No one’s perfect. Over 36 million Americans are currently living with no teeth. Even if you fall in this category your smile isn’t gone forever.
Of course, we pride ourselves on our smile. Especially since it’s a first impression of meeting new people. If you’re feeling insecure about your teeth there are options.
Artificial teeth are used by people of all ages. The surgical process provides a lifetime of improved oral health with the look and feel of actual teeth.
Advanced dental technology makes perfecting your smile easier than ever, even for those with the most difficult of dental issues. Keep reading to learn more about full mouth dental implants.
What To Know
The earliest use of dental implants dates back to 600 AD by the Mayans. Modern day implants have been used since the 1960s, according to Dr. Suzanne Caudry.
Typically implants are placed permanently placed inside the mouth but can be removable. Metal screws, usually made out of titanium, on top of the artificial teeth resemble roots. Implants can range from one or two teeth to an entire mouth.
Those with oral health issues may consider full mouth dental implants for a variety of reasons. The most common are missing teeth, difficulty with dentures, or speech impediments. A patient should consult with his or her dentist to review options best for them.
The condition of a person’s jaw must be taken into account prior to surgery. If the jaw’s too soft or thin it may not be strong enough to withstand full mouth dental implants. This may require a dental bone graft by restructuring the jaw using other bones in the body or similar materials.
A patient may naturally wonder how much are dental implants. The total cost is contingent on how many teeth are being replaced as well as if dental insurance is being used.
The Procedure
The surgical process for full mouth dental implants is broken up in stages. Because of the jaw bone’s sensitivity, it must be fully healed before each step takes place.
The first phase of surgery involves opening the gums and exposing the jaw bone. The implant is drilled against the bone and the incision is closed.
After this stage, a patient heals while the implant remains intact. This process is called osseointegration and allows the implant to naturally grow and become part of the jaw bone. The recovery time is dependent on how many teeth are being replaced and how quickly the jaw bone heals.
The second part of the procedure involves reopening the gums and attaching the abutment to the implant. This part is used for attaching the patient’s new artificial teeth.
Aftercare For Full Mouth Dental Implants
It’s natural to experience minor swelling and discomfort after surgery as the mouth adapts to its new teeth. Recovery time will vary among patients based on the procedure. For example, someone who had one tooth implanted is likely to have a shorter recovery time than someone who had a dental bone graft and all teeth replaced.
A patient must be mindful of full mouth dental implants with healthy oral habits. This includes refraining from tobacco use and keeping the gums clean just like natural teeth.
Over the last decade, dental implant surgery has had up to a 95% success rate, giving all patients something to smile about!
Check out the rest of our blog for more dental advice.
