Full Mouth Dental Implants Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Full Mouth Dental Implants Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Patients who have lost all or the majority of their teeth have two options: they can wear dentures or schedule an appointment for full mouth dental implants. There are benefits and drawbacks to either approach. Dentures are considerably cheaper and do not require the need for surgery or a healing process; however, many people find dentures uncomfortable and feel a lack of confidence in their appearance. Wearing dentures also limits what kind of foods you can eat. If you are currently unsatisfied with your dentures or are missing all or the majority of your teeth, full mouth dental implants may be the right solution for you.
The full mouth dental implant procedure will vary from patient to patient, but treatment typically consists of at least two (many times several) procedures that will replace missing teeth, correct your occlusion, repair worn or fractured teeth, and rehabilitate diseased or receding gums. By the end of the full mouth dental implant process, patients will have a restored ability to eat the foods they enjoy, talk without impediment, and smile with confidence.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty trained periodontists Dr. Justin Zalewsky and Dr. Antara Daru have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about full mouth dental implants, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
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Full Mouth Dental Implants Expectations
The process of having full mouth dental implants placed will be slightly different for every patient, but the process will begin with your periodontist taking X-rays and/or CT scans to create diagnostic mock-ups, develop a personalized plan, determine the ideal location for your implants, and consider smile design.
When you are ready for the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic and sedative, if necessary. Once you are properly numbed and/or sedated, your periodontist will begin inserting implants into your jaw, typically four to six in the bottom jaw and typically six to eight in the upper jaw. Once the implants are properly positioned, temporary teeth will be adhered which can be worn throughout the healing process, which typically takes between two to six months. Once the implants have bonded with the bone, the procedure will be completed with the attachment of full dentures or full bridges, which will be adhered to the implants using screws or dental cement.
Full Mouth Dental Implant Aftercare
To ensure that you enjoy a speedy recovery following the placement of your full mouth dental implants, there are several post-operative practices you should follow. One of the most important is to keep your mouth and dental implants as clean as possible. Avoid brushing the surgical site for a few days following the procedure and return to normal brushing practices as the sensitivity diminishes. It is also a good idea to stick to a soft food diet and avoid foods and beverages that are extremely hot or cold for the first week or two.
It is common to experience some bruising and/or swelling following your treatment, but this will go away eventually. Ice packs and anti-inflammatory over the counter medications can help reduce swelling and pain during this recovery process. It is also common to experience mild bleeding following your procedure. To stop the bleeding, place a dampened gauze swab over the area until the bleeding stops. If you are prescribed antibiotics and/or pain relieving medication, follow the dosage instructions until it completes its course. If you follow these post-operative instructions, your recovery process will be fast and effective.
Although having full mouth dental implants is an extensive process, the benefits you will enjoy make the process worthwhile. In addition to functioning and looking like your natural teeth, full mouth dental implants are also a long-lasting solution. They also significantly reduce your risk of experiencing jawbone deterioration, and will improve and strengthen the overall health of your jawbone.