Options for people requiring cosmetic dental treatment have widened considerably over the past few years. People who would once have been presented with the prospect of dentures as the only way forward can now choose from a range of solutions for missing or severely damaged teeth, including full mouth implants. This involves replacing missing teeth (or extracting unhealthy ones) with implants that are fitted into the jawbone. These are covered with artifical crowns to replicate natural teeth and protect the implants and gums. Full mouth implants are considered a safe and highly effective way to replace missing teeth and achieve long-lasting effects.
Who can benefit from full mouth implant treatment?
Many people can benefit from having full mouth implants, from people who have lost teeth in an accident or injury to those whose teeth have loosened through medical circumstances. The loss needn’t have happened recently either. Some people seek full mouth implants after trying other treatment options, or growing embarrassed or tired of living with gaps in their teeth. They can be experiencing poor mental health or problems with self-confidence as a result. Others may have been let down by previous dentists or medical professionals. Your dentist will be able to give you an individual assessment of your teeth and your suitability for full mouth implants.
Full mouth implants versus dentures
Dentures have been a treatment option for people with one or more missing teeth for a long time. They are less expensive and easier to fit than full mouth implants and can provide a natural, comfortable result. However, they can become loose over time as your facial bone structure adjusts. So, you will need to have new sets every few years. Full mouth implants last longer and remain fixed and stable, as they are attached to the mouth via the jawbone. They tend to be stronger too and less prone to damage. It can be easier to keep implants clean, as you simply treat them like your remaining natural teeth.
What is involved in a full mouth implant?
Full mouth implants require a series of appointments with your dentist. An initial session allows you to ask questions and confirm that they are the right option for you. Your dentist will take extensive measurements and impressions of your mouth to create full mouth implants that fit perfectly and look natural. The actual implants are then fitted over two or more further appointments, depending on the number you are having. These are carried out under local anaesthetic in surgical conditions. The implants are inserted into the jawbone and left until the bone has fused around them. This takes a few weeks. Then, once they have fully fused, the full mouth implants are completed with a set of crowns that are fitted over the top.
More serious cases
Sometimes, a full mouth implants procedure will need to involve additional steps. This could be the case if you don’t have enough remaining bone to hold the implants in place. In this case, your dentist can perform a bone graft or sinus lift to provide the required stability. You may also need to wait until any accompanying infections or gm disease has cleared up. This is to give the full mouth implants the best possible chance of working properly. Your dentist will advise you on how to treat any underlying conditions and help you create a workable timeline for the whole process.
Aftercare for full mouth implants
The good news is that you can look after dental implants in exactly the same way as you would natural teeth. This means brushing and flossing twice a day, using a fluoride-based toothpaste and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and advice. Immediately after your full mouth implants have been fitted, you will need to rest and recover from the surgery. You are likely to have been prescribed antibiotics, or you can take over-the-counter pain medication. Eat soft foods only and avoid hot drinks and alcohol for the first 24 hours. Avoid strenuous activity, although most people will be able to return to work within a day of treatment. Contact your dentist or dental hospital immediately if you have any problems, including heavy bleeding, swelling or pain.
