Howard County Smiles provides experienced dental care in Columbia, MD including full mouth dental implants. If you are missing all of your teeth on the upper or lower jaw or both, Dr. Ray Becker can replace them with multiple dental implants.
Severe tooth loss is usually the result of periodontitis. During this stage of gum disease, teeth loosen and fall out or require extraction. Also, a traumatic injury to the face can cause someone to lose all of their teeth. Full mouth dental implants can restore your oral health without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. Traditional dentures rely on suction or adhesive to remain in place, while this sophisticated solution uses implant fixtures to firmly hold a denture.
What are Full Mouth Dental Implants?
Full mouth dental implants are also referred to as many other things such as full-arch dental implants, implant-supported dentures, denture implants, etc. Simply put, this type of dental restoration is a denture that is held in place with several dental implants. The false teeth are fused to a base that resembles gum tissue.
This technology allows individuals to regain their ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently, providing a significant improvement in overall oral function and aesthetics. Full mouth dental implants enhance the patient’s quality of life and promote better oral health by preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure.
How many dental implants Will I Need For An Implant Supported Denture?
The number of dental implants it takes to secure the denture will vary per patient depending on several factors. The most important factor is the quality of the bone tissue. The upper jaw bone is softer and will typically require more dental implants. Dr. Becker may suggest anywhere from 4 to 8 implants to secure the denture. The bone in the lower jaw is much denser so it may only require 2 to 8 dental implants.
How Do Full Mouth Implants Work?
Full mouth dental implants are a revolutionary solution to tooth loss that involves a sophisticated process. The first step involves a thorough evaluation of mouth and oral health. Your dentist must ensure you have enough bone density to support your multiple dental implants. There is a possibility that you may need a bone graft to build up the bone in your jaw.
Anywhere from 2-8 dental implants will be surgically inserted into the jawbone at strategic locations. It will take a few months for the patient to heal and recover before the permanent denture can be placed. The implant fixtures are made from titanium which will fuse to human bone through a process called osseointegration. While the integration is occurring, patients will be fitted with a temporary denture for aesthetic purposes and to maintain normal chewing function.
After about three to six months, your dentist will attach abutments to the implants. These are connector pieces that serve as anchors for the false teeth. We will take dental impressions and measurements to create your custom denture that will attach perfectly to the abutments. Your custom-made dentures will be meticulously designed to match the patient’s natural teeth in shape, size, and color, ensuring a seamless and natural appearance.
Full Mouth Dental Implants vs Traditional Dentures
Dentures and full mouth dental implants are two options you will have to replace an arch of teeth. Compared to dentures, full mouth implants offer better stability and durability because the denture is anchored to multiple implant fixtures. This allows for a normal chewing function and better speaking abilities. The implant fixtures will also help prevent bone loss in the jaw and help to maintain your natural facial structure because they replace the missing teeth roots. However, this solution is also more expensive up front, involves a surgical procedure, and the treatment time is lengthy.
Your dentist can place a set of dentures in less than a month which is significantly less time than full mouth dental implants. The cost of traditional dentures is only a fraction of an implant restoration making them the more affordable choice. The treatment process is also non-invasive only requiring impressions. However, a denture is much less stable. It may require adhesive to remain in place. Denture wearers often complain of their restoration slipping around, causing discomfort or causing difficulties eating and speaking. Additionally, dentures do not replace teeth roots leading to bone loss in the jaw and changes in the facial structure.
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Contact Us To Learn More About Full Mouth Dental Implants in Columbia, MD
To book your consultation for full mouth dental implants in Columbia, MD, call our office at (410) 415-9013 or request an appointment online.