Hello. I'm Dr. David Koilpillai, from Montpelier Family Dentistry, LLC. We get a lot of questions about full-arch dental implants. I'm going to answer some of the most common questions to give you a better understanding of whether full arch dental implants are right for you.
What are full arch dental implants?
Full arch dental implants are teeth placed on the upper jaw and lower jaw when most or all of your teeth are gone. These are permanently placed teeth, unlike dentures, which are removable. They are not removable by the patient; they're fixed. They are more or less like your own teeth placed in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
Who is a good candidate for full arch dental implants and who isn't?
The patient will have all their teeth missing. That's necessary, and they should have a sufficient amount of bone in their upper jaw, lower jaw, or both so that it can support the full arch dental implants. They should be in good health.
What are the advantages of full arch dental implants versus dentures or other options?
The advantage of full arch dental implants is you have teeth that function just like your own. You can chew with them as efficiently as with your natural teeth. In contrast, dentures do not function like your own teeth. You cannot chew with denture teeth like you can with your natural teeth or with a set of full arch dental implants. That's the difference between the two. The disadvantages include a much more involved procedure, with a lot of planning and many steps involved. There is some surgery involved in full arch dental implants, and there is a waiting period for the body to heal after placing the implants to complete the case.
What are the steps in the process for getting full arch dental implants?
There are planning steps. If there are some teeth to be removed, there's that step. Steps are involved in placing the implants and getting something temporary on the dental implants. You will have some teeth there right after placing implants, allowing them to heal for a few months, and then finally getting the final restoration fixed to your dental implants so you can function normally. Those are the steps involved.
Is the procedure painful when getting full arch dental implants?
When we do full arch implants, you will be completely numb. Whether you choose to be awake or asleep, you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure. That's important to know. Afterwards, there will be some post-op discomfort that can be alleviated with medications.
How long do full arch dental implants last?
They can last many years. Just like your own teeth, you must take care of them. Good oral hygiene and gum health are important in maintaining them, and you should visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning. They can last many years.
How do you clean and care for full arch implants?
There are ways of cleaning under your full arch dental implants. One is using a water pick. Brushing is important. Just like you normally brush your own teeth, you must brush them. A water pick is a very good tool to clean under your full arch implant.
Will my new full arch implant teeth match the color of my old teeth?
Yes, they can match your own teeth. If you want to change the color of your teeth, you can do so with these as well.
What is the cost for full arch dental implants?
Full arch dental implants require a fairly large budget. They are not inexpensive, but there are many options in our office for breaking the payment down into affordable monthly payments. Yes, it is one of the more expensive treatments we offer.
Will insurance help with the cost of full arch dental implants?
They can, but many of you probably understand that dental insurance only covers up to a certain amount per year. They may cover a small part of your cost.
How can I schedule an appointment to talk with a dentist about full arch dental implants?
Give our office at Montpelier Family Dentistry, LLC a call, and we'll be happy to set up a consultation so you can get your questions answered and be ready for getting your full arch dental implants.
I hope we've been able to answer all your questions about full arch dental implants. If you have further questions, please call us at Montpelier Family Dentistry, LLC at (301) 812-4599.