Key Takeaways:
- Full-mouth dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth.
- They involve fixing four to six implants per row of teeth for stability.
- There are two main types of full mouth dental implants: all on 4 and same day.
- Other options include zirconia bridges and full implants no-denture.
- Alternative options to full mouth dental implants include dentures and dental bridges.
What Are Full Mouth Dental Implants?
Full mouth dental implants are a comprehensive dental solution for individuals who have lost most or all of their teeth. They involve the surgical placement of titanium posts into the jawbone, which serve as roots for the new artificial teeth. These implants provide a stable foundation for the replacement teeth. Implants can help restore chewing function and appearance, and may help reduce the bone loss that often follows tooth loss, although results vary.
Benefits of Full-Mouth Dental Implants
1. Preservation of Bone Structure
The jawbone, which is underneath the gum, gives it support and stability. This is why you can talk, eat or use your jaw freely without issues. When a tooth is lost, the bone that supported it can gradually shrink because it is no longer stimulated.
Implants transfer chewing forces into the jawbone, which may help maintain bone in the implant area.
2. Considerations for People with a High Caries Index
People with a high caries index may have an increased risk of tooth decay, which can contribute to tooth damage or tooth loss if not managed. For some patients with significant tooth loss or complex dental needs, full-mouth dental implants may be considered as one of the available tooth replacement options. A dentist will assess factors such as oral health, bone support and individual circumstances before recommending suitable treatment options.
3. Long-Term Stability
Unlike dentures, which usually need relining or replacement over time, implants are anchored in the bone, although the teeth attached to them may still need repairs or replacement.
With proper care, full mouth dental implants can last many years. High long-term survival rates are reported in published studies, but results vary between patients depending on oral hygiene, smoking, general health and other factors.
4. Preservation of Adjacent Teeth
Where some natural teeth remain, implants may help reduce shifting of those teeth. When you put too much pressure on your remaining teeth, especially on the teeth adjacent to the missing ones, it causes wear and tear.
Implant-supported teeth may help take pressure off any remaining teeth.
Full-Mouth Dental Implants Cost
The cost of full-mouth dental implants depends on the number of implants, the type of bridge and whether one or both jaws are treated. At Coolamon Dental Centre, full-mouth All-on-4/X treatment for both the upper and lower jaws starts from $38,000 with acrylic teeth and from $50,000 with zirconia teeth. Treatment for one jaw starts from $19,000 (acrylic) or $25,000 (zirconia). Your final cost is confirmed after assessment. The cost varies depending on several factors, including the specific treatment plan and the number of implants required. It’s important to consult with a dental professional for a detailed estimate based on individual needs. Some health insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost.
What Are The Options Of Full-Mouth Dental Implants?
There are two main types of full-mouth dental implants.
All on 4 Dental Implants
The all-on-4 dental implants are made from acrylic fused to titanium, monolithic zirconia, and porcelain stacked to a cobalt-chromium frame.
This technique or method requires replacing the upper or lower set of teeth with just four implants. These implants are then what act as the pillar or support mechanism for the new or fixed teeth about to be placed.
Same-Day Dental Implants
Same-day dental implant treatment refers to cases where an implant may be placed and a temporary restoration may be provided on the same day, where clinically suitable. The treatment approach depends on factors such as your oral health, bone condition, treatment requirements and the assessment of your dentist.
This approach is sometimes referred to as “teeth in a day.” However, the suitability of same-day implant treatment and the timing of each treatment stage can vary between patients. Your dentist will discuss the available options and what you can expect throughout the treatment process.
At Coolamon Dental Centre, our team provides dental implant consultations in Ellenbrook to assess your needs and discuss suitable tooth replacement options.
Other Options
Full-mouth dental implants have other types, which include:
Zirconia Bridges
Here, there’s the use of about six to eight dental implants, which can provide additional support for the bridge.
Full-Implants No-Denture
This option suits patients with enough gum and bone to support one implant per missing tooth, with crowns or bridges fixed on top.
Traditional Removable Prosthetics
In traditional removable prosthetics, implants are needed to hold them down and in place whilst being supported by gums.
All-On-Six Dental Implants
This is similar to the all-on-four, except that this involves six implants instead of four. The extra implants spread the load across more support points.
What Are the Procedures for Full-Mouth Dental Implants?
Initial Consultation & Treatment Planning
The first step is to meet with an implant dentist to determine if you are fit for the treatment. You should know that dental implant treatment is not suitable for everyone. There are certain rules to meet:
- You should have enough strong bone in your jaw to support the implants firmly
- You should not have any disease like periodontitis
- You must be above 18 years. This is because children do not have strong jaw bones to support implants.
In this step, you’ll undergo X-rays, CT scans, and any other tests required to assess the health of your jawbone.
You can also discuss the cost with the dentist to see how much you’ll have to pay for the treatment.
Placement of Dental Implant
After determining you are a good fit for the treatment, the dentist will prepare you.
After the preparations, your dentist will surgically place the implants in your jawbone.
Note: In cases where your teeth are crooked or broken in half, your dentist may need to extract the tooth before inserting the implants. If you don’t have enough jawbone, you will need to undergo a bone grafting procedure.
When the implants are inserted, your dentist places temporary false teeth 3-4 days after surgery to allow the dental implants to fuse with your bone.
Final Restorations
Your dentist will take new mouth impressions after your dental implants have effectively fused to your jawbone. The impressions will be used to construct your permanent crown this time.
Your final bridge is fitted once the implants have integrated with the bone, which commonly takes several months.
Aftercare
After completing the dental implant procedure, your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments. They can follow your implants’ progress, ensuring that you are properly caring for them.
Ensure you follow your dentist’s instructions when healing.
What Can I Expect?
You should expect the occurrence of side effects such as bleeding, swelling of your face and even slight bruising. Less common risks include infection, nerve injury causing altered sensation, sinus problems and implant failure. Your dentist will discuss the risks for your case before treatment.
Our team at Coolamon Dental Centre will look after you at every stage. We will take adequate measures to support a smooth full-mouth dental implant procedure.
Alternatives for Full-Mouth Dental Implants
Alternatives to full-mouth dental implants include traditional dentures, partial dentures, and dental bridges. These options can be less invasive and more cost-effective, but they may not offer the same level of comfort, functionality, and aesthetics as dental implants. The right choice depends on the individual’s specific needs and circumstances and should be discussed with a dental professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Teeth Are In A Full Mouth Of Implants?
A full-mouth dental implant can contain between 12‐16 artificial teeth — the upper and lower jaw each contain between 6 or 8 implants.
How Long Does a Full-Mouth Implant Last?
Full-mouth implants can last many years with good care. Published studies report high long-term survival rates, but results vary depending on oral hygiene, smoking, general health and other factors.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
As it is a surgical procedure, it is completely normal for patients to experience discomfort and pain during and after the process. This might even go on for three days or more.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Full Mouth Dental Implants?
Pros can include fixed (non-removable) teeth, good chewing function and a long service life with proper care, although results vary.
Some of their cons include the need for enough bone to support them; this already makes it a procedure not entirely open to all. There’s also the possibility of the wearing out of the restoration on top.
How Long Does A Full Dental Implant Procedure Take?
The length of the dental implant procedure includes some processes that may take hours only, and then the entire healing time may take months.
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