Dental implants provide fully functional replacements for missing, damaged, or decayed teeth. A single implant can be accomplished by inserting a titanium post into the tooth socket and then an abutment and crown. Bridges can replace multiple teeth. But how do full-mouth dental implants work? For people with more extensive dental issues or who rely on dentures, this is an important question.
Placing an implant for every missing tooth would be costly and time-consuming. But full-mouth implants can more efficiently restore oral health and function. They’ll let you chew, speak, and smile confidently for the rest of your life. We’ll now explain how full-mouth implants compare to other options, how the process works, and what it means to have them.
Full Mouth Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Implants differ from dentures in that they don’t require adhesives and aren’t removed at night to be cleaned. They don’t slip when chewing or talking. While there are dentures that can be implant-attached, there’s a more permanent solution that will avoid all the extensive cleaning and maintenance.
A complete denture can be attached to a few implants. There are no dietary limitations as full-mouth dental implants restore full bite force. All the while, the implants are more comfortable and essentially become a part of your oral anatomy.
Overview of the Dental Implant Procedure
The process starts with a comprehensive examination. Advanced imagery and diagnostic tools are used to assess a patient’s health and determine if they’re a candidate for the procedure. If so, a plan and treatment schedule will be created that day.
First, a hole is drilled into the tooth socket, below the gum line. A titanium screw is fit into this space and bone fuses with it in a process called osseointegration. The site is allowed to heal, and then an abutment is placed over the screw. Once the gum heals, a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached.
A full denture can be fit using the following techniques:
- All-on-4 Implants: Four posts per arch are inserted at an angle and a full-arch denture is attached to them. This procedure requires a sufficient jawbone to support the posts and the denture.
- All-on-6: Two additional implants provide added support if the patient requires more stability. The procedure achieves the same result and is also better suited for patients with longer arches.
The treatment plan often involves addressing other issues first. For example, if a patient has gum disease, it will need to be treated before the procedure. If there’s insufficient bone due to deterioration caused by missing teeth, or other issues, bone grafting may be needed. Therefore, a patient’s health and medical history can determine their eligibility for full-mouth dental implants.
How Do Full-Mouth Dental Implants Work Once You Have Them?
The prosthesis is permanently attached and works just like a natural set of teeth. Designed from zirconia, it’s strong and highly resistant to cracking or fracturing. Maintenance is the same as for natural teeth as well; regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings will keep them in good shape. In addition to fully restoring normal function, full-mouth implants also:
- Prevent Gum Disease: Gaps that can trap food or bacteria are eliminated, protecting your gums and avoiding potentially serious issues.
- Improve Jaw Stability: While a single implant can improve the stability of adjacent teeth, a full-mouth implant improves your bite, reverses bone loss, and eliminates issues that cause pain.
- Lasts a Lifetime: Made of biocompatible materials, an implant is non-toxic and if well cared for, it can last the rest of your life without having to be replaced.
Full-mouth dental implants also work aesthetically. Having missing teeth can cause facial sagging, which not only involves bone loss. It results in an older appearance as well. Dental implants can leave you looking younger and healthier as well as help improve your overall health and well-being.
Contact OraBell Dental Implant Centers to Learn More
We specialize in full-mouth dental implants and serve patients in and around the San Fernando Valley. Our success is rooted in the expertise of Dr. Idan Snapir and the facilities at our state-of-the-art dental clinic. The latest 3D imaging technology and surgical techniques are used to customize treatment for each patient’s needs. To learn more about what we do and how full-mouth dental implants work, or schedule an appointment, book your visit online or call 818-639-4926.
