Full-Arch and Full-Mouth Dental Implants in Rochester, NY
Full-Arch Dental Implants
What are full-arch dental implants?
Full-arch dental implants are used when there is a need to replace a full dental arch (the top or bottom teeth) for patients who are missing most or all of their natural teeth. Full-arch fixed prostheses on dental implants look and function like natural teeth. For full-arch dental implants, four or more medical grade titanium implants are inserted into your jawbone. A full set of teeth are then permanently affixed on the implants.
What are full-mouth dental implants?
If you are missing most or all your upper and lower teeth, you can receive both the top and bottom full-arch implants, also known as full-mouth dental implants. The prosthetic teeth are then affixed on the implants. After receiving your full-mouth fixed prostheses on dental implants, you will gain a more natural biting and chewing capacity.​
Full-Arch Dental Implants Process
The full-mouth dental implant process will require you to make multiple visits to our dental practice in Rochester, NY, over a period of time. Here are the steps that Dr. Isaac Kuyunov and our team will take to transform your smile.
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​Step 1 – Initial Assessment: In this first visit, Dr. Kuyunov will examine the condition of your oral health, learn about your medical history, and discover what your goals are. He will discuss with you the options of receiving full-arch or full-mouth dental implants. If you are interested in an alternative prosthetic procedure, which includes partial or complete dentures, he will answer any questions you may have. Once Dr. Kuyunov has completed his assessment and feels that full-arch implants are your best option, he will explain the next steps to be taken.​
​​​Step 2 – Digital Dental X rays and CBCT: If you have decided to proceed with full-arch or full-mouth dental implants, Dr. Kuyunov will take x-rays, including Cone Beam CT (CBCT), of your teeth, gums, and bony structures. This will give him vital information about the condition of your jawbone and the location of nerves and blood vessels. A cone Beam CT scan is a standard of care to plan for implant procedures. This gives a three-dimensional picture of oral and surrounding structures.
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During this visit, impressions of your mouth will be taken and the desired shade for your new teeth will be decided upon, so that a temporary prosthesis can be made. This temporary prosthesis is fitted soon after surgery and is worn while your dental implants heal and fuse with your jawbone.
Step 3 – Implant Placement Surgery: We will prepare you for surgery and provide you with proper local anesthesia to make you feel comfortable during the procedure. You will receive four or more dental implants per arch. In some cases, patients may require six to eight implants per arch. At this time, your temporary prosthesis will be placed and you will be able to return home to heal. The temporary prosthesis can be either fixed to implants or removable. When possible, all efforts are done to make a fixed temporary prosthesis.
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Step 4 – Healing Period: Most patients who have dental implant surgery will require between three to four months of healing time. This will allow enough time for the bone surrounding the dental implant to grow and integrate with the new implants. After the implants have been healed, you will return to our dental practice to start working on your final prosthesis.
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Step 5– Final Impressions and Prosthesis Production: When your implants have healed, final impressions of your implants will be taken which will be used to create your permanent implant teeth. These impressions will be used by the dental lab for fabrication of your new prosthetic teeth.
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Step 6 – Installation and Adjustments: Your prosthetic teeth will be attached to the implanted fixtures and aligned properly so they will function and look like natural teeth. Adjustments will be made as necessary. It is important that you schedule post-operative appointments with our dental practice to monitor healing and check for proper occlusal alignment. Our team will provide an oral health maintenance plan which will include dental hygiene appointments and home care guidance.
Who is a good candidate for full-arch dental implants?
​If you are looking for full-arch or full-mouth dental implants in Rochester, NY, our practice is the ideal choice. Our team will do all we can to make this process as comfortable for you as possible. Here are several scenarios where a person might need full-arch or full-mouth dental implants:​
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Do you suffer from gum disease and have loose and missing teeth? Full-arch dental implants may be the best option for you.
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You have lost most or all your teeth due to severe tooth decay or have worn down your teeth due to chronic teeth grinding/bruxism.
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You currently wear dentures and are experiencing discomfort.
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You are looking to improve the function and appearance of your smile.
Benefits of Full-Arch Dental Implants vs. Dentures
As explained on our Dental Implants informational page, there are many overall benefits of getting dental implants. Some of these include restoring your beautiful smile, regaining your self-confidence, and improving biting and chewing function. Full-arch or full-mouth dental implants have several benefits over conventional dentures which include:​
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Improved Taste Sensation – Conventional upper dentures cover the palate, thus covering the upper taste buds. Full-arch dental implants keeps the palate open.
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Functionality and Comfort – Conventional dentures can irritate the gums and can be uncomfortable while chewing or talking vs. full-mouth dental implants that function more like natural teeth.
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Increased Stability – Full-mouth dental implants are permanent and are as stable as natural teeth vs. conventional dentures that can move and slip while chewing or talking.
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Preservation of Bone Structure – Full-mouth dental implants help retain bone integrity vs. dentures that will not protect against jawbone loss since the bone that previously surrounded the tooth roots can begin to deteriorate from wearing dentures.
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Improved Nutrition – Conventional dentures can make it difficult to eat certain foods which can lead to a decrease in health and quality of life vs. full-mouth dental implants that allow you to eat almost any foods you desire.
If you are considering full-arch dental implants in Rochester, NY, Dr. Isaac Kuyunov will perform a complete and careful examination of your jaw, teeth, mouth, and overall health to determine if dental implants are the best option for you.
Ready to learn more? Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester, NY, full-arch dental implants specialists, can help you regain the confidence and function of a full smile. To schedule a personalized, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Isaac Kuyunov, call us today at 585-471-5689 or email us by using the link below.