Munjeong-dong Full-Mouth Dental Implants: Why Did the Patient’s Appearance Change After Simply Replacing the Teeth?

Hello.

I am Seo Ho-yeon, the director of Yonsei Dagam Dental Clinic, where we perform full-mouth dental implant procedures in Munjeong-dong. ^^

“Doctor, I no longer want dentures. I want teeth that allow me to chew properly.”

These were the first words spoken by the patient I am introducing today.

The patient had been using dentures for a long time, but the dentures moved whenever they ate, which was uncomfortable.

They also said it was difficult to open their mouth naturally when smiling.

When teeth have been missing for a long time or dentures have been used for an extended period,

much of the alveolar bone is often resorbed, leaving insufficient space for implant placement.

In addition, as the structures that supported the teeth collapse, not only chewing function but also the support for the lips can weaken, which may change the overall appearance of the face.

Therefore, when planning full-mouth dental implants, it is important to consider more than just how many implants will be placed.

We must also consider how to restore the deficient bone, how to establish a stable bite,

and whether we can create a natural result that harmonizes with the patient’s face.

When I plan full-mouth implant treatment, I also do not focus only on the teeth.

I examine whether the lips can be adequately supported, how to restore the reduced bite height,

and the patient’s appearance when smiling or speaking before establishing the treatment plan.

Today, for those considering full-mouth dental implants in Munjeong-dong,

I would like to introduce an actual treatment case in which upper-jaw full-mouth implants, sinus lift surgery, and bone grafting were performed together to improve both function and aesthetics.

A condition in which it was difficult to preserve the remaining teeth after long-term denture use

First, we examined the overall condition of the teeth and jawbone through a panoramic radiograph.

Several teeth in the upper anterior region had already been damaged, and the remaining teeth were also mobile, making them difficult to maintain over the long term.

In addition, because the teeth had been missing for a long time, the upper alveolar bone had undergone considerable resorption, and the maxillary sinuses had also expanded downward.

In such cases, both complete dentures and full-mouth dental implants can be considered.

Because the patient had experienced discomfort when using their existing dentures,

they hoped to receive upper-jaw full-mouth implants that could be used more stably.

The most important factor in full-mouth implant treatment is not the number of implants but the condition of the bone supporting them.

In particular, when teeth have been missing from the upper jaw for a long time, the maxillary sinus often expands downward, significantly reducing the height of the jawbone.

As can also be seen in this patient’s oral photographs, the jawbone had undergone considerable resorption.

Therefore, we performed a maxillary sinus lift and bone grafting together with the placement of upper-jaw full-mouth implants.

If implants are placed when there is not enough jawbone, it may be difficult for the implants to receive stable support,

which can increase the possibility of long-term problems such as loosening or coming out.

For this reason, when the jawbone is insufficient, it is important not to stop at implant placement alone.

A foundation that can provide stable support for the implants should be established by performing a maxillary sinus lift and bone grafting together.

This photograph was taken after implant placement.

You can see that the implants were placed on both sides of the upper jaw after sufficient bone was secured.

In addition, a spare implant was placed in one area in preparation for possible future circumstances, allowing us to establish a more stable prosthetic plan.

This implant was placed additionally as a spare implant, taking into account the possibility that it may be used in the future.

In areas where the bone condition is poor, plans like this may also be made for long-term stability.

Yonsei Dagam Dental Clinic examines not only the teeth but also facial balance!

There is one aspect of full-mouth implant treatment that I consider particularly important.

It is vertical dimension and lip support.

When teeth have been missing for a long time or dentures have been used for an extended period, the bite height may gradually decrease.

As the support for the lips decreases, the mouth may appear sunken, the nasolabial folds may look deeper,

and the face may appear generally sagging.

After treatment

Therefore, before treatment, we measure the vertical dimension using a Willis Gauge,

and also examine the nasolabial angle, lip protrusion,

and the overall proportions of the face.

Even after treatment is completed, we reassess the nasolabial folds and the condition of lip support.

The final panoramic radiograph also shows that the implants were stably placed in the planned positions.

Most importantly, the patient was satisfied that the discomfort experienced with the previous dentures had decreased,

and that not only chewing function but also the appearance of the teeth when smiling had become more natural.

Today, I introduced a case in which upper-jaw full-mouth implants, a maxillary sinus lift, and bone grafting were performed together

to improve both function and aesthetics.

When planning full-mouth dental implants in Munjeong-dong, the condition of the remaining bone must be accurately diagnosed.

If necessary, a maxillary sinus lift and bone grafting should be performed together, while facial proportions and lip support should also be considered to achieve a more natural result.

Yonsei Dagam Dental Clinic establishes treatment plans from a long-term perspective, considering not only implant placement but also the patient’s function and aesthetics.

If you are considering full-mouth dental implants,

we recommend examining not only the current condition of your teeth but also the condition of the bone and the balance of your face.

If you have any further questions about full-mouth implant treatment, please contact Yonsei Dagam Dental Clinic by phone or visit us at any time. We will be happy to provide a consultation.

This has been Seo Ho-yeon, director of Yonsei Dagam Dental Clinic.

Thank you for reading this long post to the end.

Have a happy day today as well. 😊

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