A Simplified Guide to Full Mouth Dental Implants

A Simplified Guide to Full Mouth Dental Implants

Jun 04, 2021

For individuals who have experienced tooth loss, the question of how to restore one’s smile is of crucial importance. Unaddressed tooth loss has long-lasting repercussions, including inhibited chewing ability, bone loss, facial or bite collapse, and reduced self-confidence. These issues are especially magnified in individuals who have undergone total tooth loss or edentulism.

If you’ve recently experienced total tooth loss, you may be a candidate for full-mouth dental implants. To enjoy personalized full-mouth dental implants services, get in touch with Dental Partners of Brookline, a trusted, family-friendly dentist in Brookline, MA.

What is a Tooth Implant?

A tooth implant is a small post or screw inserted into the jawbone to serve as atooth root. Tooth implants are made from titanium alloy. Titanium is a highly biocompatible metal that’s well-tolerated by human tissue. A tooth implant may be capped with a dental crown, bridges, or dentures, depending on the extent of tooth loss.

In the case of complete tooth loss, full arch dental implants are used for smile restoration. Instead of utilizing an implant for each lost tooth, the dentist places four to eight strategically positioned implants into the jawbone. These implants support an entire dental arch, revealing a brand new smile in a shorter amount of time.

Snap-on, fixed implant-supported dentures, and All-on-4® dental implant treatment are key considerations under the full mouth dental implants services.

Snap-On Dentures

Snap-on dentures, in the simplest terms, are dentures that snap in place. Unlike conventional dentures, which are supported by dental adhesive and metal clasps, snap-on dentures attach to implant abutments or connectors. When you opt for snap-on dentures, you’ll have to remove your dentures every night before bed. In addition, snap-on dentures require the same care as conventional dentures, i.e., you must clean your dentures thoroughly every day and soak them overnight.

Snap-on dentures are an excellent option for patients who wish to stabilize their existing dentures.

Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures

Unlike snap-on dentures, which you can remove at will, fixed implant-supported dentures are more permanent. These offer superior stability and support and keep your jawbone stimulated, preventing bone loss. In addition, only a dentist can remove your fixed implant-supported dentures.

All-on-4 treatment is a popular type of treatment that uses four implants to support replacement teeth. If you’re interested in fixed implant-supported dentures, then All-on-4 treatment comes highly recommended.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

While implants are undoubtedly an excellent teeth replacement option, they aren’t ideal for everyone. To undergo implant surgery, you should have healthy gums and sufficient bone to support the tooth implants. If you’re experienced bone loss, the dentist may recommend bone grafting. Bone grafting is a common, minimally invasive surgical procedure that rebuilds bone volume.

Before recommending full arch dental implants, your dentist carefully examines you to see if you meet suitable criteria.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Implants offer numerous advantages to individuals who’ve lost their teeth, including:

  • Dental Implants are similar to natural teeth in terms of look, feel, and function.
  • Dental Implants keep the jawbone stimulated, preventing bone atrophy.
  • Dental Implants offer excellent stability. Your restorations will never fall off in the middle of a meal or conversation.
  • Dental Implants are comfortable and offer excellent chewing ability.
  • Dental Implants boost your appearance and self-confidence.

Full Mouth Dental Implants Procedure

If you’re a fitting candidate for full mouth dental implants, here’s what you should expect:

  • During your initial consultation, the dentist obtains relevant information regarding your dental health. Dental x-rays and scans, and visual observation, are some of the things to expect during this process. This information is used to create your treatment plan. Your dentist then schedules you for dental implant surgery at a date of your convenience.
  • To perform dental implant surgery, the dentist administers appropriate anesthesia to manage pain. Next, the dentist drills small holes at pre-determined points of your jaw. The dentist then places the implants into these holes and then sutures the incisions made in the gum tissue. In the case of All-on-4 treatment, only four plants are used per dental arch.
  • The dentist may opt to place temporary replacement teeth immediately, what is known as Same-Day Teeth. You’ll then be allowed to go home to commence the healing and recovery process.
  • Over several weeks, the implants fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. After complete healing, the dentist schedules you for a simple surgical procedure during which connector or abutment posts are attached to the implants. Finally, your dentist places your permanent replacement teeth.

Please note that the specific details of the treatment procedure may vary depending on the patient’s unique needs.

Ready for a Brand New Smile?

Are you looking for a trusted dental office that offers full arch dental implants? Reach out to Dental Partners of Brookline to schedule your consultation.

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