Dental issues or facial trauma can sometimes lead to multiple teeth becoming damaged. While this can seem like a big problem, there’s good news: it doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. You can see an oral surgeon for a full arch replacement to fill missing gaps in your smile.
A full arch dental replacement is a type of dental implant procedure that involves replacing an entire section of teeth with an implant that attaches to your jaw at multiple points. The result of a full arch dental replacement can be a new set of artificial teeth that supports your overall oral health and your smile.
Understanding Full Arch Dental Replacement
Full arch dental replacements are less common than implants but can be a viable option for replacing a large section of missing teeth in your mouth. An oral surgeon may recommend a full arch dental implant if:
- You’re missing multiple teeth on your top or bottom jaw
- Many of your teeth are severely damaged or decayed
- You have severe gum disease
- You’ve experienced some form of traumatic injury that’s affecting multiple teeth
Full arch dental replacements are complex procedures that typically involve the additional care and support that an oral surgeon can provide. The process involves the use of multiple posts for dental implants, which act as artificial roots to provide you with a strong foundation for your new teeth.
The goal of a full arch dental replacement is to provide a full set of artificial teeth that can act, feel, and look just like your natural teeth.
What Are Dental Implant Posts?
The posts used for dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone. They serve as the root for your implant and are known for their durability and longevity. Over time, these posts can fuse with the bone in your jaw, creating a sturdy base for your implant.
Once the posts are installed and fused to your jaw, the remaining parts of your implant are attached before being capped with a crown that’s designed to look just like a natural tooth.
Dental implants can last for many years after being added to your mouth and are designed to act just like your natural teeth, both in aesthetics and function.
How Does Getting Dental Implants Work?
If you’re considering dental implants or a full arch replacement, your experience may start with a visit to an oral surgeon. While a dentist can perform a consultation, it’s generally recommended to seek the services of an oral surgeon to continue with the process of getting a dental implant.
The procedure for getting a dental implant involves:
- Consultation and planning through an examination and discussion of your dental health and needs.
- Post placement where an oral surgeon places the post for your implant into your jawbone.
- Healing time when your posts can fuse with the bone in your jaw. During this time, you may need a few weeks to recover before being called back by your surgeon for a checkup so they can monitor your recovery.
- Abutment placement that starts once the implant posts are firmly in place, healed, and properly fused with the bone. An abutment is attached to connect your new artificial teeth with your implant posts.
- Artificial teeth placement where your new artificial teeth are added to your existing implant, completing the full arch replacement.
What is an All-In-4 Dental Arch Replacement?
All-in-4 dental arch replacement is another term that refers to full arch replacements that involve setting 4 dental implants spaced across your mouth to support an entire arch of implants.
In some cases, an all-in-4 full arch replacement may not be necessary when a bridge or group of single dental implants could be sufficient. An oral surgeon can help you determine which option can support your oral health and meet your aesthetic goals.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
One of the great benefits of dental implants is their durability. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last many years.
To properly care for dental implants, it can be extremely helpful to treat them like your natural teeth. For example, some of the habits recommended for dental implant care include:
- Brushing your teeth and implants 2 times a day for 2 minutes at a time
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Flossing at least once a day
- Using mouthwash to kill any residual germs.
When you visit us, we can also give you updated advice on caring for your implants based on your personal oral health. We may also recommend checkups after your procedure so we can help support your recovery and address any additional concerns you may have.
Where to Get Dental Implants
When it comes to complex dental procedures like full arch replacements, you’ll need support from an oral surgeon. At CVOS Oral Surgery, we can help.
We can answer all your questions about full arch dental replacements and support you throughout the consultation, treatment, and recovery process. Contact us today to learn more!
