Full Arch Dental Implants For Tooth Loss
Dental implants are considered the most effective tooth loss treatment. Dental implants are a permanent solution for individuals who have lost either a single tooth, a small set of teeth, or an entire arch of teeth. When substantial tooth loss has occurred, individuals are likely to be candidates for full arch dental implants.
Full arch dental implants rebuild the smile by replicating the function of lost tooth roots, and providing support to dental prosthetics. People in the Boston, MA, area who are struggling with tooth loss can work with the team of dentists at Dental Associates of New England to learn how full arch dental implants can restore the function and beauty of their smile.
What Are Full Arch Dental Implants?
Dental implants are tiny titanium screws that are surgically implanted into a patient’s jaw. Once placed, dental implants are meant to fuse with the bone tissues so that they essentially end up replacing the roots that have been lost as a result of tooth loss. Dental implants not only act as an anchor for dental prosthetics, including dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures, but they also stimulate the tissues of the jaw to prevent degeneration.
When we refer to full arch dental implants, we are talking about implants that support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth (typically a full denture). To support a full set of dentures our Boston patients do not require a dental implant for each tooth that is being replaced. Instead, a full set of implant-supported dentures is generally held in place by just four dental implants.
Dental Implant Candidates
Because dental implants can support any type of dental prosthetic, they are suitable for most people who have suffered from tooth loss. To promote the success of dental implant treatment it is important that dental implant candidates are in good overall health, are free of periodontal disease, and have sufficient jaw bone density to support the placement of the implant. Fortunately, if individuals suffer from gum disease, or lack bone density, these issues can be addressed so that dental implant treatment is possible.
Dental Implants Treatment
Dental implant treatment requires a series of dental procedures. Dental implants are placed during the initial phase of treatment. Small holes are made in the gum line and titanium screws are inserted into the jaw. Again, full arch implants generally involve the placement of four implants - two at the front of the mouth and two at the back. The back implants are placed at an angle to take full advantage of bone density.
After oral tissues have healed and implants have fused with the jawbone, our Boston patients proceed to the next stage of treatment, which is abutment placement. Abutments are small metal posts that attach to the dental implants and then stick out just above the gumline. To place abutments we make small incisions in the gum line and secure the posts to the top of the implant.
The final stage of dental implant treatment is the placement of dental prosthetics. For full arch implants we place a full denture. The denture is basically cemented to the abutment posts using a dental compound. The dental compound is hardened to create a strong bond that makes implant-supported dentures a permanent fixture.
Full Arch Dental Implants vs. Traditional Dentures
The biggest difference between full arch dental implants and traditional dentures is that full arch dental implants are not removable. Dental implants secure dentures so that they fit comfortably and securely. Benefits of implant-supported dentures include:
- No fear of dentures slipping or falling out of place
- Ease of care (they can be brushed like the natural teeth)
- Superior comfort
- Long-lasting strength and durability
Contact Dental Associates of New England
If you are interested in finding out if you are an ideal candidate for full arch dental implants, we invite you to schedule an appointment with the team at Dental Associates of New England. To contact our practice, send us a message online, or call (857) 350-3400.
