Oral surgery can be intimidating for patients who are a little nervous about spending time in the dentist’s chair. However, arch dental implants and oral surgery, (as well as other treatment options that require oral surgery), are stress-free, with minimal time in the dentist’s office and minimal recovery time.
The best way to learn more about what to expect when it comes to arch dental implants & oral surgery is to have an initial consultation with an experienced and caring oral surgeon.
At Pannu Dental Group, we ensure all our patients are comfortable with a treatment or procedure to enhance their oral health (and smile). In addition, our patients’ peace of mind is our constant top priority.
In the meantime, if you have been hesitant about seeking out an essential restorative dentistry procedure or treatment because oral surgery may be involved, read on to uncover the facts about a full arch restoration and how this advanced procedure has a wealth of lifetime benefits.
Table of Contents
The Technology and the Materials Used in Full Arch Dental Implants
When Are Full Arch Dental Implants Recommended?
The Full Arch Restoration Procedure
What Are the Benefits of Full Arch Dental Implants?
Full Arch Dental Implants Can Improve Your Oral Health
What Are Full Arch Dental Implants?
Full arch dental implants, also referred to as 4-on-one dental implants or 4-on-6 dental implants, are a set of dental implants designed to replace an entire arch or row of missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. A full arch dental implant treatment helps alleviate a range of issues that stem from missing teeth and restores a patient’s ability to bite, chew, speak, and share their beautiful smile.
Unlike temporary or removable treatments like dentures, full arch dental implants are designed to be a lifetime tooth replacement solution. They offer overall oral health benefits that patients enjoy as soon as the procedure is complete, and they leave the dentist’s office.
A full arch restoration is a procedure that requires several intricate steps. However, it is a common oral surgery procedure for tooth replacement with stress-free and minimal healing time.
The Technology and the Materials Used in Full Arch Dental Implants
When it comes to the materials and technology that power a full arch restoration, the top dental implant surgery providers in the country rely on several advanced tools to support the full arch dental implants and to ensure that the new teeth look and function just like brilliant natural teeth.
Cornerstone elements of full arch dental implants include the following:
Titanium posts
Dental implants are anchored by dental implant posts, and the backbone titanium material ensures that the implant posts are designed to last a lifetime. Strong and biocompatible titanium implant posts create a solid foundation in the jawbone for a full arch restoration, ensuring the full arch of artificial teeth is properly and permanently placed in the mouth.
Zirconia
When it comes to your new teeth, zirconia is used for your full arch restoration. Zirconia is a strong ceramic material resistant to corrosion and damage and matches the color of beautiful natural teeth. The result is a confident, full-mouth smile with deceptively artificial teeth that can perform all the functions of natural teeth, giving you a better ability to bite, chew, speak, and enjoy better oral health.
Porcelain-fused-to- metal dental implants
Another element that may be part of a full arch restoration is porcelain-fused-to-metal dental implants, which are sometimes used to replace a full arch of missing teeth or are used for just a lone tooth replacement.
Image technology
The best full arch restoration specialists utilize various cutting-edge technologies to determine if other procedures are needed, like wisdom teeth removal or bone grafting, and to create a blueprint for the dental implant surgery ahead. Conducted during your initial consultation or visit to the dentist, these tools create 3D images of the teeth, jawbone, gums, and all areas of the mouth to provide specific details of a patient’s full arch restoration procedure.
When Are Full Arch Dental Implants Recommended for Patients?
So, to determine whether you are a great candidate for a full arch restoration procedure, you’ll need to begin your journey with a consultation with your trusted dentist and oral surgeon.
Furthermore, patients eligible for dental implant surgery generally have the following oral health requirements.
- Severe tooth loss – If you have severe tooth loss with multiple teeth that need to be replaced or severely damaged natural teeth due to tooth decay or other progressive oral health issues, then a full arch restoration may be the best oral surgery treatment plan.
- Jawbone loss – If missing teeth or severely damaged natural teeth have led to bone loss in the upper or lower jawbone, then a full arch restoration will restore your smile and jawbone growth.
- Poor oral health or multiple oral health issues – If you have other kinds of oral health or mouth issues in addition to missing teeth, then your dentist may recommend a full arch restoration or dental implant surgery to provide a range of benefits (such as preventing bone loss, protecting and strengthening gums, restoring facial structure, etc.)
- Permanent procedure that benefits your oral health and your smile – Many patients find that temporary artificial teeth solutions like dentures can be cumbersome when it comes to treatment options to replace multiple teeth. Dentures require routine maintenance and need to be replaced regularly, and some patients are self-conscious about their smile when wearing dentures, as these artificial teeth may even move or slide around. But full arch dental implants are permanently affixed to your jawbone and only require regular oral health habits, like brushing and flossing your teeth.
The Full Arch Restoration Procedure – What to Expect
A full arch restoration procedure requires more than one trip to the dentist’s office and oral surgeon. However, getting full arch dental implants is a stress-free process from start to finish.
The following provides an overview of the process involved in a full arch restoration procedure.
Consultation and Initial Exam
During your first trip to the dentist’s office, your oral surgeon will review your oral health and take detailed imaging of your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for a full arch restoration tooth replacement.
First Visit to the Dentist
If you meet the criteria for full arch restoration, your oral surgeon will prepare your mouth for dental implants (also known as permanent implant supported dentures) by implanting four dental implants or more into the upper or lower jaw where multiple teeth need to be replaced.
If you meet the criteria for a full arch restoration, your oral surgeon will implant four or more dental implants into the upper or lower jaw. This procedure prepares your mouth for the permanent implant-supported dentures.
An overview of the dental implant procedure include the following.
- During this minimally invasive oral surgery, your surgeon will use local or general anesthesia to numb your mouth and ensure the procedure is pain- free.
- Other procedures may be required if there is severe bone loss in the jaw where the dental implants or full arch will be placed. For example, a dentist may need to perform bone grafting first, a procedure where bone is gently moved from one healthy area of the teeth and gums to another where severe tooth loss has occurred. (Your dentist will tell if other treatments like bone grafting are required at your consultation.)
- Another procedure that may be necessary before your full arch restoration dental implant surgery is wisdom teeth removal. Like the full arch restoration procedure, this is a common and minimally invasive procedure, and your dentist will tell you ahead of time if you need wisdom teeth removal before your dental implant surgery.
- Once the foundation of your new full arch dental implants has been placed, you’ll be given temporary implant-supported dentures allowing you to bite, chew, and smile while the posts for your dental implants heal.
- During this timeframe, the posts for your full arch dental implants will naturally integrate with your mouth, gums, and jawbone, strengthening your jawbone and protecting your mouth against future oral health issues along the way.
Second Dentist Appointment
Before your second visit, your oral surgeon and dental implants team will custom craft your new, permanent dental implants to perfectly align with your mouth and facial features and create a beautiful smile.
Once they have been crafted and your mouth has fully healed and is ready for dental implants, the full arch dental implants will be placed on top of the dental implant posts and will be permanently affixed. This part of a full arch restoration procedure is also stress- free and minimally invasive, and you will enjoy the benefits – starting with your smile – as soon as you leave the dentist’s office.
What Are the Benefits of Full Arch Dental Implants?
Full arch dental implants have a range of advantages over temporary artificial teeth solutions like dentures. A handful of these benefits include the following.
A minimally invasive procedure
Although dental implants are classified as oral surgery, an experienced oral surgeon will ensure that patients are comfortable from start to finish, with local or generalized anesthesia to ensure smooth treatment.
Effective for severe tooth loss
Full arch dental implants replace an entire row of teeth in the upper or lower arch. Therefore, it is a comprehensive tooth replacement solution when multiple teeth are missing.
A permanent tooth replacement solution
Unlike other artificial teeth solutions like dentures, full arch dental implants are designed to be permanent and to look and function just like your normal healthy teeth
A better appearance
Because full arch dental implants are custom-created and designed for your mouth, these artificial teeth look like healthy natural teeth. Moreover, they instantly revitalize your smile after the dental implant surgery is complete.
Improves oral health and jawbone
Full arch dental implants can reverse damage caused by severe tooth loss by allowing the jawbone to heal and grow. When multiple teeth are missing, the bone in your jawline can deteriorate. However, permanently affixed dental implants stabilize your jawbone and protect against future oral health issues.
Protects against tooth decay
Long lasting and strong full arch dental implants eliminate problems that commonly occur with natural teeth, like tooth decay or cavities.
No alterations to surrounding teeth required
Unlike other oral surgery treatments like full mouth bridges, full arch dental implants do not require any alterations to your surrounding teeth.
A cost-effective treatment for missing teeth
Other artificial teeth solutions like dentures may have a lower upfront cost, but they require a long-term investment to be effective. Dentures need to be replaced regularly, and temporary artificial teeth solutions do not address underlying health issues with your jawbone, gums, and mouth. As a result, full arch dental implants are much more cost-effective in the long run, as once the procedure is complete, they can last a lifetime.
A better ability to chew, bite, speak, and smile
When multiple teeth are missing, patients often encounter many problems besides a deteriorated smile. Multiple missing teeth can lead to issues with speaking clearly, enjoying your favorite foods, or being unable to bite or conduct other mouth functions. However, full arch dental implants restore all of these abilities and more, improving your everyday life and your confidence.
A lifetime of benefits
With proper care and an experienced oral surgeon, full mouth dental implants can last a lifetime by adhering to everyday good oral health habits.
Learn More About How Full Arch Dental Implants Can Improve Your Oral Health
When it comes to finding out more about full arch dental implants in San Jose, the process starts with a conversation with the experts at Pannu Dental Group.
We are renowned as the most experienced providers of tooth replacement solutions, including and especially full mouth dental implants. Our team of dentists and oral surgeons is among the top in the country. We utilize cutting-edge technology to guide and enhance every oral surgery procedure, and our patients are our number one priority every step of the way.
Even if oral surgery may seem a little intimidating, the care and expertise provided by Pannu Dental Group will quickly put you at ease.
Contact our caring team today to schedule your consultation for dental implants in San Jose.
Discover first-hand why countless patients have trusted Pannu Dental Group with all of their oral health needs for decades.
Schedule your appointment today!
Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu has been a practicing dentist since 1995. In 1996 he opened his first dental practice in India, where he gained invaluable experience and acumen. In October of 1997 he was invited by the American Dental Association (ADA) to present the table clinic on Endodontics, at their annual session held in Washington, D.C. At this time he fell in love with the United States and became passionate about practicing dentistry in California. He became particularly enamored of the San Francisco Bay area, and soon took up residence and work here.