A Full-Arch Implant Option Instead of Dentures for a Completely Edentulous Patient

What happened to that patient who had almost no bone

After switching to Nobon Arch?

A little while ago, a daughter carefully knocked on the door of my consultation room while accompanying her elderly mother. Her mother had relied on a lower denture for more than ten years. The daughter’s eyes reddened as she said, “The denture lifts every time she chews, so she has even begun avoiding her favorite galbi.” I am Lee Jang-wook, a dentist in my late thirties who graduated from Seoul National University School of Dentistry and often sees patients in Gangnam who have lived without teeth for a long time. One of the options we carefully considered together that day was a full-arch implant. Today, I would like to share that story calmly.

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What happened to that patient who had almost no bone?

❗What was the result after switching to Nobon Arch?❗

I remember the tips of her fingers as she placed her denture in a cup of water

Her biggest concern was, “At my age, with my jawbone having completely collapsed, is this really possible?”

This is something I hear very often in the consultation room. When there are no remaining teeth and a patient is completely edentulous, placing individual implants requires many implants and can place a greater burden on the body.

So we often consider restoring one entire arch—that is, the upper or lower jaw—with only four or five implant posts.

To put it simply, rather than laboriously supporting a wide roof with twenty thin pillars, you can think of it as a structure stably supported by four or five thick, sturdy pillars.

You may have wondered how it differs from dentures

The biggest difference is fixation.

Dentures are placed on top of the gums and can be removed, so even when they are fitted carefully, it is difficult to avoid a feeling that they lift or move.

By contrast, a full-arch implant firmly supports the prosthesis on posts placed in the jawbone, which can significantly reduce the sensation of something wobbling around in the mouth.

It is generally said that chewing strength is better than with dentures. However, I always explain that the extent of this difference varies from person to person depending on the condition of the jawbone and their usual care habits.

I showed her what the process would look like

I also showed her each step in order with illustrations.

First, we use a 3D CT scan and an intraoral scanner to examine the jawbone and the location of the nerves three-dimensionally, then create a preliminary plan on a computer.

Next, we place the implant posts according to the plan. If the condition permits, we may attach temporary prosthetic teeth on the same day, helping to shorten the period of having no teeth at all. The final prosthesis is usually completed in about a month, after the gums have healed and the posts have settled into place.

For full-arch implant prostheses, we use pink porcelain that resembles the gums together with zirconia in the color of natural teeth, striving to create an appearance that looks as natural as the patient’s own gums and teeth.

Of course, the recovery rate and completion date may vary depending on the patient’s health at the time.

Wondering whether it is possible when there is insufficient bone or an underlying condition

Even when the jawbone has become thin, as in her case, we can consider methods that carefully adjust the angle of implant placement to reduce the need for bone grafting.

Even if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, it may still be possible to discuss the treatment if your levels are well controlled.

However, this is something that can only be determined after a detailed examination, so I cannot guarantee that full-arch implants will be equally suitable for everyone.

That is why I always begin with a CT scan, thoroughly examine each patient’s physical condition, and only then determine the appropriate direction.

Questions I often discuss in the consultation room—answered directly

Q1. I am afraid it will hurt a lot during surgery.

A. Since the procedure is performed under anesthesia, pain during surgery is generally manageable. However, swelling or a tingling, numb sensation may remain for several days afterward; prescribed medication is used to manage these symptoms.

The degree of pain varies from person to person, so I want to be honest that it would be difficult to promise that it will “not hurt at all.”

Q2. How long will recovery take?

A. Many patients return to their daily routines after temporary prosthetic teeth are attached, but it is better to avoid hard or chewy foods at first.

The final prosthesis usually takes about a month, although we may allow more time depending on the condition of the gums.

Q3. If I have the procedure once, can I use it for the rest of my life?

A. Unfortunately, I cannot say that with certainty.

Just as with natural teeth, brushing and flossing every day and receiving regular checkups about once every six months can help you use the prosthesis for a long time. I also want to emphasize that inflammation can develop around the gums if care is neglected.

Q4. I am hesitant to decide based on a consultation alone.

A. That is a completely natural feeling.

That is why I first examine the bone and nerves with a CT scan and an intraoral scan. I then explain frankly both the available options and the possible side effects, and give patients plenty of time to think it over.

There is no need to rush.

Back to that mother’s story

After thinking it over carefully for several days, she decided to continue treatment at her own pace.

I never push any particular method by saying, “This is unquestionably the answer.”

I simply hope to gently guide someone who has grown tired after living without teeth for a long time back toward the pleasure of chewing comfortably once more.

Full-arch implants are not a treatment that produces the same results for everyone. The course of treatment and the possibility of side effects vary depending on the condition of the jawbone, overall health, and lifestyle habits.

Therefore, no matter what information you encounter, please make sure to confirm whether a method is suitable for your body through a detailed examination and thorough consultation.

Our bright, sunlit dental clinic is quietly located on the third floor of Namhangang Building near Seolleung Station. We have summarized the details below for anyone who may be interested.

🦷 Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic

📍 Location: 3rd floor, Namhangang Building, 820 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

📞 Phone: 02-546-0654

🕙 Office hours

· Tuesday–Friday 10:00–19:00 (Lunch 13:00–14:00)

· Saturday 10:00–15:00

· Evening appointments until 21:00 on the second Tuesday of every month

· Closed on Mondays