Dental implants are widely praised as a superior choice for tooth replacement if you have a tooth that’s either missing or too damaged to be saved. But what if you’re missing most or all of your teeth?
You may initially think that dentures are your only option, however full mouth dental implants are highly recommended as a permanent, comfortable, and natural feeling option.
To help you make the best choice for your oral health, here are some things you should know about full mouth dental implants and why they may be right for you.
What are Full Mouth Dental Implants?
Full mouth dental implants can be a permanent, fixed, or even removable solution for missing or damaged teeth. They are typically necessary when most or all teeth are missing, if you’re suffering from severe decay, advanced gum disease, or have uncomfortable dentures.
With full mouth implants, you will not need an individual implant for every single tooth. Instead, your dentist will use a few strategically placed implants that act as anchors for a full set of teeth.
Full mouth dental implants help to fully restore chewing functions, speech, and smile aesthetics. They are a great solution for anyone seeking to restore their oral health and functionality with a permanent, durable, and long lasting solution.
How are Full Mouth Dental Implants Placed?
Initially, your doctor may recommend implants after performing some initial diagnostics and through a consultation. For full mouth implants, the process for placing multiple implants is similar to that of placing one implant.
To determine the best placement of your implants, your dentist will perform an examination, conduct a CT scan, and use computer simulation programs to map out implant positions. This allows for a smoother and more accurate surgical process.
If you still have teeth that need to be extracted, or if you need bone shaping, your dentist may do those at the same time that the implants are placed. To place your implants, your dentist will first install titanium rods to replace missing tooth roots.
Next, crowns may be installed as temporary replacements during the healing process and afterwards replaced with your permanent implant. Alternatively, you may receive implants that come with the permanent extension already attached, giving you the full set of teeth in one procedure.
Your dentist will help you determine whether a one-procedure solution is right for you, or if you would be better having your implants installed in stages.
Why are Full Mouth Implants Better than Dentures?
There are a few reasons why implants are a better choice for many patients. The feel, look, and function of dental implants is the closest you can mimic to natural teeth.
One of the biggest benefits is the ability of restoring functionality of your natural bite and chewing power. This is because unlike dentures, the teeth will be anchored to roots that are attached to your jawbone, similar to natural teeth.
Because of their durability and stability, dental implants also help aide in natural speech, require no adhesives, and can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
Implants are also a healthier choice for your jaw bone and longterm oral health by preventing bone loss. The titanium rods stimulate the bone and encourage bone growth when you chew or touch your teeth together, just as your natural teeth would.
Dentures and bridges sit on top of the gum without root replacement, so they aren’t able to stimulate the jaw bone in this way. Without stimulation, you’ll experience bone loss that can cause cosmetic, dental, and physical health problems.
How Long Does it Take to Get Full Mouth Dental Implants?
From start to finish, the dental implant process can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months to complete. This includes your initial consultation and examinations, surgical appointments, healing time, and follow up visits.
Learn more about each of these appointments, timeline, and general process in our article: How Many Appointments are Needed for a Dental Implant?
How Much Do Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost?
While implants may be more expensive in the short-term, they provide longterm health and financial benefits when compared to alternatives such as dentures and bridges.
Properly cared for implants can last a lifetime making them more cost-effective vs. dentures and bridges that oftentimes require repair and replacement.
If your dentist deems you a viable candidate for dental implants, they can help discuss financial options which often involves a mix of personal savings, insurance coverage, and specialized financing options.
Need More Information or Have Additional Questions?
Deciding if full mouth dental implants are right for you can be a big decision. Your dental team can help discuss both your treatment and financial options when determining a solution to missing or damaged teeth.
If you’d like to learn more about dental implants or request an initial consultation, please contact us. We’re here to help!
