What is a full jaw implant and for whom is it suitable?
Teeth are a very important part of the body. In addition to helping to digest food better and helping the digestive system, they play an important role in beauty. People may lose their teeth due to an accident, chemotherapy or other events. Sometimes, these causes cause the loss of several teeth, which will have a significant impact on a person’s appearance and nutrition. For this reason, in this article, we intend to examine the full jaw implant. Because this method is one of the best ways to replace several teeth.
What is a full jaw implant?
Implants actually consist of two parts. The first part, which is called the implant and is also known as the base, plays the role of the root of the tooth. This part is located between the jaw bone and the gum. The second part of the implant is artificial prosthesis. Dentures play the role of the body of the tooth. They have an appearance similar to a person’s natural teeth.
In single implants, each prosthesis is mounted on an abutment. But in full jaw implants, the number of bases is less than the number of prostheses. This treatment is done with different methods. In the following, we have provided more explanations.
What are the types of full jaw implant implantation methods?
This surgery is performed with different methods. The obvious difference between surgeries is the number of implants. Implantation of bases must be done using surgery. Because between two and six posts must be implanted in the jaws, patients usually receive general anesthesia.
Implantation of two implants
In this method of prostheses, the tooth is placed on two implants. When one or two teeth are left in the upper jaw, it can help to hold dentures. Therefore, fewer bases are required. Of course, this issue also depends on the health and strength of the roots of the adjacent teeth. In some cases, the doctor prefers to remove the remaining teeth as well, so that the jaw can be completely filled with full jaw implant teeth.
Implantation of 6 or 4 implants
This method is the most common method for implanting the entire jaw and is also known as All On 4. In this method, the surgeon places 4 implants in the jaw. After that, the prosthesis of the entire jaw is placed on these 4 implants. If the size of the patient’s jaw is large or the doctor feels the need for more bases, he will probably plant 6 implants in the jaw. The surgeon plants two implants in the front of the jaw and two implants in the back of the jaw. It is interesting to know that in some cases the two front implants are placed at a slight angle. This is due to their increased resistance.
Who are the full jaw implants suitable for?
These implants cover the entire jaw. Therefore, it is suitable for those who have lost most of their teeth. Of course, the patient’s condition must be examined before proceeding with the implantation. For example, people who do not have enough bone density should undergo bone grafting before implantation.
A full jaw implant is the best choice for those who want a replacement that most closely resembles natural teeth. According to them, this replacement should look similar to natural teeth and be as usable as them and not create any restrictions for them. Other methods may cause dietary restrictions for the individual. But implants do not cause this problem.
Is a full jaw implant better or artificial teeth?
This question may arise for those who have lost most of their teeth. Maybe some patients choose artificial teeth because of the difference in prices. But the more important thing is which one is more useful and suitable for you.
Dentures have almost no support. They are placed only on the gum, which may even cause its wear. Therefore, they will not last long. On the other hand, the removal of all the teeth and the absence of their roots in the jaw bone causes its degeneration.
The full jaw implant lasts a long time because it is implanted in the jaw bones. This feature also increases your ability to chew food. Implants can also support the gums and jawbone. They also look more natural than artificial teeth. All these advantages make them superior to artificial teeth.
What is the advantage of a full jaw implant?
In the following, we have mentioned the most important advantages of using this method.
Function similar to natural teeth
Implants fully restore chewing power. By planting them, you can easily eat, brush and floss your teeth. In terms of appearance, they are most similar to natural and healthy teeth. This has an effect on restoring people’s self-confidence.
Very durable
Prosthetics and implants of the entire jaw are made with materials that are compatible with the body tissue. If you take good care of your implants, they can last a lifetime. Of course, in some cases, they may need minor repairs.
Prevent bone loss
If the teeth are lost and you don’t replace them, the volume of the jawbone will decrease over time. According to the research, this volume reduction is 25% in the first year. Placing the base of the implant in the jaw acts like a tooth root and prevents the reduction of bone density.
Prevention of gum diseases
Teeth make gums strong. Their absence also makes the gums very weak. In this case, bacteria will increase and gum diseases will occur. The whole jaw implant is placed between the gums. Therefore, their texture is not weakened. Prostheses, as dental crowns, prevent food from coming into direct contact with the gums. Therefore, the possibility of infection is reduced.
Prevent sagging face and premature aging
Skin shrinkage and facial aging are one of the results of teeth removal. By removing them, the lower third of the face starts to collapse. This makes a person look much older than their actual age. The implant will also prevent this issue.
The cost of the full jaw implant depends on what factors?
There is no specific and fixed price for this type of planting. Various factors play a role in pricing. Many raw materials are imported and the price of the currency affects them. The implants and prostheses needed in this method are made by different brands. Therefore, they have different qualities and prices.
The choice of implants depends on the opinion of the surgeon and, of course, the choice of the patient. But it should also be taken into account that a skilled and experienced dentist does not use low-quality products for full jaw implants. So it is better to prioritize your choice of surgeon first. In this case, you will have peace of mind about the cost, quality of the materials and the success of the surgery.
What is the necessary care after full jaw implantation?
Implants, like natural teeth, need attention and care. Therefore, it is better to follow the health tips regarding them. But it is necessary to follow some tips to have healthy teeth and mouth. Brushing and flossing are two important factors in caring for different types of implants.
People with full jaw implants should brush at least twice a day. To prevent damage to the dentures, the toothbrush should be pulled over them slowly. Also, it is better to use toothpastes with low abrasiveness.
After brushing, some pieces of food may remain on the teeth. Staying on these pieces for a long time brings the accumulation of bacteria and decay. It may also affect your full jaw implant form. Floss also removes the remaining dirt from between the teeth.
Using mouthwash is also one of the other care factors. The doctor will introduce mouthwash suitable for the type of your implants. It will also teach you how to use it.
Is implant placement of the entire jaw risky?
If you entrust your work to a professional surgeon, there is almost a 100% chance that the implant surgery and placement of prostheses on the implants will be done successfully.
The general risks of surgery include infection, side effects of anesthetics, bleeding and swelling of the surgical site. These side effects disappear after a short time. In the case of regular use of antibiotics, infections can also be cured.
If a professional surgeon does not perform the implant of the entire jaw, there are risks such as placing the prosthesis and the base in the wrong place, damage to the facial nerves, fracture of the jaw bone, and damage to the patient’s blood vessels. But skilled surgeons do not make such mistakes.
