Full-Arch Replacements: New Smiles in One Day

A patient that is missing an entire row of teeth is in a unique position: a chance to start fresh with a full-arch restoration! While there are other options for treating a full row of missing teeth such as single implants and dentures, patients these days are expressing a desire for a solution that is more affordable, quick and convenient.

A Revolution in Missing Teeth

The demand for IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT TEETH has led to a revolution in how we deal with missing teeth: the full-arch restoration. Also known as “implant supported bridge”, this innovative treatment allows Dr. Hill to combine implant technology with full arch bridge restorations to give our patients a new smile and a renewed outlook on life, all in one day!

Looking for more information on Full Arch Replacement? Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hill.

All-on-4® Treatment Concept

  • Life-changing treatment — a new smile in a day.
  • The patient-friendly, scientifically proven, full-arch rehabilitation.
  • The original graftless full-arch solution on four implants.
All-on-4 illustration exploded view

The All-on-4® treatment concept is a cost-efficient, graftless solution that provides patients with a fixed full-arch prosthesis on the day of surgery.

Full-Arch Restoration and Dental Implants: Working Together

Traditional dentures can be inconvenient, painful and unstable. And while dental implants are an excellent choice for single tooth replacements, on the scale of a full arch, they can be expensive and complicated. However, putting these two treatments together yields a solution that works for nearly everyone: implant supported full arch restoration. During this treatment, four dental implants are placed in the jaw and a full dental bridge attached to them, giving you a full row of teeth in just one appointment.

Call Chapel Hill Implant & Oral Surgery Center at Chapel Hill Implant and Oral Surgery Center Office Phone Number 919-238-9961 with questions about Full-Arch Replacement or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hill.

The Benefits of Implant Supported Full-Arch Restoration

  • Cost: Because this treatment requires just four implants per arch, it is much more affordable than placing an entire row of dental implants.
  • Convenience: Replacement teeth can typically be placed during the same appointment as the implants.
  • Bone Graft-Free: Two of the four dental implants are placed at special angles in the back of the jaw to make the best use of available jawbone. This often eliminates the need for bone grafting.
  • Faster Healing: Less time in the chair and less time healing round out the benefits of full arch restorations.

Full-Arch Replacement Procedure

As with other dental implant procedures, you will be anesthetized for comfort during the surgery and thus won’t feel a thing. Post-operation soreness is typically manageable with over-the-counter medications, and any necessary prescriptions will be discussed at your appointment.

Implant Supported Restorations: Your Options

MISSING ALL UPPER OR LOWER TEETH

Missing All Lower Teeth

Many patients find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.

All-on-4® (Implant Supported Full Arch Restoration)

Also known as a screw retained bridge, this option offers maximum stability. Placed on four or more implants and secured by screws, the full arch bridge is permanent, only removed by us at maintenance visits. The full arch restoration fits precisely in contact with the gum tissue, allowing you to clean under it without removal.

guided surgery digital treatment planning

All-on-4 ® Guided Surgery
Digital Treatment Planning

All-on-4 illustration

All-on-4 ®
Treatment Concept

Ball Attachment Denture

Two implants are placed in the lower jaw, onto which a denture snaps into place. This option is more stable than traditional, removable dentures; however there will still be some movement. Sore spots can develop if food is caught underneath. Periodic appointments ensure proper adjustment.

Before Ball Attachment Denture 1. Before
After Dental Implants Placed 2. Implants Placed
Denture Attached 3. Denture Attached

Bar Attachment Denture

Referred to above as “overdentures”, this process involves the placing of four-to-six dental implants in the lower jaw. A custom support bar connects the implants, and a denture with internal retention clips is attached to the support bar. This option is very popular as the denture is more stable than with ball attachments, yet it is still removable for cleaning.

Before Bar Attachment Denture 1. Before
After Dental Implants Placed 2. Implants Placed
Denture Attached 3. Denture Attached

Individual Dental Implants

Of course, there is always the option to have each missing tooth replaced by an individual dental implant. The benefits of this are increased stability, preservation of the jawbone and a natural look. However, the process is the most costly and time-consuming.

A digital representation of the lower jaw missing all of its teeth 1. Before
A mouth showing the lower jaw with all the teeth as individual implants 2. Implants Placed
A mouth showing the healed lower jaw after individual implants were placed 3. Healing Completed

Missing All Upper Teeth

Upper Arch Replacements

The treatment options for the upper arch are basically the same as those mentioned above, however additional implants are sometimes needed to compensate for softer bone.

Full-Arch Replacements with All-on-4 illustration

All-on-4 ® Treatment Concept

Implant Retained Upper Denture

Depending upon the number of dental 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.

Individual Upper Implants

Individual Upper Dental Implants

If you want a restoration that is similar to your natural teeth and therefore not removable, you probably will need eight-to-ten individual dental implants placed. This is followed after healing by the placement of the abutments and new replacement crowns.

For more information on dental implants, please visit our Dental Implant FAQ page.

If you are fed up with dentures and are looking for a better, more permanent solution, please call us at Chapel Hill Implant and Oral Surgery Center Office Phone Number 919-238-9961 to find out more about the life-changing transformations that full arch restorations are giving patients in our office.