Full Arch Implants – Cost, Procedure, & All You Need To Know

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The loss of multiple teeth at once due to an accident or some other health condition can be a really painful experience. Apart from affecting your oral health it also takes a toll on your confidence and quality of life.

But the good news is there are several treatment options in modern dentistry to resolve this issue and restore your genuine smile and oral functionality. One such treatment is Full Arch Dental Implant which has proved effective in the treatment of extensive teeth loss.

This blog covers everything you need to know about full arch dental implants to help you understand why this treatment is a good option for you so keep on reading to learn more.

  • What is a Full Arch Implant?
  • The Types of Full Arch Dental Implants
  • When Do You Need It?
  • Full Arch Implants Costs
  • The Procedure of Full Arch Dental Implant
  • Full Arch Dental Implants: Recovery and After Care
  • How Long Do Full Arch Dental Implants Last?
  • Are Full Arch Dental Implants Worth?
  • Pros of Full Arch Dental Implant
  • Cons of Full Arch Dental Implant

What is a Full Arch Implant?

The full arch implant is an implant-supported replacement that is used in cases where the patient has lost most or all of their teeth in one or both of the curved parts or arches that contain your teeth.

The name full arch implant is given to this treatment as it covers the full row of teeth in the arch of your jaws.

In this procedure, about 4 or 6 implants are used that provide support to a fixed or removable set of teeth. What makes this treatment different from traditional dentures is that unlike them it doesn’t sit atop the gums.

Instead, the full arch implant is surgically anchored into your jawbone. This results in increased stability, functionality, and durability.

The whole procedure can take four to seven months to complete based on the number of teeth you need to replace and the position of the jaw i.e., upper or lower.

The Types of Full Arch Dental Implants

Following are the main types of full arch dental implants that your dentist might recommend based on your needs

  • All-on-4 Dental Implants

In this case, 4 implants are placed in your jawbone to support a full arch of teeth. This treatment is the most common and it is ideal for people who have experienced bone loss.

  • All-on-6 Dental Implants

In this case, 6 implants are placed inside your jawbone to add more stability. This treatment is often recommended for patients who have more bone density.

  • Fixed full-arch implants

As the name suggests, these dental implants are fixed and non-removable. These are used in cases where extensive teeth loss has occurred and you need more stability and functionality to restore the patient’s oral health.

  • Implant Supported Dentures

This is a more affordable and less invasive type of implant that can be used to replace a complete arch of teeth. The dentures in this case are removable which makes cleaning and maintenance easier. However, these tend to be a little more uncomfortable when compared with other full-arch dental implants.

When Do You Need It?

You need to have a full arch dental implant if

  • More than five or six of your adjacent teeth are lost due to an accident or old age.
  • Your chewing ability and speech are being affected due to damaged or missing teeth.
  • You are looking for a natural-looking and permanent treatment.

Full Arch Implants Costs

There are many factors that can affect the cost of full arch dental implants. They include the type and complexity of the implant, the number of implants, the need for additional treatments such as bone grafting, and the location of the practitioner. In the UK you can get a full arch implant bridge for about £17,510 per arch. 

The Procedure of Full Arch Dental Implant

This treatment requires the patient to attend multiple sessions. In this first visit, X-rays are done and a detailed oral examination is conducted. This is also where the impressions for the implant placement are taken.

In the next session, the oral surgery is done after administering anesthesia. Based on your previously taken impression 4 or 6 dental implants are placed inside your jawbone.

Once they heal, the abutments are attached to the implants and then temporary dentures are added on top of the full-arch implants. This should heal in about 10 to 15 weeks and then prosthetic teeth are screwed to the implants.

Full Arch Dental Implants: Recovery and Aftercare

Though major recovery and pain reduction occur after the first week of the treatment the complete healing can take 10 to 15 weeks. Following are a few things to keep in mind during recovery and aftercare

  • If you experience mild discomfort or swelling it can be managed with ice packs and painkillers.
  • During the healing stick mostly to a soft diet and gradually transition to the regular diet.
  • Go for regular dental checkups and adopt proper oral hygiene practices.

How Long Do Full Arch Dental Implants Last?

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last you a lifetime. However, as the dentures are more exposed to wear and tear, you might need to replace them after 10 to 15 years. 

Are Full Arch Dental Implants Worth?

Full arch dental implants are a long-term and permanent treatment for people who have suffered adjacent teeth loss due to some accident, disease, or old age. You can have this treatment in 3 to 4 sessions and it will last you a lifetime with minimum care.

This treatment can restore the normal chewing and speaking ability of your mouth. Apart from that it can also restore your smile which gives you more confidence and self-esteem. So, it is fair to say that this treatment is worth every penny.

Pros of Full Arch Dental Implant

Following are a few reasons why full arch implants are a suitable treatment for extensive teeth loss

  • Improved Mouth Functionality

Compared with traditional treatments, full arch implants lead to superior chewing and speaking abilities for all patients. There are no risks of dentures slipping or clicking due to the increased stability offered by this treatment.

  • Enhanced Oral Health

This treatment prevents bone loss in the jaw by protecting its structure and integrity which leads to enhanced oral health.

  • Natural Look

The prosthetic teeth used in this treatment closely resemble the real teeth giving you a natural-looking smile and appearance.

  • Long-Lasting Treatment

Full arch implants are extremely low maintenance and they can last you a lifetime owing to their durability.

Cons of Full Arch Dental Implant

Following are a few reasons why full arch implants might not be a good option for you

  • Costs

This procedure involves designing dentures, dental implants, surgery, prosthetic teeth, and follow-ups to ensure better performance. This leads to a much higher cost.

  • Risks

There are many surgical risks associated with this treatment such as infection, bleeding, surrounding nerves, teeth, and blood vessel damage, etc.

  • Time-Consuming Treatment

This is a time-consuming procedure which takes 3 to 4 sessions spanning several weeks. Moreover, the long recovery time is also a major drawback of this treatment.

Conclusion

The full arch dental implant is the go-to procedure in most extensive teeth loss cases. This treatment not only enhances the functionality of your mouth but also gives you teeth that look and feel extremely natural.

Most patients who have undergone this treatment report that it was very effective in restoring their smile and facial features. This blog covered all the basics of this procedure from the very first step to recovery and costs. You can use this information to plan your next dental implant procedure.

It is always a good idea to discuss your options with an experienced dentist or orthodontist first to make a more informed choice.

You can visit SDS (Specialist Dental  Services) today to get the best consultation and explore effective treatments to improve your oral health in London.            

Prof. Shakeel Shahdad

Shakeel is one of the leading dentists in london, Consultant and Honorary Clinical Professor at The Royal London Dental Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust and Queen Mary University of London. Shakeel specialises in treating patients requiring complex and advanced restorative treatment including surgical placement and restoration with dental implants.

Posted On : July 29, 2024

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