Full Arch Replacement

ALL TEETH MISSING

In clinical situations where patient are missing all of their teeth or their teeth are in a condition which requires them to be removed, dental implants provide a secure and confident solution. Traditionally, complete dentures were the solutions for full tooth replacement. Although, practical and affordable dentures often decrease the ability of the patient to smile and function with full confidence. Dentures lack the ability to stimulate the underlying bone and as a result over the years the bone volume diminishes, often leaving the patient with a poorly fitting denture. The solution to full arch dental implant tooth replacement depends on the patients desires and expectations. Often a detailed consultation will aid in the decision process. The treatment options involve:

1) Installation of 6-8 dental implants per arch. Restoration of the implants with a fixed porcelain bridge often replacing 12-14 teeth. This is a highly customized solution requiring the individualized fabrication of each tooth from a highly skilled ceramist. The results are unmatched in terms of the appearance, feel, fit and long term maintenance. For ideal results, this solution is often selected soon after tooth loss, where patients have the full volume of the jaw bone. It is not uncommon for a long term denture wearers to select this option however the quality and volume of the remaining bone will need to be determined.

2) Installation of 4-6 dental implants per arch. Restoration of the implants with a fixed acrylic hybrid bridge. This solution is often called a fixed hybrid bridge because is combines the use of acrylic denture teeth on a custom framework secured to the dental implants. This option represents an more economical solution in terms materials however provides the same level of secure fit as a bridge.

3) Placement of 2-4 dental implants per arch. Restoration with a removable denture fitted with implant attachments. The final denture is still removable however the attachements provide a secure and firm fit. This is the logical choice for denture wearers who prefer to have a removable solution with the least financial investment. This is the ideal solution for the patient who is looking to secure a floating lower denture or to remove the roof of the mouth portion of a full upper denture.