Many people with multiple dental issues are considering whether to have full-mouth dental implants. It’s not a decision they’ll want to take lightly, because it may involve a lot of time, treatment, and money. It may be that either you or someone close to you has been recommended to take this course of action. If that’s the case, this article will discuss whether it’s really worth having full-mouth dental implants.
What They Are
Full mouth dental implants are artificial tooth roots that look and feel just like real ones, only better. They replace the natural root of one or more teeth with a metal alloy post called an implant abutment. The abutment is what attaches to your crowns. When crowns are securely placed over the implants, they look and feel just like your natural teeth when you chew and speak
With full mouth dental implants, medical-grade titanium is used because it has high strength properties combined with relatively low weight. This means a less long-term strain on the supporting bone structure beneath them. This also makes for a more natural-feeling implant.
Crowns – The Basics
A crown is a tooth-shaped porcelain or resin shell that fits over the implant abutment. It replaces missing teeth and protects your jawbone from further decay. Crowns are made in various materials but one of the most popular options for full mouth implants are veneers. They can also be used to:
- close gaps between teeth
- cover stained surfaces
- lengthen short stumpy looking front teeth
- correct gum line imperfections caused by previous restorations
Online ReSearch
You can find great articles and blogs by simply searching online using Google. They are often written by dental specialists and professionals, using medical websites and those belonging to specific dental practices. In terms of full dental implants, you can learn about Zirconia full arch bridges and snap-in dentures. There’s often information about financing, the quality of the material, implant sizes, bone graft procedures, and more.
Dental Consultations And Dentures
It’s important to contact a dental specialist so you can talk over your individual options and receive their information and advice. If possible, try seeking a dentist who has had years of experience doing these types of procedures.
Dentures can be uncomfortable to wear as they will rub against the inside of your mouth, causing sores or ulcers which can become infected if not treated properly. Full mouth dental implants are just like natural teeth, so there is no discomfort wearing them. This is because all the facial muscles are able to work together naturally without any need for adjustment by the patient or dentist.
The Advantages And Treatment Timescales
Full mouth dental implants have a significantly lower failure rate than partial ones – around half a percent versus six. They are also less likely to damage the jawbone. There is a greater chance of infection if you have more teeth removed at one time, but this should be outweighed by the benefits.
The entire treatment from initial consultation to the end could be anywhere between six months to one year, depending on how complicated your case is. However, it’s important that you keep up with regular checkups throughout this time as well as adhering to post-operative care instructions. Most people can expect to go through a two-stage process where they first receive four implants and then later on in the same treatment visit, implants are placed for all the remaining teeth. This usually takes about three hours but may take longer if bone grafting is required beforehand.
The Risks And Recovery Times
If you don’t take care of your teeth, implants can cause some risks. This is because they are placed in the bone and not between the gum lines etc. These risks include infections or difficulties eating food (This could be due to sharp pieces on the new crowns/crowns). There could also be pain during the treatment if there’s a problem – and this scenario would have more risks associated with it. The risk of infection usually reduces within three weeks after surgery, but it could be longer depending on your case.
The recovery time could take between six and twelve months. You will have to eat a soft diet for about one month after your surgery, which means no steak or crunchy snacks etc. Some people only take three months to recover fully from their treatment (with no pain).
Durability, Discoloration, And Maintenance
Full mouth dental implants can last a lifetime. The success rate of the surgery is around 94%, and they require very little maintenance afterward. They don’t decay like natural teeth, even when you’re eating sugar.
Dental implants discolor because of the resin material that is used to create a tooth-colored crown. However, there are several different shades and you can select which one works best if your dental implant discolor. You can still brush your teeth twice daily and floss as normal. The only maintenance that is needed for implants is having your dental professional clean them every six months.
Suitability And Costs
These implants are suitable for people who are missing many teeth or who can’t chew food well. Another scenario is tooth decay that has caused a loss of enamel or gum recession. It depends on each individual whether their jawbone would be suitable enough to hold onto an implant, and only a dentist can answer this.
They might not be for you if:
- your oral hygiene isn’t great and you’ve had a lot of restorative work already
- you don’t wear any dentures
- you have a severe gum disease
Dental implants are expensive, but it is really worth considering them if you want to improve your smile and overall oral health. Replacing missing teeth with removable dentures can cost more.
If you end up having full mouth dental implants you will soon reap the benefits. They will be comfortable, great to look at, and easy to eat with. Whilst they will cost you money they may be seen as a worthwhile investment in your self-confidence and wellbeing, enhancing your smile for the rest of your life.
Photo via Unsplash
.
.
