When a patient needs to replace all their upper or lower teeth, there are options to approach the situation. However, the most recommended option is getting full arch dental implants. They are a more comfortable and permanent alternative when compared to removable dentures. It’s a generally safe procedure, but it needs to be performed by a specialist. Also, only a certain type of patient qualifies as a suitable candidate to receive dental implants. If you’re thinking about getting dental implants in Sherwood Park, talk to your local dentist. They will be able to determine if you’re suitable for the procedure.
Who is suitable to receive full arch implants?
Your dentist in Sherwood Park will determine after an in-depth evaluation whether you’re able to receive dental implants or not. In the end, you’ll decide with their help if they are the best option for your specific case. Your dental professional will take a look at your medical history, and asses the condition of your gums and your jawbone. However, full-arch implants are different from standard implants. Therefore, if you were not suitable for standard implants in the past, there is a chance you could still be able to receive full-arch implants. The reason behind it is that full-arch are placed in a different angle, which sometimes eliminates the need for bone grafting.
What are the steps of the procedure?
If you find a dental office that offers the service, you can ask about what the procedure involves, which will allow you to know what to expect beforehand. Usually, full-arch implants are completed in only one or two visits to your dentist. The steps involved in getting full-arch implants are:
X-Rays
The dental professional will use these images to assess the state of the jawbone and decide the exact location where the dental implants will be placed. In cases where patients have remaining teeth in the arch, they will need to be extracted before the dentist can place the implants.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is used before placing the implants in the jaw. The anesthetic will numb the area where the surgery will be performed, preventing the patient from feeling anything during and sometimes even after the procedure.
Implants placement
Full-arch implants usually consist of the placement of two implants towards the back of the mouth and two towards the front. However, the number of implants will depend on your specific situation and case.
Impressions
In this step, the dentist will have to clean and sterilize the whole mouth. After completing this, they will proceed to take impressions of the oral cavity. These impressions act as mold that is needed to custom make the dental bridges. The bridges are fabricated at a dental lab where they will fabricate them to match the shape and size of the mouth, making them as natural as possible.
Dental bridge placement
After your dental bridge is ready, the dentist will place it and secure it in place on top of the dental implants. Bear in mind that some bridges take time to construct. Therefore, this step might need the scheduling of a second appointment.
After the completion of these steps, you’ll be able to leave the dental office with a new smile.
Recovery
The recovery from dental implants could take a few weeks. It’s normal for you to experience swelling, pain or discrete bleeding around the implants. Also, your dental professional will give you detailed instructions on how to clean the area and the type of foods you can eat. Remember to contact a dentist near you if you have any complications after the surgery.