Close to 40 million people in the Western world, and 250 million people in Asia, are estimated to be fully edentulous. If you are one of them, full-arch dental implants can help restore your smile, your confidence, and your quality of life.
A full arch denture is a denture that replaces all of the teeth on either the lower or upper dental arch.
These dentures are for patients who:
- have lost all teeth due to age
- have teeth that are highly damaged or decayed
While traditional full arch dentures can go a long way to restoring the ability of a patient to chew, speak, and smile, they can sometimes come with a host of issues. Since they are not anchored to the jaw, they can slip around. Additionally, the biting force of an individual with full dentures can be reduced, so that it may be difficult to eat some of your favourite foods.
Denture implants can be the perfect solution. Securely anchored to your jaw, these tooth implants make it easier to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. They overcome the limitations of conventional dentures, increasing stability and retention.
Do you think that full-arch dental implants might be right for you? Here's what you need to know about this procedure.
Full Arch Dental Implant Options
The prospect of having all of your teeth replaced can seem extensive, but with the right Calgary tooth implant options, your procedure can go smoothly. You'll be smiling in no time!
All-On-Four Tooth Implants
When full-arch dental implants are created for a patient, it does not necessarily mean that they must get 32 single implants, which would consist of an implant, abutment, and crown for each lost tooth.
- Instead, implant treatments allow your denturist to provide you with an implant-supported upper arch and lower arch dentures that is supported on 4 implants but offers chewing stability, comfort, and a less invasive procedure.
- All-on-four full-arch tooth implants can be supported by “tilted” dental implants, which involve two implants placed upright and two placed on an angle. This can help reduce the amount of stress placed on the teeth and jaw.
If you are not a candidate for this procedure, don't worry! Many modern full-arch dental implants use 5-8 implants.
Teeth in a Day
Teeth in the day do not actually mean that you walk in for a consultation and walk out with a new smile. However, this consultation process establishes your needs and sets a date for your next surgery. Then, after your surgery and implant and abutment installation, you are provided with a temporary set of teeth, allowing you to smile with confidence. After the implant healing process has occurred, your temporary implants have stabilized, your implants will be replaced with permanent teeth. A 2011 study revealed that all-on-four prosthetics had a 99.2 survival rate with a 10 year follow-up.
Are You A Candidate For Full-Arch Tooth Implants?
Full-arch tooth implants are ideal for patients who have lost all teeth in one arch or who have failing teeth that will require removal. They can also be a good solution for those wearing full-arch removable dentures.
However, some factors can impact whether you are a candidate:
- Osteoporosis
- Low overall health
- Smoking
- Gum disease
- Bone Loss
These factors don't necessarily completely disqualify you from being a candidate for this procedure but should be discussed with your denturist.
How long does this procedure take?
The “traditional” approach will require the grafting procedures to heal four to six months minimally before the dental implants can be surgically placed.
Contact Our Calgary Denture Clinic To Learn About Tooth Replacement Options
If you are seeking an effective way to restore your smile, give our experienced team a call. You can reach us at (403) 475-0016 or get in touch with us through our online contact form.
