Full Mouth Dental Implants in Chicago, IL
For individuals who have lost all their teeth, full mouth dental implants offer many benefits in addition to providing a beautiful smile.
Understanding these advantages can help you make an informed decision when considering your tooth replacement options.
Dental implants provide the most comprehensive tooth replacement solution, and replacing one or both arches of missing teeth with these restorations is the healthiest way to a strong, stable, beautiful, and natural-looking smile.
Chicago Dental Arts offers a range of tooth replacement services in Chicago, Illinois, including full mouth dental implants. Our well-respected dentist, Dr. Vlad Fedin, has the experience and skills you need to perform successful dental implant procedures and achieve the results you desire.
Am I a Candidate for Full Mouth Dental Implants?
Full mouth dental implants are usually your best option if you are missing most or all of your teeth. However, if your tooth loss is due to advanced periodontal disease, supporting treatments will be needed before implants can be placed.
You should not smoke, as receiving dental implants involves oral surgery. Like any surgical procedure, smoking or using tobacco products can lead to complications and interfere with your recovery.
The best way to learn if you are a candidate for a full mouth dental implant procedure is to schedule an in-depth consultation with Dr. Fedin.
He will thoroughly assess your oral health, obtain your medical history, and advise you on your eligibility to receive a complete set of individual implants to replace your missing teeth. If you choose to proceed, Dr. Fedin will create a customized treatment plan to best meet your tooth replacement goals.
If you don’t qualify for full mouth tooth replacement with individual dental implants, there are other dental implant options that may work better for you.
What Are the Benefits of Individual Dental Implants?
Dental implants are used to replace badly damaged, loose, or absent teeth and are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement for the following reasons:
- Dental implants do not get cavities.
- Dental implants add stability to your bite.
- Dental implants look and function just like healthy teeth.
- Dental implants are cared for like natural teeth, with no extra steps needed.
- Dental implants are a permanent and complete tooth-replacement solution.
- Dental implants significantly impede resorption (loss of mass in the jawbone).
- Dental implants are artificial teeth that provide a fully functional and beautiful smile.
- Dental implants restore the entire tooth, from root to crown (the visible portion of teeth).
Preventing Rapid Jawbone Resorption
Resorption refers to the process of your bones slowly losing density and mass over time. The jaw typically receives stimulation from your tooth roots, which helps keep it strong and healthy.
When tooth roots are absent, resorption speeds up and leads to a weakening and thinning of the jaw. Resorption becomes worse as more teeth are lost.
This consequence of resorption can cause a prematurely aged appearance often seen in individuals who wear dentures.
Maintaining jaw health by replacing all your missing tooth roots is the healthiest benefit provided by full mouth dental implants.
The Cosmetic Benefits of Full Mouth Dental Implants
At Chicago Dental Arts, a complete set of dental implants is topped with high-quality porcelain crowns, which are how your implants are made to look just like natural teeth. However, there are other cosmetic advantages to receiving a full set of implants:
- Porcelain crowns don’t decay and are resistant to chips and stains.
- A full set of dental implants can address orthodontic issues for a straighter smile.
- Dental implants are permanent and not removable, so they can not fall out like dentures.
Want to learn more about how dental implants can save your smile? Call the team at Chicago Dental Arts today at (312) 642-6631.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants consist of a titanium post, abutment, and porcelain crown. The procedure involves a multi-step process and, depending on the cause of your tooth loss, may require bone grafting to ensure the jaw is healthy enough to accommodate the implants. Treatment for any active gum disease or infection and the removal of loose, unhealthy teeth must be completed before proceeding with the steps involved in dental implant placement.
What to Expect When Receiving Full Mouth Dental Implants
You’re ready to start your full mouth dental implant process when you fully recover from any preparatory treatments.
Your options include:
- A full set of upper dental implants
- A full set of lower dental implants
- Full sets of both upper and lower dental implants
Replacing the upper and lower arch usually requires a total of 12 to 16 implants; six to eight dental implants for the upper arch and another six to eight implants for the lower arch.
1. Inserting dental implant posts
Each implant post is surgically inserted through the gums and into your healthy jawbone. Full mouth dental implant placement typically requires the use of oral sedation.
2. Osseo-Integration
Osseo-integration is the medical term for the fusing of an implant post with the surrounding bone. This part of the implant placement process is essential to provide a secure and stable anchor for the incoming crown and preserve the jawbone.
The time needed for sufficient osseo-integration can range from two or three weeks in a healthy jaw to several months when the underlying bone requires significant bone grafting.
3. Placing the Dental Implant Abutment
An abutment is placed over the implant post to provide a strong connection between the artificial root and the porcelain crown. The titanium or zirconia abutment is screwed onto the post, a dental impression is obtained, and the impression is sent to a professional lab to manufacture your custom porcelain crowns. When received by our Chicago dental office, you will come in to have your crowns placed and complete the process.
Learn more about the dental implant procedure here.
What is Recovery Like After a Full Mouth Dental Implant Procedure?
Recovery after a full mouth dental implant procedure requires approximately three months of healing following the implant placement before the area can be restored with an abutment and crown. This allows the implant to integrate with the bone.
For full mouth dental implants, the patient will most likely have a temporary crown (while the implants are fusing to the bone). For a single tooth implant, a temporary crown is usually only used if it is noticeable when speaking or smiling.
The surgical placement of up to 16 dental implants typically involves some swelling, bleeding, and soreness during the first two or three days. Dr. Fedin will prescribe pain-relieving medication, and you may also be advised to use cloth-covered ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Practice a vigilant oral hygiene routine to prevent bacteria from accumulating, which can lead to complications and adversely affect your results.
It’s imperative that you do not smoke after receiving dental implants until the process of osseo-integration is complete.
Biolase® Waterlase®
Dr. Fedin uses an advanced dental device called Waterlase®, which offers optimum comfort and reduces healing time considerably.
Taking Care of Your Dental Implants
Immediately after receiving your full mouth dental implants, stick to eating soft foods and follow Dr. Fedin’s instructions closely.
Your dental implants function like your own healthy teeth and should be taken care of in the same way by brushing twice per day and flossing at least once daily.
While your restorations will not decay, your gum health and the longevity of your new smile depend on receiving proper care.
Always attend your scheduled twice-yearly dental cleanings and check-ups.
What Results Can I Expect After Receiving Dental Implants?
Expect your new teeth to look and function beautifully, just like healthy natural teeth, and last a lifetime with proper care.
You will find yourself speaking, smiling, and laughing more openly as you get used to having a strong, healthy, and attractive smile.
Choosing Dental Implants to Replace Missing Teeth in Chicago
Cone Beam 3D technology is utilized by Chicago Dental Arts for crystal-clear 3D imaging, which allows Dr. Fedin to place your implants precisely where they belong.
At Chicago Dental Arts, we are committed to providing a positive dental experience and offer oral sedation with medication for patients.
Call our expert Chicago, Illinois, full mouth dental implant provider at (312) 642-6631 to schedule your consultation and learn more about this comprehensive tooth replacement option.
See Chicago Dental Arts’ before and after pics here.
