Full Mouth Dental Implants Procedure

The full mouth dental implants process is extensive and will require multiple visits over several months and various procedures with different recovery times. This process can be extended even further if additional preparatory procedures need to be performed prior to placement of the implants, such as tooth extractions and/or a dental bone graft. Following a tooth extraction, it may take 3 months for the area to heal, whereas a dental bone graft or sinus lift can take up to 6 months to fully heal.

Once these preparatory steps are complete, the full mouth dental implant process will be preceded by an initial evaluation and diagnostic exams to determine the optimal location for placing your implant(s) and to determine the number of implants required. Once this is determined, a local anesthetic will be administered to eliminate pain or discomfort. Dental sedation may also be given to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible while the procedure is taking place.

Once this is complete, incisions are made in your gums to access the bone and a hole is drilled into your jawbone in which the metal post is placed. Once the post(s) is properly positioned, a temporary denture is placed to fill the gap. Following this, it will take several months for the post to fuse with your jawbone. Every patient has a slightly different healing process, so the time needed for these posts to fully fuse with your jawbone may be as short as two or three months or as long as six months. Although there is nothing you can do to speed up this process, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits, eat a healthy diet, and lead a healthy lifestyle.

During the recovery period, it is important to follow these steps until the healing process is complete:

• Avoid brushing or touching the surgical area
• Avoid foods that are extremely cold or hot
• Do not spit or use a straw for at least 24 hours following surgery
• Avoid tobacco or alcohol
• Stick to a soft food diet for two weeks or longer
• Avoid or limit physical activity for 24-72 hours or longer if possible

As soon as osseointegration is complete, the abutments and crowns can be placed and you can begin to enjoy your new, full smile.

Pros and Cons of Full Mouth Dental Implants

Because of how extensive, time consuming, and costly the process of getting full mouth dental implants is, it is important to remember the benefits you will enjoy once the procedure is complete as a reminder that the time and effort will pay off in the end. In addition to restoring your natural looking smile, other benefits of full mouth dental implants include:

• Improved oral health
• Reduces risk of jawbone loss
• Comfortable
• Stable
• Do not require modified care
• Restores your ability to enjoy all types of foods
• Ensures you avoid the look of premature aging associated with missing teeth
• Increased self-confidence

More on Full Mouth Dental Implants : Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost