Full Arch Dental Implants - Everything You Need To Know | Kirkland Premier Dentistry
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Full Arch Dental Implants – Everything You Need To Know

January 4, 2023

When someone loses a single or more teeth, dental restoration procedures like full arch dental implants can be used to restore the functionality as well as to recreate the full mouth appearance. It solves both the functional and the cosmetic issue brilliantly when an adept dentist is in charge of the procedure. This is an excellent option for people who have suffered severe tooth loss.

 

What are full arch dental implants?

A dental implant is basically an artificial tooth root used to replace a missing tooth root. The root or the post is typically composed of titanium and it will be surgically inserted into the jaw bone. Titanium is a biocompatible material that fuses and forms a bond with the bone without causing any issues.

In the case of full arch dental implants, an entire arch of teeth is restored where 4-6 implants are used to support a removable or a fixed denture/prosthetic teeth. Dental implants specialist in Kirkland plans a customized treatment for every patient. We know that missing teeth are more than a physical issue. This impacts you emotionally and also affects other areas of your life. This is why we provide you with personalized treatment to help bring normalcy back into your life.

 

Full-arch dental implants procedure

The treatment will require multiple sessions as it has to be carefully carried out to provide a long lasting restoration that feels and appears natural.

In the first visit, your dentist will take X-rays, carry out a detailed oral examination, rule out other underlying issues, and then take impressions for the placement of implants. If there are underlying gum and/or teeth issues, those will be treated first.

The next session will involve oral surgery. A suitable anesthetic agent and mode will be chosen. Depending upon the type of restoration, 4-6 dental implants will be placed. Some people need a full mouth tooth replacement where both upper and lower arches will be given four implants each. After healing, abutments are attached to the implants to which the prosthetic teeth/denture will be attached. The temporary denture is placed on top of the full-arch dental implants. The patient then goes home. Healing time will take from 10-15 weeks during which the given instructions must be adhered to.

When the implants are fully healed, the prosthetic teeth will be screwed to the implants. Some people may opt for removable dentures. There will be follow up appointments to check the implants. 

For some cases, dentists can place implants and then fix the custom prosthetic teeth to the top of the implants by cementing or screwing them to the abutments in the same session.

You need to see a specialist since they are adept at minimizing pain and discomfort before, during, and after the treatment. With a suitable anesthesia, you will not have any pain during the treatment.

Also Read: DENTAL IMPLANTS AND WHO SHOULD GO FOR IT.

Types of full arch dental implants

Based on the type of treatment, there are three types of full arch implants –

 

Implant supported dentures

These are used for restoration to replace a complete arch of teeth. Here, the denture is removable and can be snapped on or off of the implants. These types of dentures are more affordable. They can be removed and cleaned easily. When needed, these can be upgraded to permanent dentures. But they can be a little uncomfortable when compared to other types of full arch implants.

 

All on 4 or All on 6

This is the commonest dental implant procedure. Here the full arch bridge may be supported either by 4 implants or 6 implants. This is different from implant supported dentures as the prosthesis in this case is permanently fixed and cannot be removed on your own. These are more stable.

 

Full arch zirconia

Zirconia is composed of ceramic and closely resembles real teeth. These implants are very strong and these are non removable.

 

Advantages of full arch dental implants

  • This procedure restores the normal ability to chew, speak, smile confidently, and eat well for people who have had tooth loss.
  • Implants and prosthetic teeth provide long lasting restoration which mimics natural teeth. The lifespan is one of the biggest pros of full arch restoration.
  • These are more stable and stronger than other forms of tooth replacement.
  • This procedure will halt or slow the loss of jaw bone which normally occurs with tooth loss.
  • Full arches are more comfortable than other conventional alternatives which cause discomfort as they pinch the gums and even food particles get lodged.
  • Full arch implants maintain the facial features and jaw structure
  • These are more stable and won’t slip while you eat or sneeze or laugh unlike denture adhesives and other forms of tooth replacement.

 

Who is a good candidate for getting the full-arch dental implants procedure?

Any one who has missing or damaged teeth and good oral health can get these dental implants. Your oral health, medical health issues and the health of your jawbone are major factors that decide whether you can get full arch implants or not. See our experts to know more.

 

How many sessions are needed for full arch dental implants?

The time for each session and the number of sessions will be based on the amount of work needed before placing the implants. You need less sessions if you are getting a full set of teeth the same day as the implants. Generally, 3-4 sessions are needed.

If you need bone grafting or other treatments, you will naturally need more sessions and time.

 

What is the recovery time after a full arch implants procedure?

Complete healing for the implants takes 10-15 weeks. But major recovery with reduction in pain and discomfort will take place in the first week. In the first week, there will be some swelling in the gums and jaws may be a little sensitive or painful. But this can be managed with over the counter painkillers and other measures. You can eat soft and non-irritating food during the first week. You can return to work and normal activities the next day.

 

How long do full arch implants last?

The implants will last a lifetime with good care. The dentures will need replacement after 10-15 years due to wear and tear.

See the specialists

Visit Kirkland Premier Dentistry to know more about full arch dental implants and other restoration procedures. This procedure can make an incredible difference when you get it done from the best in the field. Contact us now to get help.

 

FAQs

 

  • How much do full upper arch dental implants cost?

The full arch dental implant price is affected by many factors. The overall health of your jaw, existing medical issues, whether you will need four or six implants, if other oral health issues need to be treated first, etc, are the variables affecting the cost of treatment. Schedule your appointment so that our expert at Kirkland Premier Dentistry can examine you and inform you about the exact cost of the treatment.

  • Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Insurance agencies consider this to be a cosmetic procedure. So, you will have to check with your insurance company for how much coverage they will provide. Some will provide coverage up to 50% of the treatment cost.

  • What specialist is best for dental implants?

You need an experienced endodontist or an oral surgeon for successful dental implants. Reach out to us for getting treatment by highly skilled and experienced dentists in Kirkland.

  • How many teeth are in a full arch implant?

Both upper and lower arches have 16 teeth each. There can be 4 to 6 implants in a full arch dental implant. If a patient is getting both upper and lower arches restored, then a total of 8 implants will be used with four used for each. There is always an option to replace all lost teeth with implants rather than with dentures but the cost is too high in that case. This is why people opt for dentures for the remaining teeth. 

 

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