4. How is a full-arch reconstruction performed?
Full-arch restorations are usually completed in one or two procedures. Your full-arch prosthesis will be connected to the dental implants either at the same surgery as the dental implants’ placement or during a future procedure. Your dentist can create a temporary set of teeth for you to wear while your permanent teeth are being created if your new teeth cannot be fitted during the initial surgery.
Step 1: Consultation
The consultation is the first stage of every full arch replacement. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your smile while taking note of your jaw structure and current dental health.
It’s crucial that you are in good health, free of any uncontrolled conditions that can hinder healing.
Step 2: Imaging
If your dentist determines you’re a candidate for dental implant surgery, the next step is imaging.
During your appointment, a few basic digital X-rays of your teeth will be taken, but this subsequent stage requires more comprehensive imaging to get ready for dental implant surgery and the development of your prosthetic. To start making the denture that will complete your full arch replacement, your dentist may also take impressions of your mouth.
Step 3: Placement
The installation of your dental implants is the crucial next step. If your jaw doesn’t have enough density, you might need a bone graft first, so the implants will have enough support.
To keep you comfortable throughout the procedure, you are usually under some sort of sedation. Each dental implant will be inserted into your jaw to give your future prosthetic the best possible support. Typically, each arch needs four to eight implants. Following surgery, it will take your dental implants four to six months to integrate with your jawbone. You won’t go without teeth during that time, though.
Step 4: Temporary Prosthetics
Your dentist will provide you with a temporary denture to wear following the placement of your dental implants. The temporary denture won’t be as perfect as your future permanent one, but it will allow you to smile, eat, and feel comfortable while your dental implants are healing and your permanent denture is being made.
Step 5: Permanent Prosthetics
The appointment for your permanent prosthesis is the last and most exciting phase. You will return to your dental office for a fitting and placement once they receive your permanent denture, which usually takes a few weeks. After your permanent prosthesis is fitted, your temporary dentures will be taken out. During this appointment, your dentist will inform you on how to take care of your new teeth.