Let’s Learn About Full-Arch Implant Features and the Procedure

Chief Director Lee Jang-wook

Hello.

A place that does its best

for a healthy smile,

ETOILE de Seoul Dental Clinic.

If you are reading this today, I think you may be struggling with the inconvenience of dentures or feeling overwhelmed after losing several teeth and looking for a solution.

The discomfort of dentures moving every time you eat, the worry that they might show when you smile in front of others, and the frustration of air escaping when you speak. I know very well that these concerns are making your daily life difficult.

Today, I would like to explain the features of full-arch implants in detail for those of you in this situation, and how this method can improve your quality of life.

We take responsibility for your oral health.

What is a full-arch implant?

A full-arch implant is a method for people who have lost most or all of their teeth. Unlike the usual approach of placing one implant for each missing tooth, this method restores an entire upper or lower jaw with just 4 to 6 implants. Like supporting an entire house with four sturdy pillars, implants are placed by precisely identifying positions with good bone condition, helping restore the function of the entire dentition. In particular, because 3D navigation technology is used to simulate the procedure on a computer and determine the most optimal position and angle, bone grafting is often not necessary.

Many people feel burdened just by hearing the word "bone grafting." Some even think that if there is not enough bone, the method itself is impossible. However, with 3D navigation and digital technology, even when there is insufficient jawbone, the procedure can often be performed without bone grafting by placing implants at special angles and positions. This is one of the features of full-arch implants.

Advantages and special features of this method

The biggest advantage is that a temporary prosthesis can be placed on the same day. If you come in the morning, in many cases you can return to your daily life that evening with temporary teeth. You do not have to spend time without teeth. After the final prosthesis is placed within about 30 days, you can expect chewing ability close to that of natural teeth. In the case of regular dentures, chewing force is about 60% to 80% of natural teeth, but this method provides a level that is even closer to natural teeth, and above all, it does not move at all inside the mouth.

It is also economical in terms of cost. It is possible at a much lower cost than replacing every tooth individually, and recovery is faster because the scope of the procedure is smaller. Because it is performed without incisions, it helps reduce pain and swelling, and the gums are carefully reproduced with pink porcelain while the teeth made from zirconia look natural, just like the originals.

Who is it suitable for?

It is especially suitable for people who have lost most of their teeth after long-term denture use, those whose dentures keep falling out and are inconvenient, those who have difficulty moving around and cannot visit the clinic many times, and those who are older and are considering full rehabilitation. It can also be a good choice for those who want to return to daily life quickly or who are concerned about cost.

There is no need to give up just because you are older. In fact, it is suitable for older patients who have difficulty visiting the clinic multiple times or who are considering full rehabilitation. However, there are individual differences depending on overall health, so an accurate diagnosis is necessary. Even people with diabetes or high blood pressure can usually undergo the procedure if their condition is well controlled, and a precise examination through CT imaging can establish the best plan suited to each person’s condition.

How is the procedure carried out?

First, the condition inside the mouth is examined in detail through CT imaging and oral scanning. After that, the implant position, angle, and even the prosthesis design are planned in advance on a computer. On the day of the procedure, the implants are placed accurately and safely at the planned positions using 3D navigation, and temporary prostheses are attached the same day to help you adapt quickly to daily life. The procedure usually takes about 2 to 3 hours, and because it is a minimally invasive method using 3D navigation, pain is reduced.

There may be some discomfort, but it can usually be managed with ordinary pain relievers, and most people say the pain is less than they expected.

How should it be maintained?

Another feature of full-arch implants is that they are cared for like natural teeth. Proper brushing and flossing every day are necessary, and regular checkups are important. It is recommended to have a checkup every 6 months to monitor the condition of the implants and the health of the surrounding gums. Smoking should be avoided, and with proper care, they can be used for more than 10 years.

During the period when temporary prostheses are in place, it is best to avoid hard or chewy foods. After the final prosthesis is placed, you will have chewing ability at the level of natural teeth and can enjoy most foods freely. This goes beyond simply chewing food; it leads to an improved quality of life, allowing you to enjoy the foods you like, dine comfortably with others, and smile confidently.

Answers to your questions

Many people ask, "How is this different from the regular method?" In the regular method, one implant is placed for each missing tooth, but full-arch implants restore an entire upper or lower jaw with just 4 to 6 implants. The advantages are lower cost, less time, and faster recovery because the scope of the procedure is smaller.

We also often get asked, "How is it different from implant dentures?" Implant dentures involve placing a few implants in the gums and attaching and removing dentures, and the chewing force is about 60% to 80% of natural teeth. Full-arch implants, on the other hand, involve attaching a fixed prosthesis on 4 to 6 implants, with chewing force close to 90% of natural teeth, and they do not move at all inside the mouth.

Some people also ask, "How is it different from full replacement?" Full replacement is a method that individually replaces all teeth, which takes a lot of cost and time. In contrast, the feature of full-arch implants is that they restore an entire jaw with just 4 to 6 implants, reducing cost and time while maintaining a high level of chewing function.

Advice for you

For those of you who have endured the inconvenience of dentures for a long time, or who have felt helpless after losing teeth and not knowing what to do. Please do not delay any longer and take courage.

Teeth are not just tools for chewing food. A confident smile, comfortable conversation, and delicious meals are all directly tied to quality of life.

Do not give up because you are older or because of the cost. Please look into several places and carefully check whether they provide a warranty system and use genuine materials.

If you understand the features of full-arch implants and decide to proceed, they may help you enjoy comfortable meals and a confident smile. Imagine eating the foods you love, talking comfortably with others, and smiling brightly. We will be with you so that imagination can become reality. We support your bright smile.

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