Full-arch restoration is a form of oral surgery whereby all missing teeth on the upper and lower jaws are replaced by dental implants. Whether you’ve lost only a few teeth or an entire arch, Henderson Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center can help you.
Our team of skilled oral surgeons offers the following services:
- Surgically placing bone grafts and dental implants (with IV sedation if necessary)
- Surgically removing unhealthy teeth (with IV sedation if necessary)
- Dental CT Scans made by our cutting-edge ICAT Imaging Platform
- Amazingly realistic and aesthetically pleasing prosthetics made in our dental lab just for you
Implant-Supported Restorations
Implant-supported dentures or bridges differ little from traditional implants in function. In both cases, an implant made of a biocompatible metal (usually titanium or zirconia) is placed in the jaw to fuse with the adjacent bone in a process known as osseointegration. Once the bond is complete, the implant serves as an artificial tooth root, stimulating the jaw bone and supporting the crown.
What sets Full-Arch Restorations Apart?
Implant-supported full arches are unique in that it can replace up to 16 teeth with a minimum number of implants. The result? Almost the same appearance and support that traditional implants provide for arch reconstruction, but at a considerably lower price.
Full-arch restorations are also different when it comes to how the implants are placed. With All-on-4, we place two anterior implants near the front of the mouth and two posterior ones in the back to maximize support. The anterior implants are inserted straight in while the ones in the back are titled at a 45-degree angle.
We do this to avoid a bone graft. Bone grafts are commonly done for patients that don’t have enough bone density to support implants. By placing All-on-4 and full-arch restoration at angled positions, we can make the procedure easier, reduce the cost, and eliminate the need for a bone graft.
The Full-Arch Restoration Procedure
The procedure varies depending on the type of full-arch restoration you choose, but it should generally follow the following steps.
First, we arrange a consultation to determine your overall health and treatment options. If you’re a candidate for dental implants and oral surgery, Henderson Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center will decide bite placement, the length of the crowns, and other items related to appearance and function. He may employ 3D imaging via cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) to examine the structures near the area of treatment and decide if reshaping the jaw is necessary.
Second, Dr. Steve J. Huang will use the 3D images of your mouth to create a digital model to pinpoint the best spots to place the implants.
Third, we will employ oral surgery to place the implants. This may involve tooth extraction and bone shaping. Dr. Steve J. Huang will place temporary crowns atop the implants until osseointegration is complete. The healing period afterward will last between 6 to 8 weeks, and you must avoid chewy or hard foods, as they can damage the implants.
Fourth and finally, we’ll bring you back in for a second appointment to remove the temporary crowns and attach the permanent ones. The recovery is usually quick, with low levels of discomfort.
For more information, please contact our Green Valley and St Rose offices at (702) 270-2999.