Full Arch Dental Implants By Stephen Dowell, DDS on April 16, 2021

Tooth loss compromises the smile in a number of ways; it detracts from its beauty, weakens oral functions, and threatens the health of surrounding bone and tissues. The more teeth that are lost, the greater the consequences. For those who have lost an entire arch of teeth, full arch dental implants are often the best way to rebuild the smile and prevent further oral complications.

Dental implants replace the roots and crowns of missing teeth to address all of the issues caused by tooth loss. Individuals in the Carrollton, OH, Dover, OH, and Minerva, OH, area who are interested in learning more about full arch dental implants can work with the team at Dowell Dental Group to find out if implants are right for them.

Dental Implant Candidacy

Dental implants can support a full range of dental restorations, including dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures, so they are suitable for people with any degree of tooth loss. However, to be an ideal candidate for dental implants treatment, patients must be healthy enough to undergo oral surgery and be free of health conditions that could interfere with dental implant recovery. They also must have good oral health and sufficient bone density beneath the area of tooth loss.

Bone density is important because the jaw needs to be able to support the implants, and also fuse with the implants as tissues heal. This process, which is called osseointegration, is essential for the ultimate success of dental implant treatment. If patients lack bone density and are still interested in implant treatment, they can have a bone graft placed to strengthen the treatment site.

How Many Implants Will I Need?

For small areas of tooth loss, dental implants are usually placed at a one to one ratio, meaning one dental implant replaces one tooth, two dental implants replace two teeth, and so on. If a patient has an entire arch of missing teeth it can be intimidating to think of how many dental implants that would require. Fortunately, we strategically place dental implants at an angle near the back of the mouth, where bone density tends to be greater. With this technique, we are able to replace an entire arch of missing teeth with just six dental implants.

Dental Implant Treatment

At Dowell Dental Group, dental implant treatment takes place in six stages, all of which occur onsite.

1. Consultation - The teeth and jaw are examined to determine if patients are ideal candidates for dental implant treatment.
2. Implant surgery - Small titanium screws are surgically placed into the jaw; they are strategically placed to take full advantage of bone density.
3. Healing - For four to six months after implant surgery the gums and tissues heal. As the bone heals around the implants they fuse together so that the implant becomes part of the jaw.
4. Abutment placement - The gumline is reopened and metal abutments are attached to the implants. The abutments protrude from the gums so they can later support dental restorations.
5. Healing - Once again we wait for the tissues to heal before proceeding with treatment. Patients typically recover for four to six weeks following abutment placement.
6. Attachment of restoration - At the final stage of dental implant treatment, dental restorations are bonded to the abutments. For full arch replacement, a fixed denture is put in place.

Dental Implant Benefits 

Dental implants are highly recommended for individuals who have suffered from tooth loss. In addition to rebuilding the smile, dental implants:

• Offer superior stability 
• Fit comfortably and feel like a natural part of the smile
• Enhance oral functions, including biting, chewing, and talking
• Can be cared for just like the natural teeth
• Prevent bone atrophy to maintain the structure of the jaw
• Are long-lasting

Find Out More about Full Arch Dental Implants

If you have experienced tooth loss, dental implants can restore the strength, health, and beauty of your smile. To learn more about this revolutionary dental treatment, send us a message online, or call (330) 754-3430 to schedule an appointment at Dowell Dental Group.