Full Arch Implants – Understanding Your Options

On December 14th, 2023 Dr. Chan and his staff attended a presentation, “Full Arch Implants” sponsored by Dr. Arian Chehrehsa, DDS, and Dr. Joseph McMurray, DMD, MBA, South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery. The presentation was open to all dental staff to promote awareness of the different options available to patients. Blanca McMurray, Dr. Joseph McMurray’s wife, assisted in the registration of the course and luncheon hosted at Westside Grill.

Full Arch Implants

What are full arch implants? Full arch implants can be the natural looking long lasting answer to those with entirely missing or severely damaged teeth. Dental implants are probably the closest thing to having real teeth. Essentially, in several locations in your mouth, a stand-alone base is implanted into your bone, and a ceramic “tooth” is attached to the base. Once the process is completed, dental implants look, feel, and operate exactly like real teeth.

Why should one consider full arch implants ? Full arch implants can provide complete restoration of dental functionality and esthetics with the care and skill, that the discriminating patient seeks and deserves. Performed with insistence on structural integrity and the patient’s individualized treatment plan, the goal is to produce lasting results allowing the patient to conduct their life with confidence and comfort.

How can full arch implants be done? This can be done in one of three ways to meet one’s individual wants and needs, budget, time, and comfort level.

• One process is to have a removable implant retained denture;
• A second is to have a fixed hybrid denture over four (4), six (6) or a specified number of implants;
• A third process is to have a fixed bridge implant where the tooth replacement goes directly over each implant.

Each of these options have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of time, cost, discomfort and will vary based on the individual.

Who can help me with this ? Through the team approach of both working with the oral surgeon and the general dentist, the patient is personally guided through this process to ensure the end results are maintained and well-established. First a thorough medical and dental history and various imaging and diagnostic procedures are performed, followed by a consultation where all of the options, and both their benefits and risks are laid out for the patient.

How much will this cost ? Costs will vary dependent on whether the implants are removable or fixed, amount and quality of existing bone structure (foundation for the implant), the presence or absence of periodontal disease, overall health of patient, and predisposing health issues.

Will the process involve pain? To some degree, yes, which will be dependent upon the individual patient’s tolerance.

How long will full arch implants last? Full arch implants can provide long lasting results if they are consistently and regularly maintained by one self and professionally.

If you feel you or a member of your family might be a candidate for Full Arch Implants, give us a call and we will answer your questions!