How Can Dental Implants Replace a Full Dental Arch?
The loss of an entire row of teeth can have devastating consequences for your oral health and self-confidence. Dental implants restore natural oral function by replacing lost tooth roots with surgical-grade titanium posts.
Many people are familiar with dental implants as a solution for individual lost teeth. If you are missing an entire dental arch, Dr. Burton Gooch can have you fitted with multiple dental implants that support a denture. Gooch Family Dental serves Birmingham, AL. Read on to learn more about full arch replacement with dental implants.
Full Arch Replacement Options
If you have lost a full arch, meaning all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, you have two basic restorative options: traditional dentures and implant-retained dentures.
Removable Dentures
Traditional dentures consist of an acrylic-resin base and a row of false teeth. The prosthetic is custom-made to blend with your facial features. Removable dentures are a cost-effective restoration that can restore basic oral function. The prosthetic is held in place through suction and a topical bonding agent.
Implant-retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures look like traditional dentures, but they are held in place through four or more dental implants. The titanium posts anchor the denture directly to the jawbone. To receive one or more dental implants, patients will need to undergo oral surgery. Following surgery, the implant will integrate with the surrounding jawbone tissue through a natural process called osseointegration.
Benefits of Dental Implants for Full Arch Replacement
Dental implants offer an ideal solution for full arch replacement. Proven benefits of implant-retained dentures include:
- Longevity: Dental implants are the only permanent solution to tooth loss. The implants will fuse with your jawbone tissue to become a fully functioning part of your body. With proper maintenance and regular visits to our Birmingham dental practice, your implants can last a lifetime.
- Prevention of bone atrophy: Dental implants promote bone health by preventing jawbone atrophy. Following the loss of even one tooth, the alveolar ridge will begin receding. This can lead to undesirable cosmetic issues that can leave your cheeks appearing sunken-in.
- Superior stability: Removable dentures are prone to wobbling and slipping. Many of our Birmingham patients have sought dental implants as a more stable alternative to removable dentures.
What Are My Implant-retained Denture Options?
Implant-Retained Full Dentures
Implant-retained dentures attach directly to implants. Dr. Gooch will place four or more implants to support a full denture. This restoration is incredibly stable. The dentures screw directly into dental implants to provide a more permanent restorative solution. Floss threaders, water flossers, and other oral hygiene tools can clean the underside of dentures.
Restore a Full Arch Using Advanced Dental Implants
Following the loss of an entire arch, basic functions like chewing and speaking can become difficult. Dental implants offer a stable and permanent platform to support a high-quality denture. Dr. Gooch will take steps to ensure that your false teeth match the aesthetics of your natural smile.
To schedule your next visit, please contact our office online or call (205) 545-8001.