Full-Mouth Dental Implants in Missoula, MT
When a house has extensive foundation damage, you can’t just slap on fresh paint and hope for the best. At some point, patch jobs and repairs stop working. The only real solution is to rebuild the framework so the house can stand safely and solidly again. The same principle applies when you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, or if widespread tooth loss is imminent. While dentures and partials can offer relief, they don’t restore the full stability or function of natural teeth. For those looking for a more secure and lasting solution, full-mouth dental implants offer a better way forward.
What Are Full-Mouth Dental Implants?
Full-mouth dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth throughout the mouth. With this approach, we place multiple dental implants to anchor a set of artificial teeth. It’s like rebuilding a home with new support beams rather than patching over damage. The implants provide a strong foundation beneath the surface, allowing your new teeth to feel secure and function properly.
At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we prefer to use mini dental implants instead of traditional dental implants because they offer a simpler, less invasive way to achieve the same stable results. Mini implants are smaller in diameter, which means we can often place them without the need for bone grafting (a common requirement with larger traditional implants). This makes the process more accessible for patients who have experienced bone loss. The minimally invasive technique also allows for quicker healing and fewer visits.
Despite their size, mini implants are strong and reliable, offering the solid foundation needed to support full arches of teeth. Patients often find that this approach not only restores their ability to eat and speak comfortably, but also greatly improves their confidence.
Full-Arch Prosthetics
Mini dental implants act as stable anchor points for a new set of teeth, supporting either removable or fixed prosthetics depending on your needs and preferences.
At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we offer the following prosthetics for full-arch dental implants:
- Snap-in dentures: These removable prosthetics “snap” onto mini dental implants using small rubber O-rings. They look similar to traditional dentures, featuring a gum-colored acrylic base and natural-looking artificial teeth. However, unlike traditional dentures, we stabilize snap-in dentures with 4-6 mini implants in the lower jaw or 6-8 in the upper jaw. The implants prevent your false teeth from slipping or shifting. You’ll remove the prosthetic at night for cleaning, but during the day, it stays secure on the implants. It’s a practical option for patients who want improved stability without a permanently fixed restoration.
- Fix-on-Six® roundhouse bridges: This semi-removable option mimics the strength and feel of natural teeth. The roundhouse bridge is made of durable zirconia and may include pink porcelain at the base to resemble natural gum tissue if needed for lip support. It’s securely attached to 6-10 mini implants, and only Dr. Booth will remove it during checkups for professional cleaning. With its strong materials and increased implant support, the Fix-on-Six® provides enhanced chewing ability, a lifelike appearance, and greater overall comfort compared to removable options.
What To Expect When Getting Full-Mouth Dental Implants
Consultation, Planning, and Imaging
Your treatment starts with a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Unlike standard digital dental X-rays that produce flat, two-dimensional images, a CBCT scan provides a detailed 3D view of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and sinuses. This advanced imaging allows Dr. Booth to precisely assess bone quality, measure implant spacing, and plan the optimal placement of your implants. For full-mouth implant procedures, this level of detail is critical to ensure safety, proper alignment, and long-term success.
In some cases, especially if you need multiple tooth extractions throughout the mouth, we may recommend a phased treatment approach. This strategy allows your mouth time to heal between steps, ensuring a more comfortable experience and better long-term outcomes. We’ll develop a plan tailored to your specific needs and timeline, striking a balance between aesthetics and convenience with durable, long-term results.
Implant Placement
Once we have finalized your treatment plan, we’ll schedule the mini implant placement procedure. This minimally invasive process usually requires only local anesthesia. However, for patients who need help feeling at ease, we also offer multiple sedation options.
To place a mini implant in the jaw, Dr. Booth will create a small pilot hole through the gum tissue. Then, he’ll insert the implant into the prepared space. Because mini implants are narrower than traditional implants, they typically don’t require bone grafting, making the procedure faster and less invasive.
Once Dr. Booth has placed the implants, he can secure your new prosthetic. If you opt for a snap-in denture, we can prepare your custom denture in advance. This allows Dr. Booth to place your implants and attach your new denture in one visit. For a roundhouse bridge, Dr. Booth will place your implants, secure a temporary prosthetic, and allow your mouth to heal as the dental lab crafts your custom bridge. Once ready, he’ll swap the temporary with your custom roundhouse, giving you a complete and functional smile that you can rely on.
Healing and Aftercare
Healing after full-mouth mini dental implant placement is generally quicker and more comfortable than with traditional implants, thanks to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. Most patients experience only mild soreness or swelling that over-the-counter pain relief can help alleviate.
With full-mouth dental implants, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Brushing gently around the implant area and using a water flosser can help keep the mouth clean without disturbing healing tissues.
Regular follow-up visits allow us to monitor your progress and ensure the implants are integrating properly with the bone. With proper care, your new teeth can remain secure, functional, and comfortable for many years.
Book a Consultation for Full-Mouth Dental Implants
Rebuilding your smile requires strong support, thoughtful planning, and reliable materials. At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, full-mouth dental implants offer a stable, long-term solution for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. With mini implants, we provide a less invasive approach that shortens healing time without sacrificing strength. Whether you choose snap-in dentures or a Fix-on-Six® roundhouse bridge, you can look forward to a stable bite, improved comfort, and a smile that feels natural.
If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a consultation at Big Sky Dentures & Implants today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people are! Mini dental implants are a great option even if you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for traditional implants. Because they’re smaller and less invasive, mini implants work well for patients who’ve had bone loss or want to avoid oral surgeries like bone grafting. If you’re missing most or all of your teeth and are looking for a stable, comfortable alternative to traditional dentures, you’re likely a good fit.
We know cost matters, and we do everything we can to keep treatment affordable without cutting corners. Mini dental implants help with that: they’re less invasive, which translates to a simpler process with fewer visits and lower overall costs.
We’ll go over everything with you up front so there are no surprises. For those who need assistance managing expenses, we offer flexible financing options to make treatment work for your budget.
Mini dental implants are built to be a lasting solution. With proper care, they can stay firmly in place for many years (often for life)! While the prosthetic teeth they support might need to be updated over time due to wear, the implants themselves are designed to be permanent. We’ll guide you on how to care for your new smile so that it stays healthy, secure, and comfortable in the long term.