Full Arch Dental Implants
Naperville, IL
Full Arch Dental Implant provided by Dr. Michael Scherer
in Naperville, IL at Wheaton Oral Surgery
Are you struggling with missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures? If so, dental implants could be your best tooth replacement option. Depending on your needs, they can replace a single tooth or all of your teeth.
However, when you need to replace an entire arch of teeth, full-arch dental implants are the best option. These implants are designed to provide a secure and permanent solution for tooth loss in the upper or lower arch. Our team of experienced Naperville oral surgeons at Wheaton Oral Surgery will ensure that your full arch dental implant procedure is successful and as painless as possible.
What Are Full Arch Dental Implants?
Full-arch dental implants are sometimes referred to as All-on-4 implants (this is a trademarked brand), or implant-supported dentures.
This type of implant dentistry replaces an entire arch of missing teeth with four or six strategically placed dental implants to support dentures.
Typically, the prostheses consist of screws made of ceramic or titanium that fuse with the jawbone and an abutment - which is an implant post that connects to dental prosthetics. Full arch implants offer a permanent and natural-looking solution to individuals who have lost all or most of their teeth.
How Do Full Arch Dental Implants Work?
Full-arch dental implants provide a stable and long-lasting solution for tooth loss. The procedure involves placing dental implants, which are titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone. These implants act as artificial teeth roots, securely anchoring the dental prosthesis.
Once the implants are placed, a customized dental prosthesis is attached to them. This prosthesis, often made from high-quality materials like porcelain or zirconia, resembles natural teeth and is designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, providing a beautiful and functional smile.
Benefits of Full Arch Dental Implants
There are numerous advantages to choosing full-arch dental implants.
Unlike traditional removable dentures, full arch dental implants are firmly secured in the jawbone, offering exceptional stability, and eliminating the need for adhesives. This ensures a comfortable fit that feels natural. Full arch implants also restore tooth functionality.
Tooth loss can lead to bone resorption, which can cause a sunken appearance and premature aging. However, full-arch dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to maintain its shape and prevent bone loss. Moreover, full-arch dental implants provide a natural-looking smile, restoring self-confidence.
Another benefit of full-arch dental implants is that they are durable enough to last you many years and sometimes for a lifetime. However, this will depend on the patient and how they care for the implants.
Are Full Arch Dental Implants Right for You?
Several factors need to be considered to determine if full arch dental implants suit you.
Candidacy for Full Arch Dental Implants
Full arch dental implants are suitable for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth due to decay, periodontal disease, injury, or trauma in one or both arches. For the procedure to succeed, candidates must also have adequate jawbone density and volume to support dental implants. In addition, good overall oral health and general health are essential.
Factors to Consider for Full Arch Dental Implants
Before undergoing full arch dental implants, there are a few considerations to remember.
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Generally, your dental history and lifestyle habits, such as smoking or alcohol consumption, should be evaluated.
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Your overall health is also important to consider before opting for full-arch dental implants.
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Some medical conditions or medications may affect the success of dental implant surgery.
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Additionally, your dentist will assess the condition of your jawbone. Sufficient bone density and volume are necessary to support the dental implants. Additional procedures like bone grafting may be required in cases of bone loss.
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Another thing to keep in mind is the cost of the procedure. Full arch dental implants are an investment in your oral health. Therefore, the price of implant dentistry can vary depending on your needs. Our team will provide you with a complete estimate before beginning treatment. |
The Full Arch Dental Implant Procedure
Full arch dental implant surgery is a multi-step process. The procedure typically involves several phases. These include evaluation and planning, preparatory procedures, implant placement, healing and osseointegration, and the restorative phase.
Evaluation and Planning
This phase thoroughly evaluates your oral health, including radiographs and 3D imaging. This step is essential for creating a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs and assessing your oral health, including jawbone density and volume.
Preparatory Procedures
If our oral surgeon discovers that your jawbone needs additional support, we may recommend preparatory procedures like a bone graft or sinus lift. These procedures are necessary to restore the jawbone's density and volume before implant placement.
Procedures like extraction and ridge augmentation may also be necessary if you have several missing teeth in the arch.
Implant Placement
The dental implants will be strategically placed into the jawbone during this surgical phase. The number of implants required may vary depending on your case.
For instance, a complete arch restoration involves four to six lower or upper jaw implant posts. Since the upper jawbone is less dense than the lower bone, a minimum of four implants are necessary for upper arch restoration. These four implant posts act as a foundation for the prosthesis and help to prevent excess pressure in the soft tissues.
Contrastingly, restoration of the lower arch can be achieved with two implants. This is because the lower jawbone is denser than the upper bone and thus requires fewer implants.
Healing and Osseointegration
After implant placement, a healing period is necessary to allow the implants to fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration. This ensures the stability and strength of the implants. The average healing time for full upper arch dental implants is three months.
Restorative Phase
Once the healing is complete, the dental prosthesis will be fabricated and securely attached to the implants. This step involves customizing the prosthesis to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile.
FAQs About Full Arch Dental Implants
How Long Does the Full Arch Dental Implant Procedure Take?
The standard All-on-4 full arch dental implant procedure typically takes one to two hours to complete. However, the time needed may vary depending on the case's complexity and whether it is a single arch or both arches are replaced.
Is the Full Arch Dental Implant Procedure Painful?
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort. Afterwards, any discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
How Long Do Full Arch Dental Implants Last?
With proper care and maintenance, full arch dental implants can last more than 20 years, if not a lifetime. However, prosthetic teeth can wear out due to normal wear and tear, which can be replaced or repaired every 15 years.
Can Full Arch Dental Implants Be Removed?
Even though full-arch dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution, there are cases in which they may need to be removed. This can happen due to early or late implant failure caused by infection or inflammation.
Other times, the implants may need to be removed due to a change in the position or angle of the prosthesis. If any of these issues arise, our team can assess and provide the best solution for you.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions After Getting Full Arch Dental Implants?
Immediately following the full arch dental implant procedure, you need to take certain precautions with your diet. This includes avoiding hard, crunchy, spicy, acidic, or sticky foods for the first few weeks after the procedure. These dietary restrictions can be lifted once the healing is complete, and the prosthesis is securely in place.
Can I Get Full Arch Dental Implants if I Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease can compromise the success of dental implant treatment. Healthy gums and oral hygiene are crucial before the full arch dental implant procedure. We will evaluate your oral health and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.
Schedule With Your Naperville IL Oral Surgeon Today!
Full arch dental implants offer a life-changing solution for individuals with extensive tooth loss. If you're seeking a permanent, comfortable, and natural-looking smile restoration, consult with our qualified team at Wheaton Oral Surgery to determine if full arch dental implants are right for you. Give us a call at (331) 204-0314 to book an appointment. |
