Full-mouth implants are one of the most popular options for replacing damaged teeth. People struggling with cracks, chips, and missing teeth have several options that range in price and permanency.
Whether you’re considering dental implants to restore your oral health or to improve the look of your smile, here’s what you need to know.
What Are Full-Mouth Implants?
Full-mouth implants or full dental implants provide replacement teeth to a patient. The implantation process involves oral surgery to install artificial tooth roots (the implants) into the jaw bone.
Artificial but permanent teeth are installed into the implants. Implants are usually made from titanium, which fuses to the jaw bone, anchors the device, and serves as a strong base for replacement teeth.
There are a few different types of dental implants, including:
- Traditional full-mouth implants
- All-on-4 implants
- All-on-6 implants
- All-on-8 implants
- Zygomatic implants
- Pterygoid implants
- Hybrid implants
Full-Mouth Implant Procedure
Consultation and Planning
The first step is to meet with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine if you’re a good candidate for a full-mouth dental implant. If so, the next step is to create a treatment plan. During this time, you’ll discuss the timeframe and cost of the implant.
Placement of the Implant
This next step is the most intense. It involves the surgical placement of the implants into the jaw bone. It’s performed under anesthesia and can take up to a few hours.
Osseointegration
The osseointegration phase is the lengthiest part of the implant process. During this time, the implants fuse with your jaw bone, and your mouth heals. In the early days of the healing process, you’ll have dietary restrictions, and you might be given a temporary device to wear to enhance your smile while you wait for the next step.
Placement of Abutment
Once you’ve healed, your oral surgeon will install small abutments connecting your implants to the prosthetic teeth.
Final Step
The final step of the process is the installation of your new prosthetic teeth. These custom-made teeth look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Benefits of Full-Mouth Implants
Full-mouth implants are a popular choice and offer several benefits, including:
- Natural looking
- Function like your original teeth
- Durable
- Long-lasting
- Just as easy to maintain as your natural teeth
- Improved chewing
- Preservation of jaw bone and facial structure
- Prevention of bone loss and gum disease
How Do Dental Implants Compare to Other Tooth Replacement Options?
Dental implants are just one of a few options available to people with damaged or missing teeth. Other options include:
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are another popular option for tooth replacement. They allow you to have a restored smile but differ in several ways from full-mouth implants. For example:
- Dental bridges utilize crowns on either side of the bridge. These crowns are placed over your natural teeth, creating a support structure for the bridge.
- Dental bridges are cemented to natural teeth. Unlike the implant procedure, no surgery is involved, but your dentist will likely remove some enamel to accommodate the supportive crowns.
- Dental bridges are stable, but they rely on the health and strength of your natural teeth. If the teeth covered by crowns begin to decay, the strength of your bridge will be affected. In most cases, bridges must be replaced within 10 to 15 years of placement.
- Dental bridges do not do anything to preserve your jaw bone. It’s common for bone loss to occur.
Dentures
Traditional dentures are arguably the most well-known option for replacement teeth, but they aren’t as popular as they once were. However, there are still occasions for which they are ideal or might be the only option available to someone. They differ from implants in several ways, including:
- Removability. Dentures are not permanent and must be taken out frequently for cleaning and maintenance.
- Stability. Traditional dentures are far less stable than implants. They rely on suction, adhesive, or clasps to stay in place. It’s common for dentures to shift or become loose over time, especially if bone loss changes the shape of your jaw bone. Dentures also do nothing to protect jaw bone loss and can contribute to it.
Emotional Impact of Full-Mouth Dental Implants
In addition to functioning better and giving you a better smile, full-mouth implants offer a variety of emotional and psychological benefits, including:
- Restored self-confidence
- Enhanced social interactions
- Boost in psychological well-being
- Improved quality of life
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Full-Mouth Implants
How long does it take to get full-mouth implants?
The time it takes for someone to get a full-mouth dental implant varies based on their speed of healing. Most people will complete the process in several months from initial consultation to completion. Still, it can take more than a year, depending on how long it takes the implants to fuse with the surrounding bone (osseointegration).
What is the recovery process after getting full-mouth implants?
The recovery process occurs in several stages. The most uncomfortable phase of recovery occurs during osseointegration, which is before the final steps of the implant process.
Once the implants are installed, there might be several days or weeks of dietary restrictions. Everyone is different, so it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions and contact them if you have any concerns.
Are full-mouth implants suitable for everyone?
Full-mouth dental implants aren’t right for everyone. People who are ideal candidates for dental implants:
- Are generally in good health
- Have adequate bone density
- Are committed to practicing good oral hygiene
- Are non-smokers or are willing to quit smoking
- Have realistic expectations
How does the cost of full-mouth implants compare to other tooth replacement options?
Full-mouth dental implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement options. However, they might save you money in the long term. Dental implants are known for their durability and are very similar to natural teeth when cared for properly.
Despite these long-term savings, the initial cost of implants may preclude some people from exploring this option. If you want to learn more about full-mouth implants or know if you’re a good candidate for this tooth replacement option, we can help. Contact us to learn more.
