Fixed Full Mouth Prosthesis

The procedure for a fixed full mouth prosthesis, also known as a fixed full arch restoration or implant-supported full arch prosthesis, involves the replacement of all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or both, with a permanent fixed dental prosthesis supported by dental implants. This comprehensive process typically follows several key steps:

Initial Consultation and Evaluation:

• The first step involves a thorough dental examination, which may include X-rays, scans, and impressions.
• The dentist or oral surgeon will assess your oral health, bone density, and overall suitability for dental implants.

Treatment Planning:

• A comprehensive treatment plan is developed based on the evaluation results and your specific dental needs.
• The number and placement of dental implants are determined. Typically, four to six implants are placed per arch.

Implant Placement:

• Surgical placement of dental implants is carried out. This involves the insertion of small titanium posts into the jawbone.
• In some cases, immediate temporary teeth (provisional prosthesis) may be attached to the implants during the same procedure.

Healing and Osseointegration:

• A healing period of several months follows the implant placement. During this time, the implants integrate with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration.

Impressions and Prosthesis Fabrication:

• Once osseointegration is complete, impressions of your mouth are taken to create a custom-fitted fixed prosthesis.
• The prosthesis may be made from materials such as porcelain, zirconia, or a combination of materials to achieve a natural appearance and durability.

Try-In and Final Adjustments:

• A try-in appointment is scheduled to ensure the proper fit, aesthetics, and function of the prosthesis.
• Final adjustments are made to ensure comfort and optimal bite alignment.

Permanent Prosthesis Placement:

• The finalized fixed full mouth prosthesis is securely attached to the dental implants.
• The prosthesis is fixed in place and can only be removed by a dental professional.

Post-Placement Care and Follow-Up:

• Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the health of your implants and prosthesis.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending routine dental check-ups are crucial to the longevity of the prosthesis and overall oral health.

To undergo a fixed full mouth prosthesis procedure, it’s essential to have at least two sturdy and well-rooted teeth at both ends of the edentulous area to serve as anchors for the prosthesis. This type of treatment is commonly referred to as a dental bridge. However, there are cases where fixed prostheses can also be applied to a single tooth, offering a comprehensive and healthy solution that seamlessly matches the natural color and texture of existing teeth.

The treatment of tooth deficiencies with implants encompasses three primary indication groups: complete edentulism, partial tooth loss, and single tooth gaps. Each group necessitates specific treatment approaches. Fixed or removable implant-supported prosthesis applications are widely recognized as essential treatments for edentulous conditions. Among these, fixed applications hold particular importance due to their ability to provide not only functional ease but also psychological support and enhanced self-confidence for patients.

Nonetheless, it’s important to note that the cost of such applications is generally higher compared to removable implant-supported prostheses. Successful prosthetic application relies on suitable anatomical and morphological conditions. The number of implants placed is a crucial factor in determining the appropriate type of prosthesis. In cases where two or four implants are employed, removable prostheses are typically fabricated. Although less common in the literature, overdenture applications, supported by either a single implant or three implants placed along the midline of the lower jaw, can also be considered.

Adapting to new prostheses requires an adjustment period, which can vary from person to person even with well-crafted prosthetics. Initially, the new prosthesis might feel foreign and bulky within the mouth, leading to a sensation of fullness in the lips and cheeks. Particularly, becoming accustomed to lower dentures might be more challenging due to their potential for movement and displacement. In the initial days, an increase in saliva production can be observed due to gland stimulation, but this effect tends to diminish over time.