Full Mouth Dental Implants Procedure
If you're missing all of your teeth, you may be wondering what kind of solution can restore your smile and improve how your mouth functions. Full mouth dental implants might be that solution. These implants don't just replace your teeth; they also replace the roots, which helps maintain your jawbone and keeps your face from taking on a sunken appearance over time.
Compared to removable dentures, full mouth dental implants offer more stability and strength. While the procedure takes time, many people find that the results are worth it. Here's what to expect during the full mouth dental implant process.
Step 1: Evaluating and Planning the Procedure
The first step of your dental implant procedure is a thorough dental exam. This includes X-rays, 3D scans, and making impressions of your mouth. Your dentist will inspect your gums and jawbone to see if you're a good candidate for the procedure. If you don’t have enough bone to support the implants, a bone graft may be necessary.
Step 2: Placing the Dental Implant
Once your dentist determines you are ready for surgery, they will begin the placement process of the implants into your jaw. Dental implants are small titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots which allow for the placement of prosthetic, natural-looking teeth. Your dentist will make small incisions in the gums and drill holes in the bone for the dental implants. Typically, four to eight implants are placed per arch, depending on your specific needs.
After the implants are placed, temporary teeth may be attached so you can eat and smile while the healing process begins.
Step 3: Implant Integration
The healing and integration phase is called osseointegration. Osseointegration is the process by which a dental implant fuses with the natural bone of a patient.
It’s important to understand that healing after a full mouth dental implant procedure can take several months (often two to six months). During this time, you’ll need to follow your dentist’s at-home care instructions. Avoid chewing hard foods on the healing implants, and brush and floss thoroughly.
Step 4: Attaching the Abutment
Once the implants are fully integrated with the jawbone, your dentist will reopen the gums to attach abutments to each implant. These abutments hold your new, permanent teeth in place. In some cases, abutments are placed at the same time as the implants. This depends on your specific treatment plan.
Step 5: Fitting the Tooth Replacement Prosthetic
The last stage involves fitting your custom-made prosthetic teeth onto the abutments. Your new teeth are designed to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth. Once secured, they function like real teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile like normal.
What Happens After the Full Mouth Dental Implant Placement Procedure?
Recovery after the final fitting is generally pretty quick and easy. Most patients can return to normal activities shortly afterward.
With proper care, full mouth dental implants can last for decades. Regular dental visits and daily brushing and flossing will help keep your implants healthy and strong.
If you're thinking about replacing missing teeth, talk to your dentist to see if full mouth dental implants are right for you. They may be the long-term solution you’ve been looking for.