Full Mouth Dental Implants Chicago, Oak Lawn, & Orland Park

Full Mouth Dental Implants: Comprehensive Care at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Chicago

At Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Chicago, we understand the profound impact that missing teeth can have on your quality of life. Full-mouth dental implants are a transformative solution for those seeking a complete restoration of their smile, functionality, and confidence. Our expert team is dedicated to providing personalized, state-of-the-art care to help you achieve optimal oral health.

What Are Full Mouth Dental Implants?

Full mouth dental implants are a revolutionary approach to replacing all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. This procedure involves placing a series of titanium implants into the jawbone, which then act as a stable foundation for a full set of replacement teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants offer a permanent, secure solution that closely mimics the function and appearance of natural teeth.

The Benefits of Full Mouth Dental Implants

1. Enhanced Functionality: Implants restore full chewing power, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence.
2. Natural Appearance: The replacement teeth are crafted to look and feel like your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless, attractive smile.
3. Durability: Implants are designed to last for many years, often for a lifetime with proper care.
4. Bone Health: Implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure.
5. Comfort: Unlike removable dentures, implants are fixed in place, eliminating the discomfort and inconvenience of slipping or adhesive use.

The Full Mouth Dental Implant Procedure

1. Initial Consultation: We perform a comprehensive evaluation, including digital imaging and a detailed discussion of your goals and medical history.
2. Treatment Planning: A personalized treatment plan is developed, which may involve multiple visits and coordination with other dental professionals.
3. Implant Placement: Titanium implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. This procedure is typically performed under sedation or anesthesia for your comfort.
4. Healing Period: The implants need time to integrate with the bone, a process known as osseointegration, which usually takes a few months.
5. Abutment and Restoration: Once the implants have fully integrated, abutments are attached, and custom-made prosthetic teeth are placed.

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Types of Full Mouth Dental Implants Offered:

 

Ball Attachment Denture – One option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these implants. This option allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.

 
1. Before

 
2. Implants Placed

 
3. Denture Attached

Bar attachment denture: Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape, into your lower jaw. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. This is called an “overdenture.” The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.

 
1. Before

 
2. Implants Placed

 
3. Dentures Attached

Screw Retained Denture:  A third option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. Your denture is held in place by screws or clasps that secure it to the support posts or bar. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all your missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time-consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.

 
1. Before

 
2. Implants Placed

 
3. Denture Attached

Individual Implants: The final option is to have all your teeth individually replaced so that they will appear to be growing out of your gum tissue and will most closely resemble the appearance of your natural teeth. This option usually requires eight or more implants. Separate abutments or support posts for each one of these implants will be made and crowns for each missing tooth will be placed. The teeth are often joined together for sinus grafting to replace bone height strength and support. Overall, this is the most costly option, because it requires the most implants and individual replacement tooth fabrication. Your replacement options may also be limited by the current size and shape of your jawbone.

 
1. Before

 
2. Implants Placed

 
3. Healing Completed

What If I’m Missing All Of My Upper Teeth?

Similar range of treatment options is also available for your upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth. Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.

 Implant Retained Upper Denture

 Individual Upper Implants 

FAQs About Full Mouth Dental Implants

Q: How long does the full mouth dental implant procedure take? A: The entire process, from initial consultation to the placement of the final prosthesis, typically spans several months. This includes the healing period for osseointegration, which generally takes 3 to 6 months.

Q: Are full mouth dental implants painful? A: Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. We use advanced sedation techniques to ensure a pain-free experience. Post-operative discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed medication and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Q: How long do dental implants last? A: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Routine oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle contribute to the longevity of the implants.

Q: Am I a good candidate for full mouth dental implants? A: Ideal candidates have sufficient jawbone density to support the implants. If bone loss is present, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be necessary. During your consultation, we will assess your suitability and discuss any additional treatments required.

Q: How do I care for my full mouth dental implants? A: Caring for implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits are essential. We will provide you with specific instructions to ensure the health and longevity of your implants.

Q: Will insurance cover full mouth dental implants? A: Insurance coverage for dental implants varies. Our team will work with you to understand your insurance benefits and explore financing options to make the procedure as accessible as possible.

At Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Chicago, we are committed to delivering exceptional care and achieving outstanding results. If you’re considering full mouth dental implants, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team. We’ll guide you through every step of the process and help you rediscover the joy of a complete, confident smile.