Full-arch implant restorations

What it is

A full-arch restoration is a complete row of upper or lower teeth attached to implants, usually four to six, placed in your jawbone. Once the implants heal, they hold the teeth firmly, so the teeth don’t shift the way a loose denture can.

The teeth are fixed in place, and only your dentist can remove them. That’s the main difference from an implant-supported denture, which snaps onto implants and comes out each day.

Who it helps

This may be an option if you:

• Are missing most or all of the teeth in one jaw
• Have many teeth failing from decay or gum disease
• Wear a denture that slips, rubs, or makes eating hard
• Want teeth that stay put and don’t cover the roof of your mouth

You need to be healthy enough for surgery and have enough jawbone, though implants can sometimes be angled to use the bone you have. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes raise the risk of problems.

What happens

1. Exam and planning. Dr. Minici checks your teeth, gums, and bite, and takes X-rays. A 3D scan is often used to plan where each implant goes. You’ll also talk about how your new teeth should look.
2. Surgery day. Any remaining teeth in that jaw are removed, and the implants are placed while the area is numb. Most people feel pressure rather than pain. If you’re nervous, ask about sedation options.
3. Temporary teeth. In many cases, a temporary set is attached the same day or within a few days, if the implants are steady enough. You’ll eat soft foods while the bone heals.
4. Healing. Over several months, the bone grows around the implants. Checkups let your dentist see how things are going and adjust the temporary teeth.
5. Your final teeth. Once healing is done, impressions are taken and a stronger final set is made. Your dentist attaches it and checks your bite and how you speak.

Full-arch care is often shared. Depending on your case, an oral surgeon may place the implants, while Dr. Minici plans and fits your new teeth.

Recovery and aftercare

The first week is usually the hardest. Swelling, soreness, and sometimes bruising tend to peak after two or three days. Ice on your cheeks helps on the first day.

While the implants heal, eat soft foods for as long as your dentist advises, often a few months. Don’t smoke, since it slows healing and raises the risk of implant failure.

Your new teeth may feel big at first. Some words may sound different for a few weeks while your tongue gets used to them.

Cost and insurance

The cost depends on the number of implants, any extractions or bone grafts, and the materials for your temporary and final teeth. Sedation, where it’s offered and used, adds to it.

Dental insurance often covers only a small part of full-arch treatment, and some plans cover none of it. Medical insurance rarely helps. Financing can spread the cost over the months of treatment; see insurance and financing.

Alternatives

• A complete denture. A denture costs much less and needs no surgery. It can move when you eat or talk, and an upper denture covers the roof of your mouth.
• An implant-supported denture. Two to four implants hold a removable denture firmly. It usually costs less than fixed teeth, and you take it out to clean it.
• Saving some of your teeth. If some teeth are healthy enough, treating them and replacing only the missing ones may be possible.
• Waiting. If your teeth or denture work for you now, there’s no rush. The jawbone keeps shrinking where teeth are missing, though, which can make implants harder later.