Full Mouth Dental Implants Procedure

Dental implants can be used to restore missing teeth, even if you’re missing all of your teeth! Implants can be used as the supporting structure for a denture or bridge. Using an implant to restore missing teeth is beneficial to your bone structure as well as the overall health of your mouth.

What are the advantages of implant-supported dentures or bridges as opposed to traditional dentures and bridges?

Having dental implants placed to support a denture or bridge is very advantageous! Dental implants work as the root of your tooth and are much more stable than traditional dentures and bridges. Implants help generate bone structure that may have been lost due to missing teeth. The jaw bone begins to deteriorate over time when there is nothing there to stimulate regeneration and since dental implants integrate with your jaw bone, they are able to encourage bone regeneration.

Since implants integrate with your jaw, they make dentures and bridges much more secure and stable than traditional versions that use adhesion, suction, and/or cement. This allows for a much more natural-looking dental restoration and is also easier to maintain and care for.

How are dental implants placed?

Implant Placement Surgery

An oral surgeon or periodontist will place your actual implants into your jaw bone under local anesthesia. A healing cap is placed directly over the implants to protect them while you heal. The allotted healing time for implants is usually about six months, allowing for the implants to integrate properly and securely into the jaw bone. Your dentist will give you a temporary denture to wear while your implants heal so that you are able to eat and speak normally.

Once your dental implants have integrated and are fully healed, the healing caps will be removed and an abutment will be placed into each implant. The abutment allows your dentist to secure your bridge or denture to the implant.

Bridge or Denture Placement

Your dentist will have determined what type of dental prosthesis will be best for you before your implants are ever placed. If you are receiving a dental bridge or denture, they can be placed once your implants have fully healed and your gum tissue is healthy.

The type of prosthetic used will depend on the number of implants placed. Some dentures are screwed directly into the implants and others are clipped into an anchor that is secured in the implant. If the latter is used, you can take your denture out on your own but if the former is used, your dentist will have to remove it for you.

An implant-supported dental prosthesis is a more aesthetic and secure option in comparison to traditional dentures and bridges. They are also better for the overall health of your mouth and face structure. Every case is different and some patients may not be a candidate for dental implants. Your dentist can help you determine the best path of treatment for you.

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