Full Arch Implants

Full-arch implants are recommended for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, or if their remaining teeth have to be replaced due to severe damage caused by gum disease or tooth decay. You must have adequate bone volume to place the implants into in order to qualify for this procedure. It is also preferable that the patient does not smoke and does not have diabetes.

In general, full-arch implants are for those who have lost an entire row of teeth, whether upper or lower, and who:

• are in good oral health,
• have good overall health, and
• possess a fully developed jaw.

It is best to consult with one of our dentists to determine whether or not you are a candidate for full arch implant restoration. Call Smiles in Currambine today at (08) 9305 4888 to book a free consultation (*terms and conditions apply).

There are typically five stages to a full arch implant procedure, which can be completed in one or more appointments:

1. To ensure your comfort, we will administer local anaesthesia during the implant treatment. We can discuss more sedation options if you are anxious about dental treatments.
2. If you still have any remaining teeth, they will have to be extracted before the implants can be placed. In cases where the extraction of many teeth is required, or there is evidence of gum disease or infection, we may proceed with the implant procedure after your mouth has healed.
3. When your mouth is ready for implants, our dentists will ensure the implant sites are clean to prevent infection. Afterwards, we will carefully make incisions in your gums and insert the titanium implants into your jaws. There are usually two implants placed in the front and two in the back. Still, additional implants may be needed, depending on the size and condition of your jaw.
4. Once we have placed the implants, we will clean and disinfect the treated areas and attach your artificial dental bridge. The implants will secure the replacement teeth, which are designed to closely resemble natural teeth.
5. Afterwards, we will take you to the recovery room to recuperate from the anaesthetic. The best way to manage pain and discomfort is to avoid overexerting yourself. Also, be sure to follow any advice provided by your dentist regarding food and pain relief.

Full-arch dental implants usually require a shorter recovery period than standard dental implants. Still, it usually takes between 3 and 6 months for full recovery to take place.

There are always some risks associated with full-arch implants, just as with any surgical procedure. To minimise these risks, we take every precaution. We will ensure you have all the information before agreeing to the treatment so you can make an informed decision. Among the risks are:

• Infections surrounding the implants
• Failure of implant
• Nerve and blood vessel damage
• Complications with the sinuses following implant placement in the upper jaw

You will likely feel some pain after the procedure, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

You will be provided with gauze to help control bleeding from the implant site after the surgery. It will need to be replaced every 30 minutes until the bleeding stops. During the first day following treatment, you should not touch your mouth except to rinse gently with water or an antibacterial rinse.

Recovery from this procedure might take a few weeks. It is possible for you to experience discomfort, swelling, or bleeding following the procedure. In many cases, these issues can be handled with medication. Applying pressure can also help stop bleeding. Follow your dentist’s advice to improve your chances of a full recovery and:

• only eat soft foods
• rest as much as possible
• refrain from strenuous activity
• don’t smoke

Taking care of full-arch dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. The best way to remove anything left behind by your toothbrush is to floss at least once daily. It is beneficial to include an antimicrobial mouthwash in your oral hygiene routine to remove bacteria from the mouth. It is also recommended to see your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and check-up.

A number of factors will affect the cost of dental implants, including how many teeth you need to replace and whether you need a bone graft. It costs roughly $21,000 to $35,000 to have a full arch implant procedure.

We offer a free consultation at Smiles in Currambine (*terms and conditions apply). Our dentists will determine the most affordable and accurate treatment plan for you after assessing your individual needs. We offer flexible payment plans, and your dental insurance may cover some of the treatment costs.

There are several alternative treatments to full-arch implants:

1. Fixed Implant Bridges: Fixed implant bridges use dental implants for the bridge’s foundation. The placement of bridges can maintain your mouth’s contour and avoid dental problems in the future, as well as maintain your jawbone and surrounding teeth. Fixed implant bridges are the ideal dental restoration for people who have lost permanent teeth. It is attached to dental implants for a permanent solution that looks and functions like regular teeth. A permanent dental bridge allows normal chewing and biting after it is inserted. They are glued into place and can only be removed by a dentist. A fixed bridge requires multiple dental visits, but it is less expensive than implants.
2. Implant-retained Dentures: With implant-retained dentures, dental implants hold the dentures in place. The implants also support the bite force on the gums. With an implant-retained denture, fewer implants are needed to secure them compared to an implant-supported removable denture.
3. Dental Bridges: A dental bridge is a set of artificial teeth, or pontics, anchored to the teeth on each side of the gap. Pontics are typically made of porcelain and blend seamlessly with natural teeth.
4. Removable Partial Dentures: Partial removable dentures are available for people who do not want to wear implants or a permanent bridge. Removable partial dentures are secured by clenching them with adjacent teeth. Partial dentures are often used to replace missing teeth. Dentures are usually made from acrylic or nylon, and they are usually placed without invasive procedures.
5. Complete Dentures: Getting full-mouth dentures is an excellent option for people with all of their teeth missing or those who need to have all of their remaining teeth extracted due to damage or decay. Complete dentures look like a complete set of straight teeth when they are in place. You can eat more when you have dentures than if you only have gums or severely damaged teeth. These are excellent tooth replacement options. The downside is that they are not as effective at chewing as natural teeth, which may limit your diet.