Can You Get Full Mouth Dental Implants?
Full mouth dental implants are an optimal method used in modern dentistry to replace missing teeth. The full mouth dental implant procedure is also one of the more challenging and complicated procedures dentists are able to perform. In order to ensure a successful outcome, it is important for the dentist to be accurate and precise. Dentists who offer full mouth dental implants are often Board Certified. A patient’s desired outcome can still be a challenge for dentists who have completed this additional training.
Full Mouth Dental Implant Procedure
When the teeth in the entire jaw require replacement, full mouth dental implants are an ideal solution. Full mouth dental implants provide patients with the ability to completely restore the appearance, comfort and functionality of their natural teeth.
The full mouth dental implant procedure typically includes the following steps:
- Planning and Diagnosis: this phase can take a few weeks to complete. It typically includes x-rays, virtual planning, diagnostic mock-ups and the smile design
- Placement of Dental Implants
- Six to eight implants are placed in the upper jaw
- Four to six implants are placed in the lower jaw
- Fabrication of Fixed Temporary Bridges
- Natural-looking, durable porcelain teeth are securely attached to the implants using screws or dental cement
Expectations of Full Mouth Dental Implants
The outcome of treatment can widely vary from patient to patient based on the details of the individual case. The procedure starts with placing the dental implants directly into the jawbone. Modern dentistry offers dentists the ability to attach fixed temporary bridges on the implants once they are secured. This allows patients a smooth transition from the beginning stage of removing damaged teeth to the end stages of placing the permanent bridges. Once the permanent implant bridges are attached, they provide patients with restored function, added comfort and improved appearance. Full mouth dental implants are the most comprehensive dental solution available today.
Maintaining Dental Implants
Maintaining new dental implants is a similar process of caring for your natural teeth. It requires a good oral hygiene routine and regular, thorough cleanings. This typically includes brushing the teeth twice or more each day, regular flossing, using a Waterpik when needed, and twice a year dental exams and professional cleanings. Compared to natural teeth, implants do not decay. While patients are not encouraged to change their oral hygiene regimen, at home care is actually less important with implants than with natural teeth.
A night guard is often provided by the dentist for patients in order to help protect the new implants. A night guard is a clear, plastic retainer which should be worn at night while sleeping to prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming in contact with each other or grinding. Night guards are especially critical for patients who have a history of grinding or clenching their teeth.
Full Mouth Dental Implant Cost
The cost for full mouth dental implants will vary drastically based on numerous components which can include the geographical region where the procedure is being performed, the dentist performing the procedure, the type of implants being used, whether or not bone grafting is required and the number of implants being placed. The average cost for full mouth dental implants is typically about $30,000 to $70,000.