Patients who are missing most or all their teeth have several available treatment options, one of the most common being full mouth dental implants. Full mouth dental implants are often recommended to patients who are dissatisfied with dentures because they provide more durability, restore the natural aesthetic appearance of your smile, and do not require special hygiene modifications.
The process of full mouth dental implants begins with an initial evaluation and consultation to determine your viability for the procedure. If your teeth have been missing for some time, there is a greater likelihood that you will have experienced some jawbone loss. To ensure there is sufficient bone to hold your implant in place, a bone graft or sinus lift may be performed. If you already have an adequate amount of jawbone, the procedure will begin with administration of an anesthetic and/or sedation to limit or eliminate discomfort. Next, titanium posts (usually four or six though more may be necessary) are placed in your jawbone. Once properly positioned, it will take between two to six months for these posts to bond with your natural jawbone. During this time, you will be given a set of temporary teeth to wear.
A follow up appointment is than required to uncover the implants in order to attach extensions, which, along with other connecting devices, will create the foundation for the multiple crowns that will be attached to your implants. Once your gums have healed (recovery is typically 1-3 weeks), the full dentures or full bridges are attached to the abutments or connecting devices. Once this step is complete, you can begin to enjoy your bright, full smile.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Full Mouth Dental Implants
As is the case with all procedures, full mouth dental implants may or may not be the right treatment option for your specific needs and/or treatment goals. To help you decide whether you are a good candidate for full mouth dental implants, it may be helpful to consider the following benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits of full mouth dental implants include:
- Restores natural appearance of your smile
- More comfortable and stable than conventional dentures
- Easier to maintain than conventional dentures
- Durable solution that provides permanent results, provided you take care of them
- Reduced risk of bone loss
- Feels like your natural teeth
- Speech is unaffected
- Restored ability to enjoy all types of foods
Drawbacks of full mouth dental implants include:
- Requires multiple visits over a period of time
- Possibility of infections, which can lead to bone loss in extreme cases
- May require additional procedures, such as a bone graft and/or sinus lift
- More expensive than other treatment options, such as dentures
In addition to weighing these benefits and drawbacks, it is also important to schedule an appointment to discuss treatment options with your dentist or periodontist, as they can provide you with professional insight into whether you are a viable candidate for full mouth dental implants, and if so, whether it is the optimal treatment to meet your needs. This consultation will also provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, such as the cost involved, what procedural steps will be taken, and aftercare instructions you will need to follow throughout the full mouth dental implant process.
More on Full Mouth Dental Implants : How Much Do Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost?
High Quality Periodontal Care You Can Trust
When you come to Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, you can expect a friendly and professional dental team. Dr. Seda will listen carefully to your dental goals and provide a custom treatment plan that works with your budget and needs. We want you to fall in love with your smile again, so all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, and to feel confident in our services.
At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we aim to provide cutting edge perio and implant solutions in a comfortable and relaxed environment, where patients feel we put them first. Scheduling an appointment for All-on-4 Dental Implants is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (415) 482-9901.