How A Full-Arch Restoration Is Done To Replace Missing And Decayed Teeth
Posted on: 13 March 2023
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If you've lost most of your upper teeth and have gaps from missing teeth along with bridges, crowns, or partial dentures, talk to your dentist about a full-arch restoration. This type of dental treatment could make your teeth look and function like natural teeth again. Here's how a full-arch restoration is done.
The Procedure Replaces All Upper Or Lower Teeth
A full arch in dentistry is the full set of upper or lower teeth. A full-arch restoration replaces either all the teeth on the top or bottom of your mouth. You can also have both procedures done for a full set of teeth.
Your Remaining Teeth Are Removed First
Since the full arch of teeth is replaced, you'll need to have your remaining teeth removed. You might have some broken teeth or decaying teeth left and these will all be extracted to make way for the arch restoration. This is necessary since the arch only requires a few implants and the teeth support each other.
The Implants Are Put In
It's possible you'll need a bone graft first if you've been missing teeth for a long time, but you may not need a bone graft for a full-arch restoration. Your dentist can let you know when you have your initial evaluation if a bone graft will be needed.
The dentist also has to decide where to insert the implants and how many to put in. You usually need just a few to support the entire arch rather than an implant for each tooth. Inserting the implants is a form of oral surgery, but you'll be numbed and sedated so you won't feel discomfort.
The Arch Is Attached
Depending on your dentist and your situation, you might have your bad teeth removed, implants inserted, and temporary teeth put in on the same day. This gives you quick results, but you'll still need time for the implants to fuse to your bone before you have the permanent teeth put on and that might take several weeks.
Before you start your full-arch restoration treatment, the dentist gives you an expected timeline and price, so you know exactly what to expect during each phase until your restoration is complete.
A full-arch restoration is preferable to dentures since they eliminate the problems associated with dentures such as soreness, difficulty chewing, and speech problems. When your arch is restored, the teeth look and act like natural teeth, and just like natural teeth, you need to clean them properly and see your dentist regularly for checkups.
For more information, contact a company like Varinos Dental Associates.