Are dental implants right for me? Can I still have them if I have poor bone quality? Am I suitable for this dental treatment? These are some of the most common questions that go through our patients’ minds before reaching out to us at Westmount Dental Surgery.
The answer is more encouraging than they expect. Thanks to advances in implant dentistry, more patients than ever can be considered for treatment for full arc implant treatment.
However, not everyone is the right candidate straight away. Our team will need to assess several factors before recommending the most appropriate treatment or adjusting the treatment plan to provide the best results possible.
What Are Full Mouth Dental Implants?
Full-mouth dental implants can replace all the teeth in the upper and lower jaw using a small number of strategically placed dental implants.
Rather than replacing every missing tooth individually, treatments such as All-on-4 and All-on-6 use four to six implants to support a full fixed bridge or denture. This approach provides a strong foundation for the restoration but also saves you some money by using fewer implants.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
Full mouth dental implants are often recommended for patients who:
Have lost all of their teeth
Wear full dentures and want to transition to a fixed or more stable alternative
Have multiple failing teeth
Have difficulty chewing or have had difficulties with conventional dentures
Are looking for a long-term tooth replacement solution
Have good general health
Can You Have Implants If You Still Have Some Teeth?
Yes! Many patients still have several natural teeth when they first attend for a consultation.
In some cases, these teeth can be saved with appropriate treatment. However, in others, they might be severely damaged by decay, gum disease, or repeated dental work and no longer offer a predictable long-term prognosis.
If your remaining teeth cannot be restored successfully, our team may recommend removing them as part of a planned full mouth implant treatment. This approach allows the the entire arch to be restored with a stable and healthy foundation.
Is There Any Age Limit?
There is no upper age limit for dental implants. Patients in their seventies, eighties and beyond can often enjoy successful implant treatment if they are in suitable general health.
In fact, many older adults choose full mouth dental implants because they are frustrated with loose or uncomfortable removable dentures.
With full mouth dental implants, what matters most is your overall health rather than your age.
Is Bone Quality a Limitation?
In the past, having poor bone quality was considered a significant limitation of dental implants.
Fortunately, modern techniques, protocols and materials allow specialists to deal with many cases that could be considered challenging. As a result, reduced bone volume does not always rule out implant treatment.
Additionally, modern techniques, such as All-on-4 implant placement, angled implants, bone grafting, and sinus lift procedures, allow many patients with bone loss to receive implants successfully and predictably.
However, a detailed assessment, including a 3D CBCT scan, X-rays and other diagnostic assessments, helps us determine whether additional treatment is needed.
What Conditions Can Affect Suitability?
Medical ConditionsCertain medical conditions may influence implant treatment, but they do not automatically prevent it. Some of them are:
Uncontrolled diabetes
Autoimmune disorders
Osteoporosis
Previous head and neck radiotherapy
Certain medications affecting bone healing
Some patients with these conditions may still be suitable for implant treatment following the appropriate planning and medical guidance.
What About Smoking?
Smoking is still one of the most significant risk factors for implant complications. smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications can slow healing, reduce blood supply, and increase the risk of infection, which can affect long-term implant success.
Patients who stop smoking before and after treatment generally experience better healing and improved long-term outcomes.
What If I Have Gum Disease?
Your gums need to be in healthy and stable for a successful implant treatment. However, if you currently have active gum disease, it will need to be treated before implants are placed.
Once your gums are healthy and stable, you can proceed with implant treatment once the condition is controlled. While periodontal treatment can delay the treatment time, stabilising the gums and bone around the implants can improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
What About Nervous or Anxious Patients?
Modern implant dentistry places great emphasis on patient comfort. Many people considering full mouth dental implants have experienced years of dental problems and understandably feel anxious about treatment.
Fortunately, local anaesthetic helps minimise discomfort during the procedure, while sedation may be available depending on the practice and your individual circumstances for patients who prefer a more relaxed experience.
How Is Suitability Assessed?
Before receiving implant treatment, our patients undergo a comprehensive assessment that usually includes:
Full dental examination
Digital X-rays
3D CBCT scanning
Oral scans
Assessment of your bite
A review of your medical history
Discussion of your expectations and goals
Using all this information, our team can determine whether full mouth dental implants are the most appropriate option for you, and create a personalised treatment plan.