Full Arch Implants
Full Arch Implants in Groton, MA
What Does Full Arch Implant Mean?
A dental implant serves as an artificial tooth root, surgically positioned in the jawbone. It offers a solution that traditional root canal treatments may fail to provide. Typically crafted from titanium, a biocompatible material, the implant seamlessly bonds with the bone, forming a sturdy foundation. In the case of a single-tooth replacement, a crown is affixed to the implant for a natural look and feel.
However, when addressing the replacement of an entire set of teeth, usually, four implants are necessary to support dentures. Known as full-arch dental implants, these are also referred to as implant-supported dentures or All-on-4. Though they serve the same purpose, there are slight differences between these two types of replacement teeth. Here is an explanation to assist you in discerning the variance and making an informed decision.
Types of Full Arch Implants
Full arch implants come in diverse forms. In one instance, a full arch may mean replacing four teeth with a single implant. In other cases, a full arch implant may mean replacing up to six teeth at a go.
Implant-Supported Dentures
One form of full arch dental implants involves implant-supported dentures. These dentures can be secured with a few dental implants. They are placed surgically into the jawbone, providing a foundation for the dentures to snap onto. Depending on your preference, implant-supported dentures can be either removable or permanent. Removable dentures can be taken out at night for cleaning, while permanent dentures stay in place constantly and are cleaned like natural teeth.
All-on-4 Treatment
Another type of full arch dental implant treatment, known as All-on-4, entails placing four dental implants into the jawbone at specific angles and positions to support a complete arch denture. The All-on-4 treatment offers a permanent denture that can only be removed by your dentist. This approach is suitable for patients with some degree of jawbone loss, eliminating the necessity for a bone graft procedure.
Who is a Suitable Candidate?
Full-arch dental implants are an excellent choice for individuals who have lost most or all of their teeth in one or both arches. This can happen due to accidents or diseases such as periodontal disease. Further, the procedure is ideal for those who desire a permanent and natural-looking tooth replacement or improved chewing ability and speech. Those who have suffered from excessive teeth whitening effects may also want to consider implants. Generally, consider full arch implants if you have lost your teeth and want to enhance your overall oral health.
Advantages of Full Arch Dental Implants
Natural-Looking Teeth
Bone loss in the jaw caused by traditional dentures can result in a sunken appearance. However, implant-supported dentures allow you to maintain the natural shape of your jaw and face. A significant benefit of full-arch dental implants is their ability to create a smile that looks completely natural. The artificial teeth connected to the implants closely resemble natural teeth, both in how they look and how they function.
Improved Chewing and Speech
Full-arch dental implants provide better chewing and speaking abilities compared to dental crowns or standard dentures. With stable dentures supported by implants, you can comfortably enjoy a wide variety of foods and speak clearly without worrying about dentures slipping or making noise.
Enhanced Oral Health
Implant-supported dentures contribute to improved oral health by preventing jawbone loss. Unlike traditional dentures, which can speed up bone loss, full-arch dental implants stimulate the nearby bone, preserving its structure and strength.
Enhanced Comfort
Dentures that are secured in place by dental implants are more comfortable than traditional dentures, which can cause discomfort by pinching the gums and trapping food particles underneath. Further, implants provide superior support compared to denture adhesives and suction. They remain firmly in place and do not slip while you are eating, speaking, laughing, sneezing, and so on.
Improved Bone Health
Dental implants strengthen the jawbone and prevent bone loss. In contrast, traditional dentures can lead to weakening and eventual dissolution of the jawbone.
Dental Implants Last Forever
Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime. One of the primary advantages of dental implants is that once they have fused with the bone, they can remain functional indefinitely. While dentures may wear out over time and require replacement, the cost of replacement is often significantly lower than the initial cost of placing the implants.
Dental Implant Steps
The entire arch dental implant treatment happens in four steps. Smiles of Groton experts recommend following through all four stages for proper healing.
Step 1 – Initial Consultation
The journey toward full-arch dental implants begins with your first meeting with an implant dentist. During this visit, the dentist will check your oral health, talk about what you want, and decide if you are a good fit for the procedure. You may also undergo tooth extractions to remove any broken teeth in preparation for the implant.
Step 2 – Placing the Implants
If the dentist thinks you are a good fit, the next step is the implant placement surgery. This surgery puts titanium implants carefully into your jawbone. The number of implants needed can vary based on the kind of full arch implant chosen.
Step 3 – Temporary Teeth Placement
After the implants are in, you will get temporary replacement teeth attached to them. These temporary teeth usually let you eat and talk while the implants join with the bone.
Step 4 – Final Replacement Teeth
When the implants are wholly joined with the bone, usually after a few months, your final replacement teeth are made and firmly attached. These new teeth are made to look, feel, and work just like natural teeth.
Full arch dental implants offer redemption for individuals who have lost some or all their teeth. This option allows your dentist to anchor a full arch of teeth on just four or six implants. Although the process is quite time-consuming, it guarantees normalcy once the teeth have been implanted. If you need teeth replacement, talk to our dentists at Smiles of Groton to know whether you are suitable for full arch implants. Call us today at (978) 449-4679.
