Facts You Must Know Before Choosing Cheongdam-dong Implant Treatment

Hello, this is Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic, starting the day by thinking about your smile and oral health. Today, we’ll talk about full-arch implants (full-mouth implants), which many people are curious about.

Among those who have lost all of their teeth, many are using dentures and experiencing discomfort. They face various difficulties in daily life, such as dentures shifting every time they eat or their speech sounding unnatural, which lowers their confidence during conversation. We often hear comments like, “My dentures keep falling out, so I can’t chew properly,” or “My social life is shrinking because of my dentures.”

For those with these concerns, today we’ll take a look at full-arch implants. Thanks to advances in modern dental technology, even people without teeth and with insufficient bone can now receive help. If you are considering implants, here is some information that may be useful.

What is a full-arch implant?

A full-arch implant is a treatment for people who are completely edentulous (have no teeth at all). Unlike the traditional method of placing one implant for each tooth, this approach restores all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw with just 4 to 6 implants. This method helps reduce cost and time while restoring function close to that of natural teeth, making it beneficial for many people.

One feature of full-arch implants is that a temporary prosthesis can be attached on the day of surgery. This means you can return to daily life without having to stay toothless. The final prosthesis is completed and placed within about 30 days.

Differences between full-arch implants and regular implants

The biggest difference between regular implants and full-arch implants is the number of implants placed. Regular implants place one implant for each missing tooth, while full-arch implants restore an entire arch with only about 4 to 6 implants.

Full-arch implants also tend to have shorter surgery times and faster recovery. Using a flapless approach with a 3D navigation system shortens surgery time compared to conventional methods and improves accuracy. Most people say the discomfort is less than they expected.

If we compare full-arch implants with implant-supported dentures, implant-supported dentures are removable, while full-arch implants are fixed. If the chewing force of implant-supported dentures is about 60 to 80% of natural teeth, full-arch implants can provide chewing force reaching about 90% of natural teeth.

Full-arch implant procedure

Full-arch implant treatment generally proceeds in four stages. First, during the consultation and assessment stage, a CT scan is used to understand the individual’s oral condition. Second, during computer-assisted simulation and prosthesis design, digital equipment such as 3D CT, an intraoral scanner, Dio Navi guide, 3D printer, and UV implants is used to plan the surgery. Third, during implant placement and temporary prosthesis insertion, the implants are placed using a flapless method with 3D navigation. Finally, the full-arch final prosthesis is inserted within about 30 days, completing the treatment.

The gum line recreated with pink porcelain and the teeth made from zirconia materials reproduce the look of natural teeth and gums. This also provides aesthetically satisfying results.

Full-arch implant candidates

Full-arch implants may be suitable for the following people: those concerned about cost, those with limited time, those who have become edentulous after long-term denture use, those whose dentures keep coming loose, those who have difficulty moving around and cannot visit the clinic multiple times, and those of advanced age considering full-mouth implants.

We are often asked, “Can full-arch implants be done if there is no jawbone?” Using 3D navigation and digital technology, even in cases with insufficient jawbone, it is often possible to proceed without bone grafting by placing implants at special angles and positions.

Advantages of full-arch implants

The main advantages of full-arch implants include restoring full dental function and reducing cost with only 5 to 6 implants, making it easier to return to daily life because the prosthesis is attached on the day of treatment and the treatment period is short, strong fixation so it does not move in the mouth and is unlikely to come out, chewing force at about 90% of natural teeth, and care similar to that of natural teeth.

Most people with diabetes or high blood pressure can also receive full-arch implants. However, these conditions must be well controlled, and consultation with the medical team is necessary for assessment. Through evaluation and planning, we recommend a treatment method suited to each person’s condition.

Post-treatment care for full-arch implants

Full-arch implants also need to be cared for like natural teeth. Proper daily brushing and flossing are necessary, and it is important to receive regular checkups and scaling every six months.

Through our implant treatment warranty system, we provide free treatment related to full-arch implants within three years. We use only genuine implants and also implement thorough aftercare and a treatment warranty system to increase your satisfaction.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Are there any restrictions on eating after full-arch implants?

A: During the period when the temporary prosthesis is attached, it is best to avoid hard or chewy foods. After the final prosthesis is attached, you will have chewing force at about 90% of natural teeth and can eat most foods.

Q: How long does full-arch implant surgery take?

A: It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. Using a flapless method with a 3D navigation system shortens the time compared to conventional methods and improves accuracy.

Q: Is full-arch implant surgery possible for older adults?

A: Yes, it is possible. In fact, it can be helpful for people who are older, have difficulty visiting multiple times, or are considering full-mouth implants. However, there are individual differences depending on overall health, so assessment is necessary.

Implant treatment is a highly difficult procedure, so it is important to find a medical team with experience. Good results can only be achieved when there is responsibility for treatment and sufficient experience.

For full-arch implants, assessment and communication before treatment are more important than anything else. A treatment plan tailored to the individual is established through examinations such as CT scans and intraoral scans, and if necessary, extraction of existing teeth or gum treatment may be performed first.

We understand that you may feel vague anxiety before visiting the dental clinic. However, we hope that through communication with the medical team, that anxiety can turn into anticipation. We support you in smiling confidently again, enjoying delicious food, and regaining a lively daily life through full-arch implants.

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