A dental implant is a titanium post designed to replace the root of a missing tooth, surgically placed into the jawbone. Implants are versatile, supporting a single replacement tooth or an entire set of teeth. When replacing all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, treatment involves the “arch” concept, providing a stable, long-term solution for extensive tooth loss.
Understanding the Dental Arch in Implants
The dental arch refers to the horseshoe-shaped curve formed by the teeth in the upper jaw (maxilla) or the lower jaw (mandible). Full arch restoration replaces all teeth in one of these curved structures, necessary when teeth are failing or missing. This restoration utilizes multiple dental implants as anchors for a prosthetic bridge or denture spanning the entire jaw curve.
Unlike a traditional single implant, full arch implants are strategically placed to support 10 to 14 prosthetic teeth. This support system provides greater stability and chewing ability than conventional removable dentures. The implants stimulate the underlying jawbone, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth roots are absent.
Different Methods for Full Arch Restoration
Full arch implant solutions fall into two main categories: fixed and removable, differing in stability, maintenance, and cost. Fixed solutions are permanently attached to the implants and can only be removed by a dental professional. These options, such as All-on-4 or All-on-6, typically use four to six implants per arch.
The fixed prosthetic bridge is screwed directly onto the implants, providing function similar to natural teeth. This permanent attachment eliminates slippage and allows for a stable bite, enabling patients to eat a wider variety of foods. Fixed solutions do not cover the palate in the upper jaw, allowing for a more natural sense of taste and temperature perception.
Removable solutions, known as implant-retained overdentures, snap onto a smaller number of implants, typically two to four per arch. The patient can remove these prosthetics for daily cleaning and maintenance. While offering less stability than fixed bridges, overdentures improve upon traditional dentures that rely on suction or adhesives.
Implant-retained overdentures are often more affordable because they require fewer implants and a less complex prosthetic structure. They are suitable for patients who prefer removable teeth for cleaning or who may have insufficient bone density for a fixed bridge without extensive grafting. The choice depends on the patient’s oral health, bone volume, aesthetic goals, and budget.
The Steps of Arch Implant Treatment
The full arch implant journey begins with a comprehensive planning and assessment phase. This includes a detailed dental examination, medical history review, and advanced imaging such as Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans. These 3D images allow the dental team to precisely map the jawbone structure and determine optimal placement and angle for each implant.
The next phase is the surgical placement of the titanium implants into the jawbone, typically performed under local anesthesia or sedation. In many cases, a provisional set of temporary teeth can be attached immediately, allowing the patient to leave the same day with a functional smile. Immediate loading is possible due to strategic placement for maximum stability.
Following placement, a period of healing called osseointegration begins, where the jawbone grows around and fuses with the titanium implant surface. This process usually takes three to six months, providing the foundation with strength to withstand chewing forces. Patients must adhere to a soft diet during this time to protect the integrating implants.
The final phase involves attaching the customized, permanent prosthetic arch once osseointegration is complete. The dental team takes new impressions to create the final bridge or overdenture. This prosthetic is designed for a precise fit, optimal function, and a natural aesthetic appearance, providing a secure, long-lasting replacement for the entire arch of missing teeth.