Full Mouth Dental Implants Procedure
Full mouth dental implants are revolutionizing modern dentistry. Patients can replace entire rows and sets of teeth with near perfect synthetic crowns. Best of all the durability and strength of the implants is incomparable, and the appearance is uncanny. Before you can show off those beautiful new teeth, you have to undergo the full mouth dental implant procedure.
The Full Mouth Dental Implant procedure
1. Dentist: Meet with your dentist and discuss whether full mouth implants are right for your situation.
2. Dental Implant Team: Meet with your dental implant team to discuss the process and schedule of your implant procedure.
3. Initial surgery: The Dental Surgeon will make a small incision in your gums, or a slight hole will be made through them directly into your jaw bone. A dental anchor must be placed into your jawbone or under your gumline. This anchor will resemble a small screw or small blades, and will be the base for any implant. In the case of full mouth dental implants, around 4 anchors will need to be placed.
1. Consider having a relative or friend assist you to and from the appointment. Each anchor placed will add roughly one hour to the entire surgery.
4. Recovery: There will be a process and procedure of recovery after the surgery. Your gum and jaw must accept the anchor, and incorporate it as a support structure, like a tooth root. All of your implants will be affixed to an anchor, it is important that this process follows protocol. You do not want your anchors to be malleable or shaky. There will be a dental hygiene routine associated with caring for the anchor sites. It is important to follow all the advice, an infection could delay the whole process. Most pain associated with this procedure is covered by over the counter pain medication. In some cases more advanced prescription medication may be used. Keep open communication with your team on pain, inflammation, infection, redness, soreness or discharge.
5. Abutment: After the healing is finished, an abutment may be placed. An abutment is a piece that attaches to the implant anchor, typically in the screw section. The abutment is now securely adhered to the anchor, and the implant is attached next. The abutment is a crucial piece that delineates the implant crown from the anchor; meaning that if there is a problem with one the other is still salvageable.
6. Implant Crowns: In the case of full mouth dental implants, all your teeth can now be affixed to your anchors. You are ready to smile, eat, and laugh whenever you want to again. There will still be a recovery window, as your body and jaw grow to accept your new teeth. However the hard part is now past you, and everytime you see yourself, the joy will overshadow the residual growing pains.
7. Hygiene: You still have every responsibility to maintain a strict hygiene routine. Just cause your new implants are incredibly durable does not mean they are not susceptible to gum disease or infection. Infections can cause your gums to recede or pull away from the roots, exposing your anchors or making your implants loose. Maintain regular cleanings with your dentist, and follow your dental hygienist’s recommendations regarding flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash.
How do I begin?
Start by discussing all the available options with your dentist. Tell them you are interested in full mouth dental implants, and would like to know more about the procedure. Happy smiling!