Missing teeth can make everyday tasks challenging. Not only are they difficult to eat with, but they can also make speaking and expressing yourself uncomfortable.
With dental implants, however, it is possible to restore missing teeth.
For those who are missing a majority or all of their teeth, a full set of dental implants can be used as a long term solution.
If you are looking for full dental implants, we recommend checking this guide to learn more about them before making an appointment.
What are Full Dental Implants?
As the name suggests, full dental implants refer to a wide set of implants that can replace multiple missing teeth or an entire set of teeth.
Rather than strategically placing implants in the mouth to replace individual teeth, several implants are placed into the jaw to accommodate a greater set of prosthetic teeth.
This involves placing several metallic posts into the jaw and surrounding them with a set of prosthetic teeth that fuse to them to create a sturdy, stable replacement for a full set of teeth.
Who Needs Full Dental Implants?
Full dental implants usually involve placing multiple implants into the mouth. It is ideal for people who are missing several teeth or an entire set of teeth.
It may also be recommended for people whose existing teeth are weak or compromised in some way and cannot be repaired with conventional means.
However, just because you are missing teeth does not necessarily mean you are a candidate for this procedure.
A dentist must evaluate your gum health, oral hygiene, and existing teeth before deciding whether implants are a good option.
- Missing several teeth
- Missing a majority or all of the teeth
- Existing teeth are weak or compromised
- Conventional tooth replacement may not be suitable
Why are Implants a Better Option than Dentures?
Dentures are a traditional and popular method of replacing missing teeth, but they are not as effective as implants.
They are held in place by the gums and can be displaced, especially when talking or eating.
Unlike dentures, implants are permanently fixed into the jaw and offer greater stability and comfort.
Additionally, implants also offer greater support to the gums and jaw.
However, which option is best for you ultimately depends on you and your dentist.
| Feature | Dental Implants | Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Fixed into the jaw | Can move or become displaced |
| Comfort | Greater stability and comfort | May move during eating or speaking |
| Jaw Support | Provides support to the jaw | Does not provide the same implant support |
| Removal | Implants are fixed in place | Can be removed |
How does the Implant Process Work?
The dental implant process typically requires multiple visits to the dentist.
First, you will need to schedule a dental examination.
Your dentist looks at your teeth, gums, and jaw during this visit to see how much bone density you have and to come up with a treatment plan.
They also talk with you about your expectations for the procedure and go over all of your options.
Once the treatment plan is in place, you will need to go through the implant procedure, which involves embedding metallic posts into your jaw.
This procedure typically uses local anesthetic to ensure your comfort.
Next, you will have to return to allow the implants to fuse with your jaw.
Once this process is complete, you return for the final procedure, which installs the prosthetic teeth onto the metallic posts.
- Schedule a dental examination
- Evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw and bone density
- Create an individual treatment plan
- Place the metallic implant posts
- Allow the implants to fuse with the jaw
- Install the prosthetic teeth
Considering full dental implants? Talk with your dentist about whether implants may be right for you.
Book a ConsultationDoes My Mouth Need to be in Good Shape for the Implants?
Your jaw is a critical component of the implant process, as it is essentially what holds the implants in place.
It is important that you have a certain amount of healthy bone density in your jaw if you want to undergo this procedure.
If you have been missing teeth for a while, there is a possibility that your jaw is unhealthy or has less bone density than it should.
If this is the case, you may have to go through a separate procedure that encourages your jaw to regenerate lost bone tissue.
This is not always necessary, however, as your dentist can determine this during your initial dental exam.
Your dentist will evaluate your jaw and oral health during the initial examination to determine whether additional treatment may be necessary before implants.
What are the Benefits of a Full Set of Dental Implants?
A full set of dental implants offers stability and support to patients who are missing multiple or all of their teeth.
The biggest advantage of dental implants is that they feel almost like natural teeth, as they are permanently affixed to the jaw and cannot be removed by a patient.
They can also help you speak and eat with greater comfort.
Another advantage of dental implants is that they help prevent your jaw from deteriorating or losing density.
- Greater stability
- Greater support for missing teeth
- Can feel similar to natural teeth
- Can improve comfort while eating and speaking
- Can help support the jaw
How Long Does Implant Treatment Take?
Unfortunately, the entire process of getting dental implants is not something that is done within a day.
It typically requires multiple procedures and can take up to several months.
The length of the treatment process ultimately depends on factors such as the number of implants and your own personal healing process.
Your dentist can give you a better estimate of how long you should expect the treatment to take.
Are Full Dental Implants Right for Everyone?
There are various factors that determine whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Gum health plays a significant role in this, as unhealthy gums may interfere with the process.
Additionally, your overall health and level of bone density also greatly impact the success of the procedure.
It is important that you disclose all health information to your dentist so that they know what to look out for.
While age can impact the ease of the procedure, it is rarely a deciding factor in whether or not you can get implants.
Final Thoughts
Full set of dental implants can offer a long term and reliable solution to people who are missing multiple or all of their teeth.
They can improve your ability to perform everyday tasks like eating or speaking and are generally more comfortable than other methods of replacing teeth.
Missing multiple or all of your teeth? Speak with a dentist to find out whether full dental implants may be suitable for you.
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