What Is a Full Arch Dental Implant?

A full-arch restoration procedure is a form of teeth replacement, ideal for patients who had their natural teeth already removed, while others are just starting to evaluate alternatives to their natural teeth. It is a procedure that uses dental implants and screw-retained prostheses to recreate the functionality and appearance of a full mouth of teeth.it can replace all of the teeth on either the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both. The teeth are fully functional and comparable to natural teeth in almost every way. (fixed dentures using between 4to6 implants for each arch)

This procedure is intended to rebuild the looks and it shapes your smile and lips (without teeth face will look aged), chewing(eating), and speaking ability in patients who have lost all or most of their teeth. It will also prevent gum from shrinking and decreasing. Your jaw bones might shrink away as well.  The full-arch restoration is made up of 3 factors, dental implants, prosthetic teeth, and micro screws, to secure the teeth to the dental implants. The result is a permanent, full set of healthy brand new teeth.

 Candidates for Dental Implants (Who is Qualified?)

1. Having Healthy Gum and Jaw: If you want a successful implantation, you must have a jawbone that has reached its full growth and is adequate to secure the implants.
2. Age Limit: The earliest a person can get dental implants is age 18, but even then we have to note that 18 may be too young. Even at age 18, a patient may still be maturing, meaning the jaw may continue to grow and change in shape and size. Meanwhile there is no upper age limitation for dental implants, if your jaw has matured and reached its full growth you can be a candidate.       
3. Not Having Health Conditions That Affect Bone Healing

How Is the Whole Procedure Carried Out? 

1. Initial consultation and X-Ray or CT scan: The dentist will examine the general condition of  your mouth, gum and the condition of your jawbone and take A X-ray or CT scan. After appraising all these factors, it will be decided how many teeth need to be replaced. If decided that full arch implants are suitable for you, the dentist will take impressions of your mouth and make models of your teeth and jaw. (also If you have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection).
2. Anesthesia: The whole procedure is performed under local anesthesia, for those who are concerned or scared about the whole process, it can also be carried out under sedation.
3. Implant placement. Holes are drilled at the jaw. Your implants are then placed holes are stitched with soluble thread that dissolves in a couple of weeks. Either the same day or the next day, your new teeth will be attached to the implants. When fitted, all joins are hidden behind the lip and are virtually undetectable.
4. Affix permanent dentures. Your dentist may prefer to fit you with temporary dentures. This is to reduce bruising and to ensure that less pressure is put on your dentures as they heal. Once your mouth is fully healed, the dentist will affix your permanent dentures.

 Post-Operation and Aftercare:

You may experience some of the typical discomforts associated with any type of dental surgery, such as:

• Swelling of your gums and face
• Bruising of your skin and gums
• Pain at the implant site
• Minor bleeding is common

You may need pain medications or antibiotics after dental implant surgery (as per your doctor’s after care instructions).

If swelling, apply ice backs to the surgical site.

While bleeding, place a sterile gauze piece in between your teeth.

After surgery, you may need to eat soft foods while the surgical site heals.

Avoid eating really hot or really cold foods.

Maintain oral hygiene by rinsing and brushing your teeth twice a day.

Do Dental Implants Hurt (How Long Do They Take to Heal)?

It is normal for patients to experience pain and discomfort after the procedure, but it can easily be endured using painkillers.

It typically takes 5 to 7 days for all the symptoms to subside after surgery, and anywhere from 2 to 6 months for the gums to fully heal.

There are a few things that a person can do to help speed up their recovery. Avoiding cigarettes and alcohol is important. Continuing a nutritious diet. Do not use straws and remember to brush teeth and the dental implants softly. Bending over and standing quickly can increase bleeding and cause discomfort. It is common to spend the first day after surgery in bed or sitting still.

Process Timeline:                             

1. Bone grafts: a year to heal
2. Extractions: 10 days to heal
3. Implant placement: About two hours
4. Osseo integration: Upper jaw can take as long as seven months, lower jaw as long as five months
5. Healing collar: two weeks
6. Placing abutment: Two weeks for placement and healing
7. Temporary crown: six weeks
8. Placement of artificial teeth: Two dental visits which can span several weeks
9. Post-surgical: A few days for healing, then a checkup within a few weeks

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

They are designed to be permanent. Once you get them the roots (metal screws) won’t need to be changed, however you might get to change the crown and abutment because they usually only last about 10 to 15 years before it may need a replacement due to wear and tear. But you can extend them by maintaining a good oral hygiene.

Can dental implant be whitened?

Dental implants are made of a different material than natural teeth and unfortunately cannot be whitened. You can change the color of natural teeth bleaching it, but you can’t change the implanted crown’s color. The only way to change the whiteness of an implant is to replace the crown.

 Are Dental Implants Safe?

The procedure of getting dental implants has been used for more than three decades and it is regarded to be a safe treatment overall.

Do Dental Implants Affect Your MRI Scans or not?

“Ferromagnetic” metals are materials that are highly susceptible to magnets, such as iron, alloys such as steel, nickel and cobalt. Any ferromagnetic materials in or on your body will react to the magnetic field produced by the MRI and interfere with the MRI’s readings.

The titanium, titanium alloy, and zirconia used in most dental implants are not ferromagnetic metals – and are MRI-Safe. Making it safe to enter an MRI with them in your mouth. Even so, it’s best to alert your doctor that you have dental implants if you need an MRI.

The Best Materials for Dental Implants:

Titanium dental implants are typically used to replace damaged or missing teeth the most. They tend to work best in candidates who are in overall good health. Having been used since the 1960sTrusted Source, titanium implants are considered the most common type of implant because of their durability and functionality. alternatives to titanium are zirconia, a hard ceramic with a superior quality and an alloy called Roxolid.

Some benefits of getting titanium dental implants are that they are light weighted, they are biocompatible (it exists in the body without causing allergic reactions and unwanted immunity responses).

An alternative to titanium is zirconia they come in the form of zirconium oxide, a ceramic with a robust crystal structure, they’re a non-metal alternative to traditional titanium. The perks of using zirconia are: It does not cause inflammation or any allergy, and they can be better in terms of promoting a better oral hygiene.

If You want to restore your oral health and rebuild a beautiful smile you can regain it with dental implants! Book your consultation appointment to see if you’re a suitable candidate.