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The Future of Dentures: Full-Mouth Dental Implants

man with restored smile

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Tooth loss remains a major dental issue for the majority of the U.S. population, and extensive tooth loss or damage is more widespread than many people realize.
  • Full-mouth dental implants are a little-known but increasingly popular (due to their effectiveness) way to address severe tooth loss or damage.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the vast majority of U.S. adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have lost at least some teeth, and more than 2 percent have no remaining teeth.1 Fortunately, innovations in modern dentistry afford different options for teeth replacement and restoration.

You may have heard of dental implants, and most people know what dentures are. As the name suggests, full-mouth denture implants combine dentures with implantation methods. The process is quite complex, innovative, and relatively new.

If you want to know more about full-mouth dental implants, keep reading.  This article explains how they work, the advantages they afford, and any drawbacks to consider. The information below will help you determine if they are the right dental restoration treatment for you.

What Are Full-Mouth Dental Implants?

Full-mouth denture implants are also called “full-arch dental implants” or, more casually, “permanent dentures.” They are fixed tooth replacement solutions that combine prosthetic teeth that are very similar to traditional dentures, with tooth implant techniques. They are one of the sought-after solutions for people seeking lasting, stable solutions to severe and widespread tooth loss or damage.

What Does the Implant Process Involve?

The implant-retained dentures process involves four main phases. These are:

  • Consultation
  • Tooth Extraction
  • Impressions and Denture Fabrication
  • Implants Procedure
  • Abutment Placement and Dentures Attachment

Consultation

The first step is to have a consultation (or series of consultations) with the oral surgeon to determine the best approach to treatment. This entails a thorough examination of the patient’s teeth, gums, and jawbone, as well as their medical history (see below for “Who Are Candidates for Full-Mouth Denture Implants?”). This often involves X-rays and CT scans to assess bone density and to determine the best locations for the implants.

Tooth Extraction

If someone is a candidate for full-mouth dentures and they have any remaining teeth, those will need to be removed. After, the gums may need several weeks to heal before proceeding to the next step.

Impressions and Denture Fabrication

Next, the dentist will take impressions of the upper and lower jaws to create a model of the mouth. This will then be used to make custom dentures. In many cases, an additional appointment is scheduled to test the look and feel of the dentures in the patient’s mouth.

Implants Procedure

The entire dentures-implants procedure itself involved three primary steps. The first is surgically implanting four metal—usually titanium—posts through the gums into the jawbone. If both the top and bottom of the mouth are being treated, then the patient will receive eight total implanted posts.

These serve as the basis for support and stability for the dentures. In some cases, a temporary crown or denture may be worn while the implants heal.

This is an important phase because it also involves a process known as osseointegration. This is where the implants begin to fuse with the jawbone, creating strong support for the dentures.2 (It is the same physiological dynamic that permits the use of prosthetics in amputees.)

Abutment Placement and Dentures Attachment

Once the implant phase is completed, abutments are attached to the metal posts. These extend beyond the gumline and serve as connectors between the implants and the dentures. Finally, the custom-made full-mouth dentures are attached to the abutments.

Note that there are removable dentures that utilize the metal implants but snap into place. These are more secure than regular dentures but allow for removal (for sleeping and cleaning). They can be a happy medium between traditional and implant-supported dentures.

While this may sound like a lot, the entire restoration can often be accomplished on the same day for many patients. Following one-day full-mouth dental implants, the dentist will almost certainly schedule at least one follow-up appointment to check the fit and function of the permanent dentures.

Who Are Candidates for Full-Mouth Denture Implants?

There are two categories of patients who are ideal candidates for a full set of dental implants. These include people who have lost or all of their teeth and those who have severe tooth misalignment or other issues with a large number of teeth.

It may be helpful to look at people who are not suitable candidates. These include:

  • Smokers
  • People with certain medical conditions
  • Patients with insufficient bone density
  • People with active gum disease

Smoking is harmful to dental health in general, but it poses particular risks to patients who have undergone invasive surgeries. It increases the chances of infection and the risk of implant failure.3 People with medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases may not be suitable candidates for full-mouth denture implants, as these conditions can inhibit proper healing as well.

Suitable bone density is a prerequisite for full-mouth implants. Individuals with bone density issues might not qualify or may require bone grafts before proceeding. Finally, people with active gum disease or other chronic oral health issues may need to undergo treatment before proceeding with full-mouth implants.

On the flip side, good candidates for full-mount dentures should be in general good health and have sufficient jawbone density—enough to support and fuse with the implants through osseointegration. The procedure makes the most sense for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth, or who have damage to a great number of teeth.

Finally, suitable candidates need to commit to maintaining good oral hygiene in order to keep implants healthy. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, frequent dental checkups are important to ensuring success.

What Are the Benefits of Full-Mouth Denture Implants?

There are several unique advantages that full-mouth dentures afford. These include:

  • Improved chewing and speaking
  • Improved appearance
  • Longevity
  • Jawbone preservation

Denture implants look and feel like natural teeth. This means better function—including speaking and chewing—and appearance. That can translate to improved pronunciation, comfort, and increased confidence in your smile.

Another advantage of full-mouth dentures is you can expect them to last and function well for a long time. In many cases, permanent dentures can last 20 years or more.

One of the other benefits of full-mouth dentures is that they can help preserve bone health. Jawbone deterioration due to health issues, such as osteoporosis or certain autoimmune disorders, can lead to tooth loss. Many people do not realize that the opposite is also true: tooth loss can leave the jawbone susceptible to degeneration.4

Permanent dentures help prevent this. Through osteointegration, the metal implants fuse to the bone, strengthening it. Importantly, this can halt bone degeneration that may have contributed to tooth loss to start with.

Are There Any Downsides Full-Mouth Implants?

For suitable candidates, the pros of full-mouth implants far outweigh the cons. However, it is important for every prospective patient to fully understand the potential drawbacks that exist. First, full-mouth dentures can be more expensive than other restorative solutions. However, given their durability and longevity, they can be a solid investment.

Like other types of dental implants, given the invasive nature of full-mouth dentures, healing time can take longer than other restorative methods. However, patients can expect more permanent results, allowing them to forgo additional treatments in the near future.

Another potential drawback of full-mouth implants is that not all dentist offices offer them. However, there are advantages to finding an experienced dentist who specializes in the procedure.

A final downside to full-mouth dental implants is that they can be expensive. However, in most cases, major dental insurance carriers will cover the procedure. Many prominent dental offices also offer in-house financing options.

Find Full Dental Implants in Raleigh, NC

Now that you understand how full-mouth denture implants work and the many advantages the treatment has to offer, you can determine if it is right for you. An experienced dentist or dental surgeon can further advise you on options and details about the process.

Wells Family Dental Group provides the highest caliber of dental services in the Research Triangle area. Our team includes some of the best specialists in the field and is committed to making a difference in people’s lives through optimal oral health. Reach out to us today to learn more about dental implants or other treatments, or to schedule an appointment in one of our many dental offices in Raleigh NC.

References

  1. Oral Health Surveillance Report: Trends in Dental Caries and Sealants, Tooth Retention, and Edentulism, United States, 1999–2004 to 2011–2016, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2019, from: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/tooth-loss/adults.
  2. Chandrashekhar Pandey, Dinesh Rokaya, Bishwa Prakash Bhattarai, “Contemporary Concepts in Osseointegration of Dental Implants: A Review,” BioMedResearch International, June 2022, from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/6170452.
  3. Abir Dunia Mustapha, Zainab Salame, and Bruno Ramos Chrcanovic, “Smoking and Dental Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” medicina, 2022, from: https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/58/1/39.
  4. Salma Tabatabaei, Maryam Paknahad, Mahdi Poostforoosh, “The Effect of Tooth Loss on the Temporomandibular Joint Space: A CBCT Study,” Clinical and Experimental Dental Research, January 2024, from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10826233/.
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