Full Arch Dental Implants at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center
Hello everybody. I'm Dr. Alex Matheson here at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center. We receive many questions about what full arch dental implants are. Today, I'm going to answer a few questions about full arch dental implants in hopes of giving you a better understanding of what they are and how they could potentially help you.
What is a full arch dental implant?
A full arch dental implant is when we replace all of the teeth in that arch or jaw. We have two jaws, a lower jaw and an upper jaw, sometimes referred to as an arch. It's applicable when someone is either missing all of their teeth, using a denture, or missing several teeth and many of their existing teeth are not doing well, necessitating their removal. These are the instances where we perform a full arch dental implant restoration. It's done when someone either doesn't have any teeth in a particular jaw or is about to lose all their teeth because we need to remove the rest.
Who is a good candidate for a full arch dental implant?
A good candidate for a full arch dental implant is someone with a sufficient amount of jawbone. The good news is the vast majority of people do. Even if you've been told before that you don't have enough bone for implants, that may not apply to full arch dental implants. When placing implants for the full arch, they are placed differently than if we were replacing one, two, three, or four implants. If you've been told you don't have enough bone, I would still recommend making an appointment. Call us at (480) 888-8123. We'd be happy to sit down with you, take an X-ray, and see if you are a candidate.
What are the advantages of full arch dental implants over traditional dentures?
There are many advantages of a full arch dental implant over a traditional denture. For one, it doesn't come in and out. A denture comes in and out and doesn't stay in well. Often, you have to use glue, the gooey stuff that adheres the denture to your gums, which can be unpleasant and painful. Many people struggle with that. The nice thing about a full arch dental implant is that it doesn't come in and out. It's there permanently. You chew with it, and it's almost like having your natural teeth.
What is the process for getting full arch dental implants?
The first step in getting full arch dental implants is to come in for a consultation with myself or one of the other doctors in our office. We'll take an X-ray to ensure the bone looks good and discuss your medical history and goals. If you're ready to proceed, we'll take digital impressions of your teeth or jaws. In the past, we used gooey impression material, but now we use high-tech digital impressions. We'll also take pictures of your teeth to plan their appearance.
The next step is the big day where you'll be put to sleep by Dr. Merrill, our anesthesiologist. If there are any remaining teeth, we'll remove them, smooth out the jawbone, and place usually between four to six dental implants in that jaw. Sometimes we do both jaws simultaneously. Once the implants are in and the surgery is over, we'll wake you up and 3D print the temporary teeth you'll wear. Once ready, we'll screw them in, and you'll go home with a new set of teeth. This first set is temporary, worn for about four months to allow the bone and gums to heal.
When healed, you'll return after four months to discuss any changes you want. We'll take new scans to ensure the permanent teeth fit well. We'll make a new temporary based on any changes, let you try it for a week or two, and if you approve, we'll use that file to make the final teeth. The final teeth are made from zirconia, a very strong material. Once ready, we'll screw them in, and you're all set.
What should I expect post-surgery?
After getting full arch dental implants, there can be some postoperative discomfort. It is surgery, so like any other surgery, there can definitely be discomfort. We'll provide pain medication to help you through the first few days. Usually, pain and swelling peak around day three after surgery and then taper off. Everyone heals differently; some feel great after a week, while others may still be sore after two weeks. We're here to help you through the entire process, and if you need more pain medication, we're here for you.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
During a full arch dental implant procedure, most people are asleep. We are fortunate to have Dr. Derek Merrill, our main anesthesiologist, who is excellent. He has cared for many of my family members and is a great anesthesiologist. He will put you to sleep during the procedure. There are rare circumstances where we might choose not to put you to sleep, but generally, we prefer you to be asleep as it's much easier for you.
How long do full arch dental implants last?
Full arch dental implants can last a long time. Several factors contribute to their longevity. We need to do our job correctly, but if we do, you must also take good care of them. We'll extensively cover how to care for these teeth. Dental implant restorations cannot get cavities, which is great because cavities and gum disease are the two main dental issues. You won't have to worry about cavities anymore, but you can still get gum disease around implants, just like around teeth. Proper care involves brushing, flossing, and regular six-month checkups to ensure everything stays clean. If we both do our parts, the implants will last a long time.
How do I clean and care for full arch dental implants?
Cleaning and caring for full arch dental implants is similar to caring for your own teeth. You'll brush with a toothbrush, and can also use a mechanical toothbrush. Flossing is crucial but different from normal teeth. You floss underneath the teeth, and we'll show you how. Our staff will ensure you know how to floss under your full arch dental implant restoration. A water pick is also helpful for reaching difficult areas and removing food. With brushing, flossing, and water picking, you can keep them clean.
What are the color options for full arch dental implants?
When considering the color of full arch dental implant restorations, a few things are considered. If you're doing one jaw, we'll likely need to match the other jaw. If you want it a little whiter, we can do that and whiten the teeth on the other jaw. If replacing both jaws, we can make them any color you want. Some prefer a natural look for their age, while others want them whiter. We have a full shade guide to show you the options, and we can make them any color you desire.
How much do full arch dental implants cost?
We need you to come in for a free consultation to review your specific X-rays and determine what needs to happen before discussing the cost. There's a big range depending on the type of full arch implants. If you're considering full arch dental implants, come in for a free consultation. We'd be happy to sit with you, take an X-ray, and discuss what's best for you and the cost.
Will dental insurance cover the cost of full arch dental implants?
Dental insurances have a yearly maximum, sometimes $1,000 or $1,500, which can supplement implant costs. Most often, there will be some out-of-pocket expenses that insurance won't cover. We don't want any surprises, so during your free consultation, we'll go over everything specific to your case to ensure there are no hidden costs and you'll know exactly what to expect.
At Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (480) 888-8123 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.