want to avoid crunching on ice or extremely hard or sticky foods. Also, avoid chewing on non-food items, as these could damage your prosthetic teeth.
• ● Lifestyle Changes
  If you smoke, your risk of implant failure increases. You may want to consider quitting, at least during the healing phase if not completely.

Comparison with Other Tooth Replacement Options

There are other options for replacing missing teeth, such as:

• ● Dentures
  Conventional dentures sit on top of the gums. They are not secured and can slip around when eating, speaking, and laughing. Dentures may be partial or complete.
• ● Bridges
  Dental bridges replace several missing teeth in a row. Traditional bridges are secured by the natural teeth on each side of the gap. The natural teeth must be filed down to accommodate the crown. In some cases, dental implants may be placed on each side of the gap to secure the bridge to.

Conclusion

If you are missing all or most of your teeth, you may want to consider full-mouth dental implants. You can get each tooth replaced by a single implant or you can choose a hybrid option such as All-on-4 or All-on-6. This will allow you to replace a full arch with 4 or 6 implants.

There are lots of benefits associated with full-mouth dental implants, such as:

• ● Improved appearance
• ● Improved oral health
• ● Increased comfort
• ● Improved speech
• ● Durability and longevity
• ● Convenience
• ● Cost-effectiveness

On the other hand, there are also a few risks to be aware of:

• ● Infection
• ● Nerve damage
• ● Failure of implant
• ● Allergic reactions
• ● Sinus problems

When choosing a dentist to perform your dental implant surgery, make sure to check their qualifications. You want to work with a professional that is certified in implantology. The team at Esteem Dental Implant Care has the experience and expertise you’re looking for. Schedule your consultation today.

Full-Mouth Dental Implants FAQs

Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Esteem Dental Implant Care: