Full Arch Dental Implants
The loss of even a single tooth can compromise the health, strength, and beauty of the smile. For individuals in the Austin, TX, area who have lost an entire arch of teeth, dentures are the most practical solution. To enhance dentures treatment so that they are more secure and durable, the dentists at 38th Street Dental recommend implant-supported dentures.
Implant-supported dentures are secured by dental implants. Full arch dental implants fuse with the tissues of the jaw so that they act as artificial tooth roots. Dental implants support dental restorations while providing the jaw with the stimulation necessary to prevent bone degeneration.
Dental Implant Candidates
Dental implants can support a full range of dental restorations, including dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures. As such, dental implants are a viable option for those who have experienced any degree of tooth loss. Dental implants are especially beneficial to those who have lost an entire arch of teeth, because they make dentures permanent, rather than removable, so they will never slip or shift out of place.
To promote the success of dental implant treatment, there are some qualifications that our Austin patients must meet. Individuals must have good oral health, they must have sufficient bone density to support the implants (or be willing to receive a bone graft), and they must be non-smokers or be willing to quit smoking in the weeks before and after dental implant surgery.
How Many Dental Implants Will I Need?
Although dental implants offer superior support and durability for dental restorations, some people hesitate to undergo dental implant treatment when replacing an entire arch of missing teeth. This is usually because they assume they will need a dental implant for each missing tooth, which sounds pretty intimidating. Fortunately, that is not the case. An entire arch of dentures can be supported with just four dental implants.
How Can Four Dental Implants Support a Full Arch Restoration?
Four dental implants may not sound like enough to support a full set of dentures, but it is all about the placement. Implants are strategically placed to take maximum advantage of the jawbone. Typically, two dental implants are placed at the front of the mouth (one on either side) and two in the back. The back implants are placed at a 45 degree angle, so that they make contact with as much bone tissue as possible.
As the tissues around the implants heal in the months following implant surgery, they fuse with the implant. This process, which is called osseointegration, essentially makes the implants a permanent part of the jaw. With this support, dental implants are able to anchor down full arch restorations and provide patients with the stability they desire.
Dental Implant Benefits
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth loss treatment, and it is because of the many benefits they provide. Dental implants:
- Never shift out of place
- Support restorations so they feel like a natural part of the smile
- Stimulate the jawbone and prevent deterioration
- Can be cared for like the natural teeth
- Can last a lifetime
Get In Touch
If you have suffered advanced tooth loss and would like to learn more about the benefits of full arch dental implants, we invite you to schedule an appointment with the dentists at 38th Street Dental. To get in touch with our Austin dental team, send us a message online, or call our practice at (512) 458-6222.