A shark never worries about a chipped or missing tooth. As soon as one drops out, another slides forward to take its place, as if the mouth runs on an endless assembly line. This built-in replacement plan, known as polyphyodonty, keeps sharks equipped with a sharp set of teeth at the ready. Over a lifetime, a single shark may cycle through tens of thousands of teeth. Each row is stacked like spare parts waiting in line, and the system never runs out. Humans, of course, don’t have that same advantage. We only develop two sets of teeth, and once adult teeth are lost, they don’t come back. While nature offers no backup plan, restorative dentistry has developed one. Full-arch dental implants provide patients with a reliable and functional solution to replace all missing teeth.
Are Full Mouth Dental Implants Right for You?
Full mouth dental implants replace all missing or severely damaged teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. We place a series of dental implants throughout the arch of the jawbone and use them to anchor a full set of prosthetic teeth. We use this method to restore both function and appearance with a stable foundation that looks and feels more like natural teeth.
Full mouth dental implants are often necessary when most or all natural teeth have been lost or can no longer be saved. Tooth loss at this scale often results from advanced gum disease, untreated decay, or dental trauma. In some cases, the issue is chronic dental failure, where crowns, bridges, or dentures repeatedly break down and no longer provide reliable results.
Full mouth implants are also ideal for individuals seeking to transition away from removable dentures. Many patients feel held back by discomfort, poor fit, or the constant worry of their dentures slipping. Implants eliminate these concerns by anchoring the restoration in place. They also eliminate the need for adhesives, repeated fittings, or regular realignments.
From Implant to Restoration: The Path to a Fully Supported Smile
Dental implants provide the support system that full-mouth restorations rely on. Each implant functions like a tooth root, anchoring the prosthetic teeth directly to the jawbone. This direct connection provides strong, stable support for the restoration above. However, not all dental implants are the same.
Traditional implants are approximately 5 millimeters in diameter and require a significant amount of healthy bone for proper placement. They can work well for some patients, but not everyone has enough bone to support them. In many full-arch cases, mini dental implants offer an alternative. Mini dental implants are just under 3 millimeters in diameter, roughly half the size of standard implants.
In many cases, mini dental implants eliminate the need for bone grafting and reduce the number of surgical steps. As a result, the procedure becomes more efficient and less invasive. Most patients report minimal discomfort and faster recovery. In addition, treatment costs are often lower due to the streamlined approach.
How Mini Implants Support Full-Arch Restorations
We use mini dental implants to support several types of full-arch restorations. One of the most effective options is the roundhouse bridge. This restoration follows the natural curve of the dental arch, with prosthetic teeth connected in a continuous row. The design leaves out the pink acrylic base found in traditional dentures. Without that added bulk, the bridge feels more natural and fits more comfortably in the mouth.
For many patients, we secure the roundhouse using a system called Fix-on-Six®. The bridge connects to six to ten mini dental implants placed across the jaw. During routine checkups, we remove the bridge for professional cleaning. Patients do not have to manage this at home, which simplifies care while keeping the restoration in excellent condition.
Some patients prefer a non-removable version of the roundhouse. In these cases, we place additional mini implants to increase stability. Once the bridge is in place, we permanently cement it. It functions like a full set of natural teeth and stays fixed at all times.
Explore Your Options for Full Mouth Dental Implants
Nature doesn’t give us unlimited teeth, but innovation has given us something just as powerful. Full-arch dental implants provide a strong foundation to support an entirely new smile. With mini implants and advanced restorations, we can rebuild function, stability, and appearance in ways that once seemed impossible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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