You receive a beautiful bridge that closely resembles your natural teeth with full mouth restoration. The bridge can either be cemented or, more likely, screwed onto the implants. It can be preferable to screw the bridge in place using tiny screws inserted through the biting surface or inner surfaces of the implant teeth.
The screws are then covered with tooth-colored composite resin, which is invisible. Screwing an implant bridge in place makes it easier to retrieve if you require any professional dental maintenance, cleaning, or repairs.
Full mouth dental implants are the optimal solution for complete tooth loss.
Full mouth implants are ideal for you if you:
Each full-arch bridge is carefully designed to restore the correct height between your upper and lower jaws while providing optimal support for the muscles in your cheeks and lips.
Another advantage of choosing full-mouth dental implants is the protective effect on your jawbone. Each implant helps preserve the jawbone around it, preventing bone resorption.
“Full mouth dental implants are a life-changing investment. They give you back your smile, your confidence, and your ability to eat and speak normally. Full mouth dental reconstruction is the closest thing to having your natural teeth back.” Dr. Adam Shoukry
Full mouth rehabilitation can cost a little more because more implants are required to secure a full arch bridge.
People who lost teeth quite some time ago or had periodontal disease may require bone grafting before treatment. This is because the jawbone resorbs without the stimulation provided by natural tooth roots. Periodontal disease is an infection that destroys the jawbone. While a bone grafting procedure is straightforward, it can increase the time required for treatment and the overall costs.
Sometimes, with a full arch bridge, it’s necessary to design it so that the bridge replaces gum tissue as well as teeth, using artificial materials that closely replicate natural gums. The result is a prosthesis that may be thicker and larger than expected, and some people may find it harder to become accustomed to this type of bridge. Usually, this isn’t a problem, but it is another factor to consider.
Most people are suitable for full arch implants treatment, but you will need a comprehensive dental exam. During this exam Dr. Adam Shoukry will review your dental and medical history with you as certain factors can increase the risk of implant failure.
Any signs of active dental disease or other issues such as bruxism must be treated before having this procedure. Active dental disease can increase the risk of implant failure. Bruxism is a condition where people clench and grind their teeth, often during sleep, and which can place dental implants under excessive pressure, potentially leading to implant failure.
Several distinct stages are required to plan and place full mouth rehabilitation.
You will need comprehensive diagnostic tests in preparation for full mouth reconstruction, including:
These diagnostic tests help determine the condition of your jawbone and allow us to assess the quality and quantity of the bone available for implant placement. We can then provide a more accurate quotation of the costs involved with the treatment at this stage.
The next stage of your treatment plan is done behind the scenes using your diagnostic imaging tests. Our experienced oral maxillofacial surgeon uses these images to plan implant placement using computer-guided surgery.
Accurate implant planning is especially critical when replacing an entire arch of teeth. We must make sure each implant is inserted optimally so that once restored, your bridge will look and feel natural, providing good functionality and excellent aesthetics. Once the implant plan is complete, we fabricate a surgical stent and an accurate template placed over your gums during the procedure.
Dr. Adam Shoukry takes extensive care to ensure you feel comfortable during this surgical procedure, using a local anesthetic to numb the implant sites. Please ask if you require additional sedation to help you feel more relaxed during surgery.
Using the custom-made stent helps Dr. Shoukry ensure the procedure is quicker and smoother, guiding our oral surgeon so that each implant is inserted in precisely the right location and at the exact depth and angulation required. Once the implants are placed, they are covered and left to heal. The implant posts will gradually fuse or bond with the bone around them, which takes several months to complete.
Sometimes, instead of covering the implants, we can place a temporary implant bridge soon after surgery, which locks the implants together, preventing movement while they heal. However, it’s often preferable to leave the implants covered and undisturbed, and while they heal, we can provide a temporary prosthesis.
The temporary teeth can be created before surgery, so they are ready to use immediately. We may use these temporary prostheses as a guide when fabricating your permanent teeth.
My teeth were in horrible condition since I was a teenager. In my opinion, crowding, four extractions, and braces caused periodontal disease, which caused additional health issues. One year after having root planning and scaling surgery from another provider, my teeth started to fall out one by one. Now with dental implants from Dr. Russo, I'm ready to feel confident again.
We can begin making your permanent bridge when your implants are completely healed. Once it is ready, we will try it in your mouth to check that it looks natural and attractive and allows you to bite and chew food properly. Once you are happy with its appearance, we fit it permanently in place.
When placing multiple implants, it’s common to feel:
We can always prescribe pain medication, although often, any discomfort is controllable with over-the-counter painkillers. You may need antibiotics and be advised to use an antimicrobial mouthwash the first week after surgery.
We will provide precise instructions on how to care for your mouth during the initial healing period and advice on which foods to eat and those best avoided at this stage.
Most people describe their recovery after full dental implants as:
While you will need to take it easy for the rest of the day, most people can return to work the next day.
It is important to make sure you keep your full mouth dental implants clean and free from plaque and food build-up. We will show you exactly how to clean your implants and underneath the bridge and how to clean your implant teeth.
Closely following our instructions will ensure your implant teeth remain strong and infection-free, protecting your investment and ensuring your implants last for years to come.
Dr. Adam Shoukry, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist who strives to provide each of his patients with personalized care and educate them on the state of their dental health so that they can make informed decisions. Dr. Shoukry really enjoys his work and is committed to continued education, having attended several accredited courses in every aspect of dentistry.
Dr. Shoukry graduated from NYU College of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and then completed his general practice residency at Nassau University Medical Center. Being a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Shoukry strives to provide comprehensive dental examinations, a full range of cosmetic treatments, and the best restorative oral health care available.