Can You Get Full Mouth Dental Implants
Dental implants are some of the most reliable tooth replacement options, but can you use implants to replace all your teeth? Yes, there are a couple of options depending on your dentist and what they recommend. Many choose implant supported dentures, which provide all the support and security of your original teeth, but in a healthy and durable material that lasts a lifetime.
How do you get dental implants?
You have to see a dentist first to determine if you are eligible for dental implantation. Your dentist or dental surgeon will need to know whether or not your jaw is strong enough to support implanted materials. In some cases, a small piece of bone may need to be implanted into the jaw, in what is known as a bone graft. Over time the tissues around this bone will grow and integrate, creating a uniform space to implant dental anchors.
Dental Anchors
Anchor are a structural piece, usually titanium, which is inserted through the gums into the jaw bone. After implantation, there may be some pain as the area become stimulated and accepts the anchor. Once this piece has strong healthy tissue supporting it, the new tooth can be added.
Abutment
An abutment is a small connecting piece between the anchor and the implant crown. It helps to protect the exposed gum while the anchor area heals, and it creates a space for the dental crown to be fitted.
Dental Crown
Crowns are shaped like the replacement tooth and are made of various strong and sturdy materials. They have all the value of your original teeth, but are less prone to breakage or chipping. Choose from various aesthetic and strong materials like Zirconium or Porcelain fused to metal.
Some offices may be able to fit you with temporary dental bridges on the same day of your anchor implantation. This will allow you to walk out of the office with a sense of how your life is going to change with your new dental implants.
How to care for dental implants
You should practice immaculate dental hygiene just like with your original teeth. Brush at least twice a day, especially after meals. Floss regularly, in between every tooth and down to the gumline. Make frequent follow up appointments with your dentist and get cleanings. Make a call to your dentist’s office at the first sign of implant failure, like looseness, or infection.
Full mouth dental implants will probably require between 4-8 anchor implants. Plan for this recovery to take anywhere from 3-6 months, but know it can go shorter or longer. Everyone’s recovery is different, but at any stage of the process if you notice blood, pus, redness, or swelling, be sure to consult with your dentist. Infection can be a huge hinderance to the process.
Replace missing teeth sooner rather than later. The longer you live with missing teeth, the more likely you are to lose more. You are also more vulnerable to gum disease, infection, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.