Full Arch Restoration Explained: Benefits, Process, and Cost

Losing all or most of your teeth in one or both jaws can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Full arch restoration, also known as full mouth reconstruction or rehabilitation, offers a comprehensive solution to restore the function and aesthetics of your entire dental arch.

This article explains the benefits, process, and cost associated with full arch restoration, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your dental health.

What is Full Arch Restoration?

Full arch restoration involves replacing all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw (or both) with a fixed or removable prosthetic. This comprehensive Shawn Keller treatment addresses not only the missing teeth but also any underlying issues affecting the jawbone, gums, and bite. The goal is to restore proper oral function, improve aesthetics, and enhance overall quality of life.

Benefits of Full Arch Restoration

Full arch restoration offers numerous benefits compared to traditional dentures, including:

• Improved Chewing Ability: Fixed full arch restorations, such as implant-supported bridges or dentures, provide significantly better chewing ability than traditional dentures, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods.
• Enhanced Speech: Missing teeth can affect your speech, making it difficult to pronounce certain words. Full arch restoration restores proper tooth alignment, improving speech clarity.
• Increased Confidence: A complete and beautiful smile can dramatically boost your self-confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to smile, laugh, and socialize without feeling self-conscious.
• Bone Preservation: Dental implants, often used in full arch restoration, stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that can occur after tooth extraction. This helps maintain facial structure and prevents premature aging.
• Improved Oral Health: Full arch restoration can address underlying issues such as gum disease and bite problems, improving overall oral health and reducing the risk of future dental problems.
• Long-Term Solution: Implant-supported full arch restorations are a long-lasting and stable solution for tooth loss, providing a predictable and reliable outcome.

The Full Arch Restoration Process

The full Dr Shawn arch restoration process typically involves several stages:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation: The first step is a thorough evaluation by a qualified dentist or prosthodontist. This includes a medical history review, clinical examination, X-rays, and possibly a CT scan to assess the condition of your jawbone and determine the best treatment plan.
2. Treatment Planning: Based on the evaluation, a customized treatment plan is developed to address your specific needs and goals. This may involve tooth extractions, bone grafting, implant placement, and the fabrication of a temporary or permanent prosthetic.
3. Tooth Extractions and Bone Grafting (if needed): If any remaining teeth need to be extracted, this is typically done before implant placement. Bone grafting may be necessary if there is insufficient bone volume to support dental implants.
4. Implant Placement: Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. The number of implants required depends on the type of restoration and the quality of the bone.
5. Healing Period: After implant placement, a healing period of several months is required to allow the implants to fuse with the bone (osseointegration).
6. Prosthetic Fabrication: Once the implants have fully integrated, impressions are taken to fabricate the final prosthetic, which can be a fixed bridge, an implant-supported denture, or a hybrid prosthesis.
7. Prosthetic Placement and Adjustments: The final prosthetic is attached to the implants, and any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable fit and proper bite.
8. Maintenance and Follow-Up: Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential to maintain the health and longevity of your full arch restoration.

Cost of Full Arch Restoration

The cost of full arch restoration can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

• Type of Restoration: Implant-supported fixed bridges are typically more expensive than implant-supported dentures.
• Number of Implants: The more implants required, the higher the cost.
• Bone Grafting: If bone grafting is necessary, it will add to the overall cost.
• Materials Used: The type of materials used for the prosthetic can also affect the cost.
• Dentist’s Fees: Fees can vary depending on the dentist’s experience and location.

Generally, full arch restoration can range from $15,000 to $50,000 or more per arch. It’s important to discuss the cost with your dentist and explore financing options or payment plans. While the initial investment may seem significant, full arch restoration can provide a long-term solution that improves your oral health, function, and quality of life.