What to Expect with Full Mouth Dental Implants

Dr. Kevin Hogan • August 26, 2016

Dental implants do not include many of the drawbacks of dentures. They do not require daily removal and cleaning and are not subject to the ongoing costs of supplies and replacement due to damaged or worn-out appliances.

Aside from the ongoing expenses, implants support the jawbone, which can prevent gum disease, help you maintain your facial structure, and improve your overall oral health.

Instead of choosing full mouth dentures that require replacement every 7 to 10 years, you may qualify for full mouth dental implants.

What Are Full Mouth Implants

Full mouth implants replace all your natural teeth (or an entire arch) with prosthetics. You have the choice of using implants for each replaced tooth or a combination of dental implants and permanent dentures. In both cases, implants offer better strength and support for the gum and jawbone than a full set of dentures while providing a more permanent solution.

The Process of Full Mouth Dental Implants

When using the combination of dental implants and dentures to replace all your teeth, Dr. Hogan will insert four titanium posts into your jawbone,where the bone density is the highest. After placing the posts that serve as the new roots for the teeth, the jawbone must fuse with the titanium posts through a process called osseointegration. It typically takes between four to 12 months to complete the fusion process.

During the healing time, Dr. Hogan can insert temporary dentures to support the new roots and allow you to function normally.

After the posts fuse with the jawbone, Dr. Hogan will place crowns on the four posts and anchor the permanent dentures in place.

The Results

Once the full mouth implants are in place, your teeth will function like your natural teeth. With proper care of your dental implants, they could last the remainder of your life.

You will once again be able to enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about particles getting caught in or under your dentures. You will not have to remove the teeth for cleaning or hassle with the other negative components of traditional dentures.

Whole mouth dental implants can be a permanent solution to aging teeth. Instead of replacing one at a time, you can address the issues of aging or damaged teeth all at once. The process will have both cosmetic and oral health benefits. Cosmetically, it will restore your smile. The procedure can improve your oral health because the implants support the jawbone, slowing bone degeneration and preventing oral health issues such as gum disease.

FAQs

Are dental implants the best tooth replacement option?

Dental implant technology is superior to alternative treatments because it includes a replacement for the root and the tooth, giving you a permanent solution to tooth loss.
How much does a single dental implant cost in 2022?

The cost of a single dental implant can range from $3,000 to $6,000 depending on several different factors. The price of the dental implant includes the surgical and anesthesia costs, the implant post, a custom abutment, a porcelain implant crown, and all dental lab costs.
Can you replace all your teeth with dental implants?

Yes. The full mouth dental implant procedure involves removing any remaining teeth, and then securing full arch dentures supported by the implants or a full arch of dental implants.
Are dental implants painful?

Dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure requiring a local or light general anesthetic. You can expect to experience swelling in your gums and face, bruising in the area near the implant, minor bleeding, and pain at the site. These symptoms typically last no more than a few days. In most cases, over-the-counter pain medication will address any discomfort.