Full Mouth Dental Implants

Individuals missing all or most of their teeth in the upper or lower jaw can achieve beautiful restoration results with full-mouth dental implants. There are several options for full mouth teeth replacements placed on dental implants, each with advantages.

All-On-X Dental Implants or Screw-Retained Implant Dentures/Bridges

All-On-X is a full-mouth dental prosthetic attached to four or more implants placed in the jawbone. Most patients can have a full arch of replacement teeth placed on between 4 and 6 implants, reducing the need for invasive surgery while providing a stable base for the restorations. These are sometimes called screw-retained dentures or bridges, as they are permanently attached with tiny screws to the dental implants in the jawbone. All-On-X and screw-retained dentures are permanently placed and can only be removed by your dentist. They are easy to care for and last for years.

Snap-On Dentures or Implant Supported Overdentures

These are dentures that snap onto or clip over supports attached to implants in the jaw. They are relatively inexpensive but may shift slightly, although they are more stable than traditional dentures. Some snap-on dentures can be held in place with as few as two implants, reducing the overall cost of treatment. Many patients like snap-on dentures if they prefer to remove them each night for cleaning and to rest their gums. Implant-supported overdentures may be attached to a ball-and-socket formation, a supporting bar, or other attachments and can be removed when needed.

Individual Implants for All Teeth

Even if you are missing all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, you can have each tooth replaced by an individual implant placed in the jawbone to replace the roots of individual teeth. Individual crowns are then attached to provide you with a full set of teeth complete with titanium roots.

Individual implants require more surgery than snap-on, implant-supported, or screw-retained dentures and are the most expensive option. However, if an individual crown needs replacing, it is less costly to replace a single crown than an entire arch of replacement teeth.

How Many Implants Are Needed for a Full Mouth?

There are various options for replacing all teeth in the upper or lower jawbone, each with its benefits. If you are getting individual implants, we will replace each missing tooth with its own titanium implant supporting an individual crown. If you opt for a full arch of replacement teeth, you may get anywhere from two to eight implants to support the teeth. Occasionally, a snap-on denture requires just two implants to hold it in place, but more may be needed.

Which Kind of Full Mouth Dental Implants Are the Best?

Multiple factors come into play when considering full-mouth implants. No two patients are alike. The type of full-mouth dental implants that are right for you may not be right for someone else. At your initial consultation, Dr. Greenbaum will review your options with you and guide you in making the best choice. Considerations when choosing the type of full-mouth dental implants including:

Do you want to be able to remove your teeth at night and clean them?

Snap-on dentures may be your best option. They are removable and are cared for like traditional dentures but fit more securely and look more natural.

Have your teeth been missing for a significant length of time?

All-On-X implants use fewer implants to support the full arch and are an excellent choice because they require less jawbone and can preserve the remaining jawbone structure.

Do you prefer crowns rather than a full arch of replacement teeth resembling dentures?

For those who want a one-to-one replacement of each tooth and its roots, individual dental implants are the best option. These most closely resemble natural teeth and eliminate the need for a prosthetic that mimics gum tissue (needed for a full arch prosthetic).

Do I Qualify for Full Mouth Dental Implants?

If you are in general good health and have sufficient jawbone mass to support the implants, you may be a candidate for full-mouth dental implants. If most or all of your teeth are missing or need an extraction, full-mouth dental implants are the only solution that can last a lifetime.

Even if you have a few teeth remaining, you may want to consider having the remaining teeth pulled so that a full arch can be placed. If you prefer to keep the remaining teeth, you can have the missing teeth replaced individually or get a customized, implant-supported bridge.

The following conditions may limit your options: certain bleeding disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, some autoimmune disorders, or being a heavy smoker.

How Soon Can I Get Full Mouth Implants After Tooth Extractions?

At your initial consultation, digital imaging and an examination by Dr. Greenbaum will determine whether your implants can be placed now or later. If some or all of the teeth are extracted, we may be able to place the implants the same day, provided there is enough healthy jawbone to support them. However, most patients need two to six months for the jawbone to recover and establish a firm foundation before implants are placed. In some cases, bone grafting is necessary to fill in the jawbone before the implants are placed.

Can My Current Dentures Be Used With Dental Implants?

In most situations, no. The dental implants placed in the jawbone are attached to a custom-manufactured denture arch created to connect seamlessly to the implants using metal abutments. Traditional dentures are designed to fit directly over the gums using adhesives and are contoured to fit your jaw without the benefit of implants. In rare cases, a new set of dentures in excellent condition may be modified to work with your implants, but this is a difficult process and is not always successful. For the best possible fit, new implant-supported dentures are suggested.

To learn more about full-mouth dental implants and whether they are right for you, contact our Bethesda office at Bethesda Office Phone Number 301-530-3600 to schedule an appointment.