Despite being perhaps the best option for replacing all of the teeth in one or both jaws, full mouth dental implant procedures are one of the most challenging dental treatments that require a high level of precision and expertise. Read on to learn more about full mouth dental implants and who is a candidate for the procedure.
Full Mouth Dental Implant Treatment Overview
In situations where a person needs to replace all the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw, full mouth dental implants offer an effective solution that many patients find preferable to conventional dentures or dental bridges. Compared to natural healthy teeth, a full mouth implant restoration is the only way to fully restore function, comfort, and appearance.
Full mouth dental implant treatments typically consist of:
* An initial diagnosis and planning stage that includes X-rays, virtual planning, diagnostic mock-ups, CT scans, etc. This could take multiple weeks to complete.
* Surgery to place the dental implants: typically involves placing six to eight implants for an upper jaw and four to six for the lower jaw.
* Fixed temporary bridge(s) is fabricated that is worn until permanent crowns are mounted.
* Porcelain crowns that are color-matched to the patient’s natural teeth are mounted on the implant using screws or dental cement.
Who is a Candidate for the Procedure?
While there is no upper age limit for getting dental implants, the procedure is typically not suitable for people under the age of 18. This is because a person’s jawbone must be fully developed before implants can be placed which often does not occur until early adulthood.
Although age is generally not prohibitive when considering a person’s candidacy for dental implants, certain health conditions, like cancer, diabetes, periodontal disease, or insufficient jawbone density, could prevent someone from undergoing the procedure. Certain conditions, such as poor jawbone density, could be addressed with a bone grafting procedure prior to undergoing implant surgery.
What to Expect With a Full Mouth Implant Treatment
The extent of the procedure will vary depending on the patient’s individual preferences and condition but will begin by placing the metal dental implants into the jaw. Often, a fixed temporary bridge will be placed on the implants the same day the implants are surgically embedded. This allows an easy transition from no teeth to a full set of temporary teeth in a single visit. Once placed, the permanent crown completes the procedure and fully restores comfort, function, and appearance.
How to Maintain the New Teeth
Patients should clean and maintain their dental implants the same way they would their natural teeth. This includes flossing daily, brushing twice a day, and visiting the dentist for routine examinations and professional cleanings. Because they are permanently affixed to the jaw, dental implants to not have to be removed for cleaning or when sleeping.
What Does the Treatment Cost?
Overall cost will vary depending on the location and expertise of the doctor performing surgery, the number of implants used, and the need for additional procedures (i.e. bone grafts or tooth extraction). On average, patients can expect a full mouth dental implant treatment to range between $30,000 to $70,000.