Full Mouth Dental Implants in San Rafael, Novato, & Marin Counties
There are a variety of reasons to get full mouth implants. Many patients who opt for dental implants have been wearing dentures for years and are tired of the hassle of caring for their dentures, having to remove them at night, and worrying about slippage or discomfort. Some patients struggle with dental health issues and have had some teeth pulled but are tired of coping with constant problems with their teeth. They elect to have their remaining teeth removed and replaced with full mouth dental implants. Inevitably, patients are thrilled with the results – a beautiful, full arch of teeth that looks and feels like natural teeth and restores a healthy bite.
What Are Full Mouth Dental Implants?
Full mouth dental implants are an effective alternative to dentures if you are missing most or all of your teeth. A full mouth implant can replace all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw or, if necessary, both jaws.
Full mouth dental implants have three distinct components. The implants are small posts or screws placed in the jawbone to support the replacement teeth. For most individuals, between four and six implants are sufficient to hold an entire upper or lower arch of teeth securely.
Abutments are small metal clasps or posts attached or inserted into the implants. These connect the implants to the prosthetic teeth. Finally, the actual replacement teeth are the visible portion of full mouth implants. They are set in a dental prosthetic that looks similar to a denture but is permanently attached to the implants. One crucial difference is that a full upper arch for dental implants does not cover the roof of the mouth like traditional dentures.
Who is a Candidate for Full Mouth Dental Implants?
Any healthy adult who has lost all or most of their teeth and wants a permanent, natural-looking solution is a good candidate for dental implants, provided they meet some essential criteria. Overall good health and oral health are crucial to successful full mouth implant placement. If you do not have healthy gums, treatment of any periodontal disease is a must before beginning the implant process.
Other factors that indicate you are a good candidate for full mouth dental implants include:
- Sufficient jawbone to support implants. If your jawbone has deteriorated, you may need bone grafts to build up the jawbone before placing implants.
- Patience is necessary, as the dental implant process is a long-term commitment. Including healing times, it can take anywhere from four months to a year to get a complete set of implants and your replacement teeth.
- Willingness to give up smoking. Studies have shown that regular smoking inhibits the recovery process and new bone growth, leading to the implants not fully integrating with the jawbone.
We evaluate each patient individually to determine whether they are a good candidate for full mouth implants. If we feel you would benefit from implants, we explain the process in detail and develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Why Are Full Mouth Dental Implants the Best Choice for Replacing Multiple Teeth?
Getting full mouth dental implants is an investment in your oral health and appearance. Implants are often the best choice for replacing multiple missing teeth for several reasons.
Jawbone Health
Implants stabilize and preserve the jawbone. Deterioration of the jawbone leads to a sunken facial profile. It increases the chances of future damage to the jawbone as the density and composition of the bone deteriorate. Implants encourage the growth of new bone.
Permanence
The implants in the jawbone are designed to last a lifetime. Once implants are placed in your jawbone, they will never need replacing. The full arch of replacement teeth can last up to thirty years without needing replacing.
Convenience
If you are tired of soaking your dentures, replacing them, and struggling with fit and comfort issues, full mouth dental implants are an excellent long-term solution. They free you from extra care routines and never shift, pinch, or come loose like dentures.
Comfort
Unlike dentures, full mouth dental implants look and function like your natural teeth. They do not slip around, come loose, or pop out at inopportune moments. Full mouth implants are permanently attached and never need adhesives. They are so comfortable that you may forget you have them!
Eat What You Want
If you are missing all your teeth, you know how difficult it can be to eat the foods you love. Even with dentures, there can be issues with eating foods like popcorn or taffy. If you have full mouth dental implants, you can eat whatever you like without worrying about anything getting caught in your dentures or causing you pain.
Why Choose Kantor Dental?
The placement of multiple implants and a full arch of replacement teeth is one of the most complex dental procedures performed. Precision and an in-depth understanding of the patient’s jawbone structure, esthetic goals, and dental function are critical to the success of dental implants.
Kantor Dental Group offers complete dental implant care from your initial consultation to your new, permanent smile. We are one of the few dental practices in the area that provides implantation, full arch design and installation, and complete care in one location. The full arch dental implant process is lengthy. Our dentists and professional staff provide compassionate care and expertise backed by their strong relationship with every patient. We eliminate long wait times and any misunderstandings by doing the entire process in-house. You will get the ultimate care and complete customization of your full-mouth dental implants.
If you are missing all of your teeth or are considering complete tooth extraction, schedule an appointment at Kantor Dental Group to discuss how full-mouth dental implants can improve your quality of life. Please get in touch with us at San Rafael Office Phone Number 415-492-1616 or use our online appointment request form.