A full mouth dental implant is a safe surgical procedure used to place artificial teeth into the jawbone. This dental treatment comes in handy in various situations.
Anyone suffering from gum disease, having severe and extensive tooth decay, or whose teeth are worn out because of chronic teeth grinding is likely to have loose and missing teeth. As a result, the person might need a full mouth dental implant.
If you do not have most or all of your teeth for some reason, you will require a complete set of artificial teeth to replace the missing ones.
Teeth replacements are considered good if they stay in their respective places when you talk or even chew. They should look and function as close as possible to natural teeth.
If you are planning a smile makeover with full mouth dental implants, it is essential to know everything about the treatment. It will help you make the right decision.
Read on to know more about full mouth dental implants.
Benefits of Full Mouth Dental Implants
There are several reasons that make full mouth dental implants a better choice and a more reliable procedure for complete tooth replacement.
#1. Preservation of Bone Structure
The tooth loss may lead to the loss of your jawbone strength, and with time, that can change the facial structure. The full mouth dental implants preserve the structure of the jawbone.
#2. Preservation of Adjacent Teeth
Dental implants save the wear and tear on adjacent natural teeth. They do not have to support the bite pressure of the artificial bridge and denture, which makes them weak.
#3. Parafunctional Habits
They are more durable than regular implants and are thus more suitable for people with parafunctional habits like clenching of teeth, which can take a toll on regular implants.
#4. Ideal for Individuals with High Caries Index
People with a high caries index often face cavity problems, leading to tooth damage. Full mouth dental implants are highly beneficial for such people.
#5. Higher Success Rate
Another benefit of full mouth restoration is its success rate. If you maintain oral hygiene properly, the full mouth dental implant can last up to 25 years.
#6. Natural-Looking
Full dental implants look just like natural teeth and people generally find it difficult to tell the difference.
#7. Ideal for Missing Multiple Teeth
It is perfect for people who have many teeth missing. The patient experiences much less discomfort and fewer visits than is required to replace every single tooth.
Eligibility and Candidacy for Full Mouth Dental Implants
You can get dental implants if you meet the following criteria:
Enough Healthy Gums
The dental implants replace tooth roots instead of the teeth. So, if your gums are good enough for the treatment, you have the eligibility for complete implants.
Adequate Jawbone
A jawbone that does not get any stimulation will likely degrade. It means complete jawbone loss over time. So, the candidate must have an adequate jawbone.
Patience
It may take several months for your bone to heal around the implant. So, you must have patience.
Willingness to Make Lifestyle Changes
Smoking and alcohol consumption greatly increase the risk of mouth ulcers, gum recession, and bone loss. If you have enough willpower to change your unhealthy lifestyle, you can opt for the treatment.
Procedure Expectations for Full Mouth Implants
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Initial Consultation & X-rays
The first thing you need to do is schedule a consultation with a seasoned and skilled oral health provider. Your dentist will discuss your goals and requirements, and perform a thorough oral exam to get a better understanding.
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Preparation
After a comprehensive dental exam & x-rays, your dentist may recommend some additional dental care, like certain medications, before the implant procedure. All the preparation will minimize the chances of bleeding during the procedure.
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Full Mouth Dental Implant Placement
In this step, the dentist makes a small incision in the gums to reach the underlying bone. After that, the professional will place an implant into the bone with the help of a dental drill. The process will be repeated several times.
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Abutment Placement
The professional will place an abutment on every implant to place a healing cap. The cap will protect the implant while your jawbone and gums heal around it. You may receive one healing cap with two openings or two healing caps, but it will be based on the type of implant.
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Final Restoration
After the healing, your oral health provider will take out the healing cap and then place a restoration. The type of restoration that you receive will be based on the original reason behind the procedure.
Comparing Full Mouth Dental Implants vs. Traditional Dentures
- Stability – The full mouth implants give more stability compared to traditional dentures. The dentures might slip or shift while eating or talking.
- Jawbone maintenance – The traditional dentures no longer stimulate the jawbone, which leads to bone resorption. On the other hand, implants preserve bone density.
- Maintenance – You need to remove dentures every day for cleansing and may need modifications from time to time. However, the implants are permanent and easier to keep.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
After the completion of the dental procedure, you must follow a strict aftercare program for at least three months. You may need to extend the aftercare period, but that will depend on the health of your gums and jawbone.
During this period, you need to practice the best possible oral hygiene and make sure you do not take part in any activities that can disrupt the healing.
If you experience irritation, swelling, or excessive bleeding, contact your oral health provider immediately. You may need to extend your aftercare period for around one week.
Maintaining Oral Health After Full Mouth Dental Implants
Here are a few tips for maintaining oral health with complete implants:
- Prioritize immaculate oral hygiene.
- Follow the post-operative instructions strictly.
- Utilize cleaning tools that are implant-specific.
- Attend the follow-up appointments regularly.
- Follow a balanced diet.
- Strictly avoid smoking and any tobacco products.
- Protect against tooth grinding.
Potential Complications of Full Mouth Dental Implants
The following are some potential complications when it comes to full mouth dental implants.
Infection
It is the most common complication one can face at the implant area.
Gum recession
Sometimes, a patient may find the gum tissue around the implant starts to recede, leading to inflammation and pain.
Loose implant
In the first few weeks, the dental implant will grow and fuse with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration.
Damage of Nerve or tissue
Sometimes, a dental surgeon accidentally places a dental implant that is too close to a nerve.
Cost Considerations and Financing Options
A lot of patients are not able to pay out of their pocket when it comes to large dental implant procedures. Due to limited insurance coverage, most of the patients search for possible financing options that will help them pay the monthly installments.
In case you don’t know, here are a few payment options that patients often use to cover the cost of full mouth dental implants.
- Through a personal loan, or some kind of collateral-based loan
- Borrowing the amount from retirement savings like an IRA or 401(K)
- Take money from Home Equity Line of Credit
- Taking financial help from family or a friend
Choosing the Right Dental Professional for Full Mouth Dental Implants
Full mouth dental implants are an excellent way to replace more than one missing tooth or a complete set of teeth.
Keeping in mind the information mentioned above will help you throughout the dental implant procedure.
All you need to do is do research in advance to choose the right professional for full mouth restoration.
G4 by Golpa provides exceptional dental treatment at a fair price. You can get dental treatment at world-class facilities located in Las Vegas, Dallas, and Tysons.
