Full Mouth Dental Implants in North Miami Beach, FL

What Are Full-Mouth Dental Implants?

Full mouth dental implants are a method of restoring a complete arch of teeth using a fixed implant bridge. The implant bridge is permanently attached to the implants inserted into your jaw, providing excellent biting and chewing strength.

Once the bridge is attached to the implants, you cannot remove it. However, it will normally be screwed onto the implants, so if necessary, we can retrieve it later for maintenance and cleaning.

A full arch dental bridge can replace 10 or 12 missing or failing teeth. Treatment may require between six and eight implants, but the number varies depending on your unique oral health and the treatment plan we will custom-design to provide an optimal, long-lasting outcome.

What is a Full Mouth Dental Bridge Made From?

Your full-mouth dental implants will likely be made from zirconia, an extremely strong and beautiful ceramic material that can easily replace an entire arch of teeth. Zirconia teeth can be designed and fabricated to look and feel very natural.

Sometimes, a full-arch bridge must replace some gum tissue as well as the teeth. The gum tissue is closely replicated in pink porcelain, so it looks very natural. However, it can mean you receive a larger restoration than initially expected, which might take a little time to get used to.

When you visit our dental office, we can show you examples of full-mouth dental implants so you can get a good idea of what to expect and the type of results we can achieve.

Signs You May Need Full Mouth Dental Implants

This treatment can help you if you already have multiple missing teeth or know which teeth are failing and cannot be saved. Signs that you may need full dental implants can include:

• Severe tooth decay.
• Advanced gum disease.
• Wearing full dentures that are loose and uncomfortable, causing difficulties with chewing.
• Treatment can help you if you feel self-conscious due to the appearance of your teeth.

Benefits of Full-Mouth Dental Implants in North Miami Beach, FL

The benefits of replacing a complete arch of teeth with full mouth implants can be significant and include:

• Teeth that feel permanent, strong, and stable.
• A natural-looking appearance.
• Improved biting and chewing strength that is similar to real teeth.
• Jawbone preservation around the implants.
• A cost-effective solution in the longer term.
• Improving your overall quality of life.

Tooth loss can be an upsetting experience, and full mouth implants offer a chance to restore your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Are You a Candidate for Full Mouth Dental Implants?

If you are considering full-mouth dental implants, several factors can affect your candidacy for treatment. These include:

• Jawbone density or suitability for bone grafting.
• Gum health: any signs of active gum disease must be treated first.
• Smoking.
• Overall health.

How Do Full Mouth Dental Implants Work – Understanding the Treatment Process

Every implant treatment is similar, requiring meticulous planning and a short surgical procedure, but there are some differences between them.

1. Consultation, Dental Exam, and Diagnostics

Your initial consultation is your chance to ask us any questions you have about this treatment. We will want to know your treatment goals and must review your dental and medical history. While most people can have implants, there are occasions when another option is more appropriate.

During this visit, we will conduct a thorough dental exam and assess any remaining natural teeth to see if they can be saved or must be extracted. Diagnostics include digital dental X-rays, photos, and a cone beam CT scan.

2. Treatment Planning and Digital Smile Design

We use a cone beam CT scan to examine your jaws closely. This is essential to ensure you have enough healthy bone to support the implants and to determine where each implant must be inserted for optimal strength, support, and stability.

When planning full-mouth implants, we may recommend Digital Smile Design, a process in which we take digital photos and other diagnostics and use specialized software to custom-design your new smile.

It’s a technique that allows you to see how your new teeth could look. It allows you to become involved with treatment planning and ensure that the design aligns with your treatment goals.

After finalizing the plan, a computer-generated stent is created, which is a template used during your implant surgery, guiding our implant dentist to ensure the plan is followed precisely.

3. Implant Placement Surgery

We will likely recommend sedation dentistry when placing several dental implants. The level of sedation can be adjusted to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed, and of course, pain-free.

4. Temporary Teeth Placement

A set of temporary teeth can be made before your implant surgery so they are ready to fit soon afterward. Sometimes we can attach teeth directly to the implants. They help splint the implants together and prevent them from moving during healing and osseointegration.

Alternatively, if you have a full denture, we might adapt it for use during healing. Either way, you will receive teeth to wear during the healing process.

5. Healing and Osseointegration

Before you leave Dental Pearl, we will provide clear instructions on how to care for your mouth during healing, including oral care instructions. Other information will include what to eat during healing, and we will likely advise you to follow a soft food diet that requires minimal or no chewing.

Osseointegration, where your implants gradually fuse with your jawbone, takes several months to complete. During osseointegration, your implants mustn’t be disturbed, as they can not move. Any movement could negatively affect this process. This is why they mustn’t come under too much stress from biting or chewing harder foods.

6. Final Restoration

Once we are sure your implants have integrated fully with your jawbone, we begin making your final restoration. This custom-made prosthesis will be tried in, adjusted, and, once you’re happy with the results, permanently fitted to your implants and screwed in place.

Long-Term Aftercare and Maintenance

Full mouth dental implants are an investment in your smile and your dental health, so it’s important to care for them properly to help prolong their lifespan.

Our hygienist will work with you to devise a suitable oral care plan, including instructions on how to clean around your dental implants every day, and which tools to use. We may suggest a range of tools, such as a WaterPik, interdental brushes, or floss threaders, depending on which you find easiest to use.

Regular dental exams and hygiene appointments are extremely important. Our implant dentist will regularly assess the gums and bone around your implants to ensure they remain strong and healthy. Our hygienist uses specialized tools to clean around your implants, removing plaque and tartar buildup and reducing the risk of infection.

If you are ready to discover more about full mouth implants, please call our office at (305) 816-6620 or visit our dentistry center in North Miami Beach, FL.