If you have lost all of your teeth or it is time to take out the remaining teeth you have, then you will probably have to consider a full mouth dental implant. This is an extensive undertaking and not something you should consider lightly. That is why this information is so vital. it is important that you understand what you are getting into, which is involved, and how much it can cost you.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before a course of action can be decided, a specialist will review your case. He will look at your records and see if you have any hereditary problems or health concerns that may cause you to be ineligible for this procedure. The dentist will then examine your teeth and gums and see how extensive the damage is and suggest a course of action.
Then you will need to sit with the dentist for a consultation. During this time, the dentist will go over your options, discuss what changes you may need to make in your life, and help you to reach a decision. Once you have decided that you want to go ahead with the full mouth dental implant, the dentist will schedule an appointment for you.
Now before any implants can be placed inside your mouth, your mouth needs to be prepared properly. The main objective at this juncture is to fashion molds or wax mockups of what your new teeth will be like. This will be based on your jawline, any remaining teeth you have, and impressions the doctor will take.
Once the mockups are complete, you will be asked to come back and see how they function inside your mouth. If you still have any teeth remaining and you have committed to the full mouth implants, then those will have to be removed to test out the mockups.
The Procedure
When you come in for the actual surgery your mouth will be prepared with a local anesthesia. You probably won’t have to be put under for this procedure, as it is not a long one. Most of the time, the procedure can be performed in less than an hour or two.
Once your mouth is numbed, the dental professional will drill holes into your gums and jawline. The most conservative number for total implant holes is four. In many cases, only four are needed to support an entire mouth full of teeth. Once the holes have been created the implants will be inserted. These look like small bolts or screws, and they are typically made from titanium.
After they have been secured into your jawline, the façade or false teeth will be attached to them. The implants serve as fasteners or anchors, holding the teeth in place.
Post Procedure
You will need time to heal after the procedure. You may not experience much pain, but the dental professional will likely prescribe some pain medication anyway, just in case. The entire healing process should take anywhere from a few weeks to six months. It just depends on the conditions of your surgery, how many implants needed to be put in, and your overall health.
During this time, you will have restrictions on what you can eat and how you treat your mouth and new teeth. You have to be careful not to chew foods that are too hard and not to grind your teeth. Doing so can cause your implants or teeth to malfunction and even fall out.
There may be some minor pain around the gum line or mouth, and you are very likely to experience swelling. Many people take time off of work simply because they do not want other people to see them with a swollen mouth, so it may be something to consider. The swelling should go away almost completely in one to two weeks. Other symptoms include pain while eating, oozing or bleeding gums, and headaches.
The Cost of the Procedure
It is impossible to slap a total cost on this procedure that is going to apply to everyone. That’s because the price for it can vary from one dental professional to another. You also have to consider your health, the extent of the tooth replacement, the kind of implants you are receiving, and many other factors that affect the price.
The average price for full mouth dental implants, where every tooth in your mouth is replaced is around £10,000. You can find dental professionals who will perform it for as low as £7,000 and others who charge as much as £16,000. But once again, the circumstances and specifics of your case can make those costs go up or down.
Some areas of the country cost more than others in regards to this dental procedure. If you live in a big city or a place where property values are high, then the cost of the procedure is going to be more than the national average.
If there are any complications during the procedure or you have poor health, then there may be other added expenses as well. You can always ask the dental professional for an estimate before agreeing to the procedure.
Your insurance may cover the procedure, in some cases. For the most part, this is not something that will be covered under standard dental insurance plans. You will likely need to add some coverage onto what you already have to ensure it is paid for in part or in whole. Typically, the insurance company will cover you for dentures instead. The dentures are cheaper and the full mouth dental implant may not be medically necessary.
Just be aware of how your insurance works in this regard and know that so long as the procedure is not medically necessary, base insurance coverage of any kind will not cover it. Also keep in mind that a full mouth dental implant is a better choice than dentures, if you can afford it. It will last longer and prove more comfortable and effective when you eat.