Full mouth dental implants Fort Walton Beach FL offer long-term value and require less maintenance than traditional dentures or bridges. However, they’re a significant investment and can be prohibitively expensive for some patients. Flexible financing and insurance coverage can help make them more accessible.
Gum health plays a critical role in the success of dental implants, so a candidate must be free of gum disease. They must also be committed to following post-surgery care instructions, such as practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits.
The Procedure
As the most permanent form of tooth replacement, dental implants and Full mouth dental implants Fort Walton Beach FL are designed to fuse with your jawbone and function like natural tooth roots. The result is a strong foundation for new, custom-made teeth that look and feel just like your own.
Before beginning treatment, patients undergo a detailed consultation with a qualified oral health provider. They will undergo X-rays and scanning to assess the condition of their gums and jawbone. If necessary, preparatory procedures like bone grafting or tooth extractions may be performed to ensure adequate jawbone density.
Once the site is surgically prepared, a porous scaffold is placed in the area, and an implant is surgically attached. Over 3-6 months, the implant will heal as it fuses to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once healing is complete, an abutment and crown are attached to the implant. In some cases, a removable denture can be attached to the implants to provide a more comfortable alternative to conventional dentures.
Preparation
We will conduct a thorough consultation to evaluate the state of your teeth and gums, including taking digital X-rays or 3D scans for a detailed look at the underlying bone structure. We will also take a thorough medical history and discuss any chronic conditions or medications that could affect your recovery.
If you are determined to be a good candidate, a personalized treatment plan will be created to fit your specific needs and goals. This may include the use of natural bone graft material or synthetic bone-substitute materials to build up your jawbone.
Before your surgery, we will provide you with post-operative care guidelines to help manage pain and swelling as you recover. Typically, you will need to follow a soft diet and avoid hard foods like popcorn kernels, nuts and sticky candy. Patients who follow this instruction report less discomfort in their recovery and are able to enjoy a wider world of tasty foods as soon as their implants heal.
Surgery
Full mouth dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They are anchored in the jawbone, just like natural tooth roots. This stabilizes the jawbone, protecting it from bone loss. They are also more comfortable and durable than removable dentures.
The treatment plan for full mouth dental implants Fort Walton Beach FL is customized for each patient, taking into account their overall health and medical history. In addition to the initial consultation and assessment, your dentist may take X-rays and scans of your gum tissue and jawbone, to determine whether they are ready for implants.
During surgery, the surgeon will numb the area with local anesthesia. If you’re opting for sedation, the level will vary depending on your anxiety. Two flaps of gum tissue will be trimmed and repositioned, creating space for the implant. Your doctor will then place the implant, and a temporary healing cap will cover it. This will allow the implant to fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
Post-Operative Care
Depending on your situation, you may need to undergo bone grafting or tooth extractions. These procedures ensure that you have enough bone mass to support dental implants and help the restorations heal properly.
After the surgical procedure, patients should wear a temporary prosthesis until the implant heals. They may also be prescribed pain medication for discomfort. During this time, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent complications like infection.
Immediately after surgery, patients should apply an ointment or lip balm to keep the corners of their mouths moist. Vigorous mouth rinsing is not recommended since this could disrupt the healing process and dislodge the blood clot. Patients should eat a liquid or soft diet to minimize pressure on the implant site and chew with their other teeth. They should also avoid smoking since this can increase the risk of complications. From day 2 on, patients can resume gentle rinsing with a salt water solution, and brush and floss their other teeth, but be careful not to disturb the surgical site.
