Full Arch Implants Promise
Do you wish to restore the complete set of your top or bottom teeth? Full arch dental implants are prostheses that replace the whole arch of missing teeth, besides other advantages. A complete arch restoration involves placing four to six implant posts in the lower or upper jaw. Full arch upper dental implants require a minimum of four inserts since the bone of the upper jaw is softer. Restoration of the lower denser arch can work with two implants. Typically, the prostheses comprise a screw (ceramic or titanium) and an abutment. The screw is biocompatible and thus fuses with the jaw bone. An abutment is an implant post that connects to dental prosthetics. Full arch implants continue to gain popularity among patients as they are superior to regular implants due to their stability and durability. More so, they are long-lasting. The implants are a suitable and effective solution for candidates experiencing substantial tooth loss. Besides replacing missing teeth, full arch implants give a natural and aesthetic smile.
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Full Upper Arch Dental Implants
Typically, a complete installation of top upper arch dental implants requires a minimum of four inserts because the upper jawbone is less dense than the lower bone. Four implant posts provide adequate support for dentures, thus preventing excess pressure on the soft tissue. The average healing time for full upper arch dental implants is three months.
Options for Full Mouth Dental Implants
All-on-4 Treatment
All-on-4 treatment involves placing four implants in the dental arch. This restoration treatment is unique and innovative as the implants tilt 45 degrees towards the rear end of the mouth. Judging by the approach’s history, the design’s primary objective is protecting the jaw areas with less bone density. Dentists highly recommend this treatment for patients who need full upper arch dental implants due to resorbed upper jaws. Additionally, experts acknowledge the arch treatment as a superior dental restorative process, as it significantly benefits patients with osteoporosis. In previous years, implant installation was unsuitable for people with severe jaw bone loss, especially those requiring top arch dental implants. All-on-4 therapy benefits such candidates because the installation mechanism eliminates the need to anchor the implants into the jaw bone.
Moreover, the treatment procedure is less invasive, thus, shortening the healing period. Furthermore, it may take a single day to complete the application process. The few implants allow for the design’s flexibility, thus catering to the specific needs of every patient. Like natural teeth, all-on-4 implants are comfortable, enabling you to chew, speak and smile properly. When well maintained, the permanent fixtures last for more than 20 years. Dentists recommend that individuals with speech issues and parafunction should consult a professional before the implant installation.
Implant Supported Dentures
They are dentures supported by four or more dentures in the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures function similarly to conventional dentures. However, they are more effective due to their sturdiness. There are two categories of implant-supported dentures: removable and fixed devices. The over dentures snap onto the implants. The advantage is that they are easy to clean, as you can take them out anytime. However, they may occasionally slip. When it comes to fixed prosthetics, the dentures attach permanently to the implants anchored into the jawbone. There are more effective regarding stability. More so, the hybrids last a lifetime with proper care.
Nevertheless, you may need to see the dentist for maintenance if necessary. The type of implant-supported dentures recommended for a patient depends on individual preference, bone health, and medical history. Implant-supported dentures are less harmful because they lightly touch the tissue gums. This is, therefore, one of the best solutions for reducing or preventing bone atrophy. Like all-on-4 dental prosthetics, implant-supported dentures give a natural appearance. This dental restoration procedure is also less invasive, requiring a maximum of one-week healing period. Afterward, the implants will slowly fuse with the jawbone over a few months. The over dentures can last between 15 and 20 years with proper care.
Zygomatic Dental Implants
Zygomatic dental implants are longer than standard implants. With a success rate of 98.5%, this restoration process continues to gain popularity among candidates suitable for full upper arch dental implants. The entire restoration process typically requires four implants. Prior to installation, the maxillary volume of a candidate dictates the surgical approach of this procedure. This is one of the most recommended solutions for people experiencing osteoporosis in the upper jaw. The zygomatic implants have a top-tier design that allows attachment of dentures without disrupting the areas with low bone density. They are placed in the cheekbone, specifically the zygomatic arch. The installation process is quite intensive, with the implants passing through the maxillary sinus to the zygomatic bone. Therefore, dentists must be extremely cautious with the implant layout, planning, and positioning. The top arch dental implants angle into the upper jaw in a position that creates a sturdy foundation. With such an angle, it becomes convenient to manage both the anterior and posterior maxillary atrophy.
One of the significant benefits of zygomatic implants is that the installation process does not require bone grafting. The treatment method only utilizes areas that have thick and strong bones. Typically, the surgical procedure takes an average of three hours. During the installation, patients are under general anesthesia. Therefore there is minimal pain. Most candidates will experience only minor bruising and swelling, which will subside within a few days. The recovery period for the full upper arch dental implants is six months. These top arch dental implants last a lifetime, with adequate care and maintenance visits to the dentist every two to three years.
Implant Retained Over Dentures
They consist of dentures that snap onto two dental implants, which directly anchor into the jawbone. Implant-retained dentures are similar to implant-supported dentures—the only difference is the variation in the number of implants installed. The dentures also get soft gum tissue support. Two major types of implants retained dentures are ball-retained and bar-retained prosthetics.
The ball-retained dentures connect to the jaw via a metal ball. Candidates with this type of denture need seasonal visits to the dentist for adjustments, as the balls may occasionally cause movements. On the other hand, the bar-retained dentures consist of a metal bar that attaches to two implants anchored into the jawbone and aligns with the curve of the jaw. Bar retained dentures are more effective than their ball counterparts because they are stable yet flexible for removal when cleaning.
Implant-retained dentures rely on areas of adequate bone density. They are recommended for individuals requiring full mouth dental implants as they provide maximum support and stabilization. In conjunction with that, the implants are perfect for persons with chewing problems because they provide additional chewing force. Moreover, the installation procedure requires no bone grafting as it sorts out the problem of limited bone width in the jaw. It does not require adequate bone density throughout the entire arch of the jaw. Nevertheless, the best candidates for implant retained dentures are patients that need temporary treatment because, over time, the bone thickness and density change.
Semi-Removable Full Arch Implants
Semi-removable prostheses comprise six implants. They can either be porcelain implants connected to porcelain teeth or acrylic implants attached to acrylic teeth. The porcelain set requires more implants than the acrylic set because they exert a lot of pressure during a bite. The semi-removable devices also benefit individuals experiencing bone loss. However, successful treatment requires adequate bone volume and a sufficient amount of teeth. This means that some patients may need bone grafting. The implants can only be removed by dentists if need be. One advantage of the implants is that cleaning does not require removal, making maintenance convenient.
Furthermore, most patients quickly adapt to the prostheses; thus, normal chewing and speaking can resume in as little as two days. Another advantage is the short recovery period because the installation procedure is minimally invasive. Usually, complete osseointegration takes an average of five months. Patients require regular checkups every 9 to 12 months and replacement every three to four years. Prior to treatment, dentists will consider factors like bone density, opposing dentition, bite, and harmful habits such as bruxism.
The Benefits of Full Arch Dental Implants
Jawbone Preservation
Generally, tooth loss causes bone deterioration. This is because there is no agent to stimulate jawbone growth. The consequence is a sunken-in appearance when the jawbone shrinks. Full arch implants help preserve the jawbone by providing artificial support similar to the one provided by natural teeth roots, reducing and inhibiting bone erosion. This allows one to maintain the natural facial structure, thus preventing premature aging.
Comfort
One of the advantages of implants is their comfort, unlike dentures. Dentures restrict dietary choices as they slip on multiple occasions. Full arch implants, however, give you the freedom to resume your regular diet after a short healing period. This is because the installation involves strong implant anchoring into the jawbone.
Natural Look
Among the primary benefits of full-arch dental implants is their natural appearance. Their texture and appearance make it difficult for people to differentiate them from natural teeth. You can speak, chew, and smile confidently within a few days after the treatment. Patients reveal that they quickly adapt to the prostheses a few hours after installation.
Protection of Adjacent Teeth
Tooth loss may affect adjacent teeth due to work overload when biting and chewing. This overload is one of the primary factors associated with intense bone loss. Additionally, a double duty continuously weakens the remaining fully functional teeth. A full arch dental restoration prevents such cases by providing the required support for chewing, biting, and other mouth functions, thereby preserving the adjacent teeth.
Easy Maintenance
Unlike dentures, implants are easy to maintain. There have no devices that trap food particles. Dentists attest that the cleaning process of implants is as simple as caring for natural teeth. With proper care, cases of oral diseases while having implants are rare.
High Success Rate
Dentists place implants at particular angles to the jawbone, for instance, the zygomatic top arch dental implants. This improves the osseointegration process, thus strengthening the jawbone and the soft gum tissue. Full arch implants last a lifetime, with very minimal visits to the dentist. The majority of patients have had them for more than twenty years.
Flexibility Advantages
When it comes to complete arch dental restoration, there is a solution for every individual. A dentist will assist with the selection process based on the patient’s condition, personal preference, medical history, and other crucial factors. It is, therefore, best to consult a professional, as there is a need for thorough assessment and planning before deciding on the ultimate solution.
What to Expect During Restoration
Consultation
The initial consultation aims to record the candidate’s preferences and other valuable information critical to the procedure. During the consultation, a dentist will inquire about your goals concerning having the implants installed. The medical history of a candidate and the current condition of oral health are also essential considerations before surgery. At this stage, the dentist will lightly assess your situation, suggest the best full mouth dental implant options, and estimate the cost.
Evaluation
After the initial consultation, an interested candidate will proceed to the evaluation procedure. The evaluation stage comprises critical tests and scans. Digital X-rays and CT scans will show the dentist the impression of the upper and lower jaws. Furthermore, the tests give the dentist a clear picture of a patient’s overall health. At this stage, the dental expert decides if there is a need for other surgical procedures before the primary surgical treatment begins. If a patient has some teeth left, a surgical procedure for extraction is vital.
Implant Surgery
Implant surgery is the longest part of the restorative process. It also requires a lot of caution during the planning and layout. Any mistake during this stage can cause more bone loss and infections. At the start, the mouth is cleaned. The professional then applies a local anesthetic to numb the implant sites. Thus, the patient experiences zero pain and discomfort during the installation process. The dentist will use a surgical custom guide to bore holes into the jaw bone. The next step is inserting four to six titanium implants into the pits to replace the missing teeth roots. Once the implants are installed, the dentist attaches temporary dentures to serve the patient for three to six months.
Permanent Teeth Placement
This is the last stage of installing full mouth dental implants. A dentist removes the temporary dentures and replaces them with a permanent bridge of teeth. Several finishing touches are done so that the prostheses appear and feel natural. You may experience mild discomfort after the procedure, but the feeling diminishes in two to three days. Although swelling and bruising are typical side effects of any surgical procedure, you must seek medical assistance should the symptoms be extreme.
Aftercare of Full Mouth Dental Implants
Cleaning
It is advisable to maintain oral hygiene as you do with natural teeth. Brush at least twice a day and in between meals. This prevents the build-up of dirt during the healing process. However, it is essential to be gentle, especially during the first few days after restoration. While at it, avoid using cleaning products that contain abrasive agents, as they may lead to wear and tear.
Mouth Rinses
Your dentist will recommend the most suitable mouth rinse, for example, Peridex. The standard dosage for most mouth rinses is 15 ml twice a day. Rinse your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit. Dentists advise you to discontinue mouth rinses two weeks after the restoration procedure. This is because many mouth rinse products have chemical agents that cause staining. Warm salt water rinses four to five times daily are also suitable alternatives for preventing infection.
Diet
Being selective with your diet is important, especially during the first two weeks. Hard and crunchy food will exert too much pressure on the prostheses, thus reducing their durability. In conjunction with that, you may hurt your gums. Patients should also avoid extremely cold and hot food and drinks when the surgical area is still sensitive. Additionally, avoid overconsumption of acidic and caffeinated beverages as they may stain the over dentures.
Swelling, Bleeding, and Bruising
Swelling, bleeding, and bruising are typical after-surgery side effects. Applying ice packs in the gum area and warm salt water rinses are practical care approaches. You may substitute the ice bags with tea bags that have antioxidant advantages, such as the green tea bag. It is highly advisable to seek medical help if the bleeding becomes intense or does not stop within a week after the treatment.
Dental Visits
It is mandatory to visit your hygienist twice a year for intensive cleaning. This prevents the accumulation of dirt in the over dentures, thereby lessening the chances of developing oral infections. In addition, contact your dentist at any moment that you experience abnormal symptoms.
Full Arch Dental Implants Cost
The average price of full mouth dental implants is $20,000, but it can fall between $13,000 and $ 24,000 per arch. This is more affordable yet superior to the costly traditional implants. Full arch dental implants cost varies depending on factors like the intensity of the restorative process, the type of implants installed, and the severity of a patient’s condition. For instance, the standard cost of all-on-4 porcelain implants is $35,000, while implant-supported dentures fall between $15,000 and $27,000. The cost range of top arch dental implants is similar to that of the bottom set.
Full arch dental implants are among the premium restoration prostheses for individuals suffering from severe jawbone loss, as they come with several advantages. Over the years, dental professionals have invented superior full arch restoration implant options to cater to the unique needs of candidates. The major options include; all-on-4 dental implants, implant-supported dentures, implant-retained dentures, and zygomatic dental implants. Despite the few differences, all the options have a common goal: strengthening the jaw bone, reducing atrophy, and providing a natural, aesthetic appearance. With proper care, full-arch dental implants last as long as 20 years.