Full Mouth Dental Implants Procedure
Implant-supported full bridges or full dentures are used when a patient is missing all of their teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Dental implants are used to replace missing or damaged teeth.
Full Mouth Dental Implants Advantages
Dental implants can provide patients with various advantages compared to alternative tooth replacement options. Implant-supported full bridges or dentures offer patients the appearance and the function of having natural teeth. They are also designed and expected to last longer than traditional dentures. Implant-supported full bridges and dentures are more comfortable and offer more stability than traditional dentures. This added stability gives the patient a more natural bite and the ability to eat what they want without the fear of a denture coming loose of slipping.
Implant-supported full bridges and dentures are also able to act as a replacement of the tooth’s root. This aids in the preservation of the jaw bone. In comparison, when traditional dentures are used, the bone that surrounds the root of the tooth can start to deteriorate and resorb. Because dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they help to maintain a strong, healthy bone structure.
Implants are also considered to be a more attractive and convenient solution than traditional dentures. The bone loss that is often associated with traditional dentures can lead to a receding jawbone and may ultimately result in an unattractive smile. Because they aren’t very secure, traditional dentures can create a challenge when patients consume various types of food.
Placing Implants
Implants are the shape of a cylinder or screw and are placed directly in the jaw during surgery. Over the next few months, the implant will fuse to the bone and form a strong anchor for the artificial teeth which will eventually be placed. While the implant is actively healing and fusing to the bone, the dentist can place a temporary crown over the implant to fill in the missing space.
There is a second step of the procedure which is often required in order to gain access the implant and attach the extensions. These temporary healing caps, in addition to the connecting devices, allow the attachment of multiple crowns to the implant. These devices complete the foundation where the new teeth will ultimately be placed. The gums need at least a few weeks to rest and heal after the procedure.
Once the gums have healed, new teeth are snapped on and attached to round ball anchors. This additional step is not required for a one-stage implant system. One-stage implant systems use an implant which already includes the attached extension piece.
The number of implants being placed will determine which type of connection device the dentist is able to use. One type of device secures the new teeth from being secured down on the implant. Another type of device can be attached to a bar or placed on a round-ball anchor where the denture can easily be snapped on and off.
In the last step, the full bridge or dentures are connected to the implants. With the final step of the procedure, full bridges or full dentures are created and attached to a small metal post or abutment. Another method available uses a connection device.
Because each case is unique, it is important to work with you dentist to determine which treatment plan works best for your situation.