It’s possible to have all of your natural teeth replaced with dental implants, though most dentists recommend keeping as many healthy natural teeth as possible. There are pros and cons to having a full mouth of implants that need careful consideration.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace lost tooth roots. Over time, the bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration, which provides stability. Implant crowns (the visible part that looks like a tooth) are placed on top of the implants to complete the restoration.
Implants function like natural tooth roots and can support crowns, bridges, or dentures. They also help preserve the jawbone by stimulating bone growth. Compared to traditional dentures or bridges, implants provide greater stability and can improve chewing and speech.
Is it possible to have all teeth replaced with implants?
It is possible to replace all of your natural teeth with implants through a process called “full mouth reconstruction with dental implants.” The number of implants needed depends on how many teeth are missing. If you have some remaining natural teeth, they may need to be extracted before placing the implants.
Here’s an overview of the full mouth implant process:
Treatment planning
Your dentist will take x-rays and models of your mouth to determine bone quantity and quality, how implants should be placed, and where sinus lift or bone grafting procedures may be required to support the implants. Computer software is used to plan precise placement.
Tooth extraction (if needed)
Any compromised natural teeth will be extracted before placing implants. Bone grafting material may be placed in the sockets to preserve bone volume.
Dental implant placement
The implants will be surgically placed in the upper and/or lower jaw. The number used can vary from 4 (for a fixed bridge) to 24 or more implants for a full arch of teeth. The goal is to achieve solid, evenly distributed support. Healing time is 3-6 months.
Abutments and impressions
The implant abutments (connectors) are attached, and impressions are taken of the jaw. These will be used by a dental laboratory to fabricate the prosthetic teeth.
Teeth fabrication
The prosthetic teeth are custom-designed to fit the implants and match the natural shade/shape of your former teeth as closely as possible. High-grade materials are used for a natural appearance and feel.
Teeth placement
The bridge, denture, or crown is then attached to the implants to complete the restoration. With proper care, implants and prosthetic teeth can last decades.
What are the advantages of a full mouth of implants?
Some benefits of choosing a full mouth reconstruction with dental implants include:
- Improved function – Implants allow you to eat and chew more effectively than dentures or bridges.
- Prevents bone loss – Implants help stimulate bone, preventing resorption that occurs with dentures.
- Stability – Implants fuse securely to jawbone, so there’s no slippage or need for denture adhesives.
- Esthetics – Implants look, feel and function like natural teeth. Restorations are custom made for a natural appearance.
- Convenience – Implants are fixed in place. No need to remove dentures for cleaning or soaking.
- Bone graft avoidance – In many cases, preliminary bone grafts to strengthen the jaw for dentures are not needed.
- Durability – With good care, implants and restorations can last for decades.
- Improved facial support – Implants help prevent collapsing of facial features that can occur with denture use.
For many patients, implants offer a more comfortable, convenient alternative to wearing removable dentures. They allow people to eat, speak and smile with confidence.
What are the disadvantages of a full mouth of implants?
While dental implants have many benefits, there are also some disadvantages to evaluate:
- Higher cost – Implants and the fabrication of full mouth restorations costs significantly more than conventional dentures or bridges.
- Multiple surgeries – Implants, extractions, bone grafting, recovery from procedures may involve discomfort.
- Extended treatment time – The entire process can take 9 months to a year to complete.
- Meticulous hygiene needed – Implants require diligent oral hygiene to prevent inflammation/infections.
- Need for some bone grafting – This may be needed to sufficiently support the implant sites.
- Possibility of failure – There is a small risk of implants fusing unsuccessfully with the bone or becoming infected.
- Occlusal adjustments – Biting adjustments may be needed during the healing process.
- Limitations based on oral health – Insufficient bone density or other issues may preclude implant placement.
Patients also need to be aware that problems can arise over time that require maintenance, repair or replacement of the restoration, which incurs additional costs. As with natural teeth, implants require conscientious hygiene and regular dental visits.
What are the criteria for full mouth implant eligibility?
The first step in determining if you are a candidate for a full mouth restoration is to have a thorough evaluation with your dentist. They will assess the health of your teeth and tissues, jawbone density, your medical history, and other factors including:
- Sufficient jawbone density and volume to securely anchor the implants.
- Healthy gums free of periodontal disease.
- Good general health, with well-managed chronic conditions (like heart disease or diabetes).
- Ability and willingness to follow required oral hygiene and maintenance protocols.
- No smoking – this impairs healing and increases implant failure risk.
- Realistic expectations about the process, costs, length of treatment, and long-term maintenance.
Advanced technology like CT scans and oral photography are used to generate a detailed 3D view of your mouth’s unique anatomy to precisely plan the implant positions. An experienced implant dentist can determine if you have adequate bone support. In some cases, procedures like sinus lifts or bone grafts can enable a patient initially deemed ineligible to get implants.
Regular dental visits and cleanings optimize the health of your mouth before beginning treatment. Your dentist will advise you if any tooth extractions, fillings, deep cleanings or other procedures are recommended to create an ideal foundation for the implants.
How painful is the implant procedure?
Having dental implants placed requires minor oral surgery and some temporary discomfort can be expected. Your dentist will explain in detail what to expect:
- Local anesthesia is administered during the procedure so you will not feel the insertion of the implants.
- Some residual swelling and tenderness typically occurs for a few days afterward.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are typically sufficient to control any discomfort.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
- Some temporary limitation in eating harder foods is common.
- You may experience mild bruising of the skin around the surgery sites.
- Numbness in areas of your mouth is normal during the first few weeks of healing.
Your dentist will provide detailed post-procedure instructions to assist with wound care and dietary restrictions to follow during recovery. With appropriate self-care, pain and swelling should gradually dissipate over 7-10 days.
How long does full mouth implant treatment take?
The process of receiving a full mouth of dental implants takes 9-12 months to fully complete. This allows adequate healing time between the major steps:
- Initial consultation and treatment planning: 2-3 weeks
- Tooth extraction and socket preservation procedures: 4-8 weeks
- Implant placement surgery: 3-6 months for complete healing and osseointegration
- Abutment placement (connecting the implants): 2-4 weeks
- Impressions and fabrication of prosthesis by lab: 3-6 weeks
- Fitting the final prosthetic teeth: 1-2 weeks
Patients need to be prepared for this extended, multi-phase process. Proper healing and integration of the implants is essential and cannot be rushed. But the end result is permanently stable, functional teeth that look and feel natural.
What is the cost for a full mouth of implants?
One of the main drawbacks of choosing full mouth dental implants is the higher cost compared to conventional dentures or bridges:
- The cost for a single implant (parts and placement) ranges from $1500-$2500.
- A full mouth of implants may utilize 18-24 individual implants or more, for a total cost of $27,000-$60,000 or more.
- The fabrication cost for the full mouth bridge or denture restoration adds $5000-$15,000+ to the overall price.
Factors affecting the total fees include:
- The number of implants required – this depends on the span being restored.
- Need for other procedures like sinus lifts, bone grafting, ridge expansion, etc.
- Type of restoration chosen – a removable overdenture costs less than a fixed bridge.
- Materials used – higher grades of ceramics have a greater cost.
Many dental insurance plans provide limited coverage of $1000-$3000 toward implants, which still leaves a significant out-of-pocket cost for the patient. But some view this investment in their dental function and aesthetics as worthwhile, given the benefits implants provide.
What kind of maintenance is required?
Dental implants can last for decades with conscientious oral hygiene and maintenance care. While less maintenance is needed than with dentures or bridges, some periodic care is required:
- Daily preventive care – Brushing twice daily, flossing, antiseptic mouthwash to remove dental plaque. Keeping implants clean is vital.
- Professional cleanings – Receiving thorough cleanings every 6 months from your hygienist.
- Implant exams – Checking the fit and condition of implant restorations at your regular dental exams every 6-12 months.
- Reattachment – Occasionally a crown may detach from the implant and need to be recemented by your dentist.
- Wear evaluation – Assessing integrity of restorations and making small repairs as needed.
With diligent hygiene and avoidance of chewing excessively hard items, dental implants and prosthetic teeth can have excellent longevity. But problems can sometimes arise which require intervention. Patients need to be prepared for both routine maintenance and unexpected repair costs.
| Maintenance Type | Est. Cost Per Visit | Recommended Frequency | Total Cost Over 20 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental cleanings | $100 | Twice per year | $4000 |
| Dental exams | $75 | Twice per year | $3000 |
| X-rays | $100 | Every 5 years | $800 |
| Implant crown repairs | $500 | Every 10 years (est.) | $1000 |
| Implant replacement (full mouth) | $30,000 | Every 20-30 years | $30,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $38,800 |
Conclusion
Replacing all teeth with dental implants can significantly improve dental function and confidence for patients who have lost their natural teeth. But there are financial considerations to factor in.
A full mouth restoration with implants takes 9-12 months and costs $30,000-$60,000 on average. While implants don’t require the daily maintenance of dentures, ongoing care is needed to keep implants healthy. Despite higher upfront costs, implants are an effective long-term investment for many who desire the benefits.
The decision depends on your unique situation and needs. Have an in-depth discussion with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate. Ask about pricing options and financing plans at your dental office. Make sure you consider both advantages and disadvantages. If you have the resources and are committed to diligent hygiene, implants can be life changing. But they require a substantial commitment of time, money and care.