Patients who are missing the majority of their teeth may think that a traditional denture is their only option to restore their mouth but full mouth dental implants might be right for you! Patients who are otherwise healthy and can endure implant placement surgery and up to six months of healing time may be best served with full mouth dental implants. This option is intended to be a permanent solution and with good oral care and overall healthy habits, dental implants can easily last a lifetime. The implant restoration affixed to the implants may need to be replaced after 15 or 20 years but that will be due to regular wear and tear.
Dental implants act as the root of a tooth and encourage jaw bone regeneration and fuse with the bone structure to provide a stable and secure foundation for long-lasting full mouth dental implants.
How can I make my full mouth dental implants last a lifetime?
Sometimes, patients think that since they no longer have any natural teeth, they do not need to care for their dentures as they did their organic teeth. This could not be further from the truth! Patients that have lost their teeth, even if it was not due to poor oral hygiene, need to care for their mouth better than ever to make sure that their implants remain healthy and free of infection. If an implant develops an infection, it doesn't take long for the implant to become hopeless and need to be replaced. It is vital for patients to maintain regular visit to the dentist and at least one annual visit to the doctor that placed their implants.
Your dentist may also suggest that you incorporate a night guard when you sleep to protect your investment from bruxism, which is the unconscious clenching and grinding we often do in our sleep.
What can cause dental implants to fail?
Patients with pre-existing medical conditions such as osteoporosis or diabetes may be at higher risk for implant failure. Pre-existing medical conditions do not mean that you cannot have dental implants just that you may need to take extra care in keeping them healthy. Patients who lost teeth due to poor oral hygiene or periodontal disease are also at high risk for implant failure if they do not improve their oral care after implant placement. Full mouth dental implants should be cleaned according to the instructions your dentist gives you. During your professional cleanings, your dentist will remove the denture and your hygienist will clean the denture and each individual implant before your dentist replaces the denture.
Who is a candidate for full mouth dental implants?
Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. If your dentist believes that dental implants are right for you, they will refer you to an oral surgeon or periodontist for evaluation at which point that specialist will be able to tell you if you are a viable candidate for dental implants. Full mouth dental implants are an incredibly natural looking and stable way to restore your mouth!