Learning to Manage Your Dental Problems

Full-Arch Options And What To Expect When Implants Are Involved

28 July 2023 by Charlotte Beck

If you have lost most or all of your teeth, you may be considering full-arch rehabilitation. This is a dental procedure that involves replacing your missing teeth with artificial ones, either fixed or removable. Here is a bit of information about full-arch options and what you can expect from the rehabilitation process when implants are involved.

Full-arch Options 

There are multiple full-arch options. Here are some of them.

Dentures

These are removable appliances that replace your entire upper or lower arch of teeth. They are held in place by suction or adhesive, and they can be taken out for cleaning and maintenance. Dentures are the most affordable option for full-arch rehabilitation, but they may also have some drawbacks, such as slipping, discomfort, bone loss, and reduced taste sensation.

Implant-supported Dentures

These are dentures that are attached to dental implants that are placed in your jawbone surgically. They offer more stability and security than conventional dentures, as well as prevent bone loss and preserve your facial structure. Implant-supported dentures can be either fixed or removable, depending on the number and location of the implants.

All-on-4

This is an implant-supported denture that uses only four implants per arch to secure and support a full set of teeth. The implants are strategically placed at an angle to maximize the use of available bone and avoid the need for bone grafting. All-on-4 is a minimally invasive and cost-effective option for full arch rehabilitation that can be completed in one day.

Zygomatic Implants

These are special implants that are inserted into the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) instead of the jawbone. They are used for patients who have insufficient bone in the upper jaw to support regular implants. Zygomatic implants can support a fixed or removable prosthesis that replaces the entire upper arch of teeth.

What to Expect From Implant-supported Full-arch Rehabilitation

The process of getting a full-arch rehabilitation may vary depending on the type of prosthesis you choose, but it generally involves the following steps:

• Consultation. Your dentist will examine your mouth and take x-rays, impressions, and photos of your teeth and gums. They will also discuss your goals and preferences with you and explain the pros and cons of each option.
• Treatment plan. Your dentist will design a customized treatment plan for you that outlines the steps, costs, and timeline of your full arch rehabilitation. They will also answer any questions or concerns you may have.
• Preparation. Your dentist will prepare your mouth for the procedure by extracting any remaining teeth that need to be removed, placing bone grafts if needed, and fitting you with temporary teeth if necessary.
• Surgery. Your dentist will perform the surgery to place the implants in your jawbone or zygomatic bone.
• Adjustment. Your dentist will check the fit and function of your new teeth and make any adjustments if needed.

To learn more about full-arch rehabilitation, contact a dentist in your local area.

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