Full arch restoration is a treatment that replaces an entire upper or lower arch of teeth using dental implants. Typically 4-6 implants are strategically placed in the jawbone to serve as anchors for a fixed, full-arch dental bridge. This provides patients with a non-removable replacement for a full set of missing teeth.
Full arch restoration is an alternative to:
- Traditional dentures that need to be removed and refitted over time
- Multiple individual dental implants that require extensive surgery and recovery time
- Dental bridges that can damage adjacent healthy teeth
Some key benefits of full arch implants include:
- Restored ability to chew and speak properly
- Eliminated need for removable dentures
- Prevention of bone loss in the jaw
- Dramatically improved dental aesthetics and smile
- Rapid recovery compared to alternatives
- Cost savings compared to individual implants
Patients must have adequate jaw bone and be healthy enough for implant surgery to be candidates. Full arch provides a timely, fixed solution for those missing all teeth in an arch.
Choosing an Expert Full Arch Restoration Dentist
The skill and experience of the implant dentist you select greatly influences the comfort, success and longevity of your full arch restoration. Do your homework to choose a top specialist.
Advanced Implant Training & Education
Look for a cosmetic dentist with extensive post-doctoral training in implant dentistry beyond general dental school, such as:
- Fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
- Credentialing by the American Board of Oral Implantology (ABOI)
- ADA recognized implant specialty programs at universities
Thorough implant education ensures expertise in complex full arch procedures.
Years of Experience Placing Implants
Choose a dentist with 5+ years of hands-on implant experience. Newbies may have book smarts, but proficiency comes from performing hundreds of successful surgeries. Ask about their case volume.
Strong Reputation & Reviews
Check reviews on Google, Facebook and third-party rating sites. Good reviews reflect technical skill and professionalism. Be wary of a few negative reviews - no doctor is perfect.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Look for use of advanced tools like:
- 3D CT scans for precise planning
- Computer-guided implant surgery for better placement accuracy
- Digital smiles design for realistic, well-fitting prosthetics
- Laser dentistry for faster, smoother procedures
State-of-the-art techniques result in better fit, function and aesthetics.
Bedside Manner
The dentist's chairside manner and communication skills are also important. Choose an office with a calm, friendly vibe. The dentist should explain things clearly and respect your concerns.
Do your research to find an implant dentist with the skills, experience and technology to maximize your investment in a full arch restoration. Your smile depends on it!
The Full Arch Implant Process
Getting full arch dental implants is a straightforward process that can dramatically restore your smile and confidence. Here's a step-by-step overview of what to expect:
Initial Consultation
Don't worry, the dentist won't immediately drill your jaw! The first appointment is a casual meet-and-greet where the implant dentist will:
- Examine your teeth, gums, bone structure and overall oral health
- Take 3D scans of your jaw to precisely plan the implant placement
- Discuss your medical history and options to determine if you're a candidate
- Answer any questions you have about the process
This is your chance to get fully informed before deciding if full arch restoration is the right solution for you. If you decide to move forward, you'll get a custom treatment plan.
Implant Surgery
When implant day arrives, don't stress! The surgery is minimally invasive thanks to advanced techniques. You'll likely receive local anesthesia to numb the area being worked on.
The oral surgeon will:
- Make small incisions in your gums to expose the implant sites
- Use specialized tools to gently place 4-6 dental implants into your jawbone
- Suture the gums closed around the implant heads
The implants function like artificial tooth roots and are made from biocompatible titanium. You can expect to be comfortable during the procedure and afterwards.
Healing Period
Patience pays off! It takes 3-6 months for the jawbone to fuse securely to the implants through a process called osseointegration. During this period you'll:
- Have some temporary discomfort managed by medication
- Stick to soft foods while your mouth heals
- Use any remaining original teeth normally
- Get periodic checkups to ensure the implants are integrating properly
With single-stage implants, the implant head is visible during healing. Two-stage implants are fully buried then uncovered later.
Final Restoration
Once fully healed, it's time for your beautiful new smile! The prosthodontist will:
- Take impressions of your jaw and implant positions
- Design, manufacture and fit a custom full-arch bridge to the implants
- Adjust the bridge as needed for optimal comfort and function
The bridge secures firmly to the implants, replacing your entire arch of natural teeth. No more fiddling with loose dentures!
Payment and Financing Options for Full Arch Restoration
The upfront cost of full arch restoration stops some people from pursuing this transformative treatment. But flexible financing options makes the procedure more affordable. Explore payment options to get the healthy, beautiful smile you want.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance often provides limited coverage for implants. Get an itemized estimate of benefits before proceeding. Average insurance coverage is 20%-50% of the total cost of full arch treatment.
Payment Plans
Many dental offices offer no-interest or low-interest monthly payment plans spread over 6-24 months. This divides the total cost into smaller, more manageable payments.
Medical Credit Cards
Special healthcare credit cards like CareCredit offer deferred or fixed interest financing for procedures not fully covered by insurance. Often no interest accrues for 12-24 months.
Dental Loans
Unsecured personal dental loans with fixed rates and terms provide lump sum financing. This allows you to pay off the loan over time through predictable monthly payments.
Do your research to find a payment solution that fits your budget. With available financing, the upfront cost doesn't have to be an obstacle to a renewed smile. Discuss options at your dental consultation.
Alternatives to Full Arch Restoration
Thinking about other options besides full arch dental implants? Here's how the alternatives compare:
Traditional Dentures
Dentures have been around for ages and are the most affordable tooth replacement option. However, they come with downsides:
- Less stable than fixed implants - slip, rub, and require adhesives
- Can impede speech, eating, and appearance
- Higher risk of bone loss in jaw over time
- Need refitting and replacement every 5-10 years
For patients already struggling with loose dentures, full arch provides a sturdy solution.
Dental Bridges
Bridges can replace a few missing teeth by bonding artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth. Downsides include:
- Requires drilling down healthy teeth for bridge anchors
- Higher likelihood of decay and damage to anchor teeth
- More limited repair options if bridge fails
- Only replaces a small span of missing teeth
Full arch restoration is better for extensive tooth loss.
All-on-4 Implants
All-on-4 dental implants uses only 4 strategically angled implants to support an entire arch restoration. But fewer implants means:
- Increased risk of implant failure over time
- Compromised stability compared to more implants
- Higher likelihood of bone loss around implants
More implants means better support and longevity for full arch restorations.
Proper Care and Maintenance of Full Arch Restorations
Getting the most out of your full arch restoration requires a commitment to careful, lifelong maintenance of your dental implants and bridgework. Follow proper at-home hygiene and get professional cleanings to avoid complications.
Excellent Oral Hygiene
Meticulous daily oral hygiene is crucial to the longevity of your implants. Thoroughly brush and floss around the implant crowns and bridgework to remove disease-causing bacterial plaque. Use soft bristled toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste. Clean between crowns daily with floss or interdental brushes.
Antiseptic mouthwashes like chlorhexidine help kill bacteria. Limit sugary foods and drinks, which can lead to decay. If you smoke, quitting greatly improves implant success rates.
Professional Cleanings & Checkups
See your dentist and hygienist for exams and cleanings every 6 months. They will carefully examine your implants and bridgework for issues like:
- Plaque buildup - Hardened calculus on implants that requires special tools for removal
- Gum recession - Shrinking gums that expose more of the implant to bacteria
- Peri-implantitis - Serious gum infection that can destroy bone around implants
- Structural damage - Loose implants or broken bridgework that requires repair
Professional cleanings also remove stains on the bridgework for a whiter smile. X-rays and bone scans at annual checkups help diagnose problems early. Don't skip your visits!
Avoid Damaging Habits
Clenching, grinding, or chewing on hard items can eventually weaken, fracture or dislodge your implants. Wear a custom nightguard if you have bruxism. Avoid chewing ice, fingernails, pens, nuts or very crunchy foods. Use common sense to protect your investment.
Know the Warning Signs
Report any unusual symptoms to your dentist immediately. These may indicate an issue requiring intervention:
- Pain or sensitivity around implants
- Bleeding, sore, or receding gums
- Halitosis or bad taste in mouth
- Swelling around implants
- Loose implants or crowns
- Clicking noises during chewing
- Changes in bite alignment
Don't delay - a quick fix early prevents bigger problems later!
Longterm Prosthetic Maintenance
The bridgework itself can eventually need repairs or replacement due to normal longterm wear. Plan to replace abutment screws, worn crowns, or fractured bridges every 15-20 years, or as recommended by your dentist.
Take your dentist's advice on properly maintaining your implants. Protect your investment and your stunning smile!
How Full Arch Implants Can Transform Your Life
Living with missing, failing, or ill-fitting teeth doesn't just affect your smile - it can negatively impact your overall wellbeing. A full mouth restoration with full arch dental implants offers life-changing benefits beyond just improved dental function and aesthetics.
With a complete restoration of your teeth, you may notice improvements including:
- Better nutrition. Properly chewing and digesting food keeps you energized and healthy.
- Easier communication. Clear, unimpeded speech boosts social confidence.
- Less anxiety. You can laugh, talk, and smile freely without worry.
- Improved self-esteem. Beautiful teeth make you look and feel good.
- No more irritation. Say goodbye to uncomfortable rubbing and sores from dentures.
- Advanced technology. Computer-guided surgery and 3D planning result in a comfortable experience.
- Freedom to enjoy life. Eat your favorite foods and take photos again!
Full arch implants let you rediscover the joys of daily living we often take for granted. Patients report life-changing improvements to their morale, social and romantic lives, careers, and overall wellbeing. It's truly an investment in a better quality of life.
FAQs About Full Arch Implants Hallandale
"I have so many questions! Like will full arch implants work for me? How bad is the surgery? What can I eat? Does it hurt?"
Don't worry, these are common concerns for implant candidates! Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Am I a Candidate?
The dentist will check key criteria at your consultation, including:
- You are missing all or most teeth in your arch
- Have sufficient jawbone density and volume for the implants
- Good oral hygiene and general health
Even with issues like gum disease or bone loss, you may still qualify with additional procedures. Talk to your dentist!
How Long Does It Take?
That depends! The total treatment typically spans 3-6 months:
- 1-2 months for the planning and design phase
- 1-2 months for osseointegration after implant placement
- 2-4 weeks to make the final bridge once healed
So in as little as 3 months, you can have a fully functional, complete set of new teeth!
Is It Painful?
Patients report minimal pain or discomfort:
- The surgery is performed under local anesthetic
- Over-the-counter pain medication relieves post-op soreness
- After the first few days, most feel great
- Proper implant techniques minimize trauma to the jawbone
Follow your dentist's instructions for rapid, comfortable healing.
What's the Recovery Like?
Expect some short-term changes after surgery:
- Temporary soft food diet while mouth heals
- Possible light bruising or swelling for a week
- Adjusted sleeping positions to avoid implant contact
- Healing gums for 1-2 weeks before stitches remove
Within 2-4 weeks you should be back to normal routines!
How Long Do Implants Last?
With proper care, your full arch restoration can last 20 years or longer! To maximize longevity:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene
- Get regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Avoid smashing the implants with hard foods or habits
- Address any damage promptly
The implants themselves last indefinitely. The bridgework may need replacement after decades of use.
What About Costs?
Cost varies based on your specific case, but averages $20,000 - $40,000 total. Benefits include:
- Fewer implants than individual replacement
- Faster procedure than multiple surgeries
- Lower cost than individual implants long-term
- Eliminates expense of removable dentures
Many clinics offer financing options to make it more budget friendly.
How Do I Choose a Dentist?
Look for an implant specialist with:
- Advanced training in implant dentistry
- Years of experience placing hundreds of implants
- A sterling reputation and excellent reviews
- A caring, patient-centered philosophy
- A high-tech clinic using 3D planning and guided surgery
Trust your smile to highly-skilled experts!
About Our Dental Practice: Your Full Arch Restoration Health Partners in Hallandale
Svetlana Dental and Esthetic Center in Miami specializes in affordable effective cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers. They use the latest techniques and technology to transform smiles. At our state-of-the-art practice, our best cosmetic dentistry will provide treatments to give you the smile you deserve.
Services included:
- Cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants and crowns to improve appearance.
- Full mouth reconstruction to completely rehabilitate and reshape teeth entire mouth
- Treatment planning and smile makeovers to align and reshape teeth for an enhanced smile
- General and specialist dental care using cutting-edge equipment
Dr. Anokhina Svetlana, helps patients achieve natural looking, healthy smiles affordably in Miami. For exceptional full arch restoration, and five-star patient experiences in Miami Hallandale, FL, choose our dental office. Call today to schedule your consultation!
