Full arch dental implants restore natural-looking smiles and healthy function

As our name suggests, Perio Implant Chicago specializes in restorative treatments to rebuild periodontal tissues (gums), bone, and teeth with procedures such as dental implants. Untreated gum disease and tooth decay can lead to irreversible damage to the teeth. In those cases, our periodontists, Drs Peter O. Cabrera and Bahareh Sabzehei may recommend tooth replacement with dental implants. Implants are designed to function like tooth roots. They may be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth in the upper or lower jaws.

Full arch restorations

The “arch” refers to the curved rows of teeth rooted in the upper and lower jaws. Patients may be holding on to irreparably damaged teeth in the upper or lower arch. Alternatively, they may have already had extractions to most or all the teeth in the upper/lower arches. In those cases, we recommend prompt tooth replacement with dental implants.

Implants are cylindrical-shaped posts made from biocompatible (“tissue-friendly”) materials. Our periodontists strategically position the implants in the jaw as needed. In the months that follow, the implant will naturally and safely integrate into the surrounding bone in the jaw. Once each implant is fully healed and integrated, it serves as a strong foundation for the overlying replacement tooth or teeth.

Such implant-supported or implant-retained teeth are optimally secured or stabilized in the jaw, which contributes favorably to patient satisfaction with their new teeth. Healthy, lasting function and a natural appearance are retained. Furthermore, implant-supported teeth prevent or halt the destructive process of bone resorption. Bone loss contributes to a prematurely aged facial appearance and increases difficulties with chewing food, speaking clearly and adequately, and other functional problems.

Options to replace an entire arch of missing or badly damaged teeth include the fixed bridge. The dental bridge is anchored to implants positioned in the jaw. The fixed implant bridge primarily involves four steps:

• Step No. 1 – One of our skilled periodontists plans each patient’s one-of-a-kind treatment. Such planning is based on information collected during a consultation and examination and by using advanced technologies such as CBCT imaging and CAT scans. These diagnostics render accurate and detailed images of oral minutiae, which aids in the precise positioning of the implants.
• Step No. 2 – The dental implants are placed in the jawbone. As few as four implants may be positioned to replace an entire arch of teeth. This system is fittingly called “All-on-4”® or “Teeth in a Day”. We attach overlying temporary teeth to the implants. So, you can enjoy meals and speak confidently while waiting for the permanent bridge to be completed and for the implants to heal.
• Step No. 3 – Once the permanent bridge is ready; it is attached and secured to the implants. Complete attachment for total jaw replacement can take around two to three visits.
• Step No. 4 – Enjoy your new smile! Our full arch implant bridges are indistinguishable in form and function from healthy and natural teeth and truly life changing.

No two patients are alike. So, we can discuss alternatives to this option, which include a removable, implant-supported “overdenture.” These dentures are connected to implants anchored in the jaw through specialized ball or bar attachments.

Conventional complete dentures and Overdentures : Dentures require comparatively less financial investment upfront and can be relatively more straightforward installation however they are not stable and can cause discomfort while chewing. By placing a few Implants in the jaw we can convert your ill fitting dentures to an overdenture with a lot more stability and support.

Video Transcript

TeethXpress Immediate Load Conversion Technique

Confirm that the abutment platforms are free of any debris or soft tissue. Place the multi unit healing caps and hand tighten using the hex driver. Syringe bite registration material into the denture that will be used for the conversion. Place the denture over the multi healing caps and have the patient clothes into light centric occlusion. Once the bite registration material has set, remove the denture. Use an acrylic tool to create small holes through the denture, At  each point where an indention was created by the multi unit healing caps, place the titanium copings onto the  multi-units using the prosthetic screws and a long 050 hex driver. Hand tighten try in the modified denture to verify the alignment of the holes in the denture and the position of the titanium copings. If they are in alignment, widen the holes and ensure that the titanium copings pass freely through them. A minimum clearance of one millimeter is recommended on all sides of the titanium coping. Modify the height of the titanium copings to ensure that the patient can bite into occlusion. Place a rubber dam over the titanium coping to protect sutures and to block out undercuts. Place cotton into the titanium coping screw channels and cover them with dental wax to prevent acrylic from entering the channel. Place the denture over the titanium copings and syringe flowable acrylic into the holes and around the titanium copings. Allow the patient to bite into light centric occlusion. Once the acrylic is hardened, remove the dental wax and cotton from the Titanium coping screw channels and remove the prosthetic screws. Remove the modified denture and the titanium copings will be picked up within the denture .Add acrylic to any voids around the coping and shorten the posterior cantilever. Remove the denture flange to avoid any contact with the tissue, and smooth any rough or sharp surfaces, to complete the provisional restoration. Place the provisional restoration and torque the prosthetic screws to 15 Newton centimeters. Place a resilient temporary material into the screw access channels, and fill the remainder of the channels with a composite resin

Full Arch Dental Replacement: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Make this investment in your smile and overall wellbeing a priority today by contacting Perio Implant Chicago at (312) 736-7959 .