Whether you're already missing all of the teeth on your upper or lower jaw, or your dentist has advised that you need to have the remainder pulled, you might be thinking about your restoration options. Although dentures are the most common solution, in this case, they can be uncomfortable and may not always fit well. That's why some dentists recommend full arch rehabilitation instead. Here's a look at what you need to know about this tooth replacement solution.

Replaces All Of The Affected Teeth 

A full arch restoration, whether upper or lower, replaces all of the affected teeth in that area. You'll get what amounts to a full denture, but it won't be removable. Instead, all of those teeth will be replaced by a dental appliance that's fixed in place and fits securely. The benefit to this is that it uses fewer implant posts to secure the appliance, so it's less invasive for you, but you get the stability of the fixed denture in the end, eliminating the risk of gum irritation and discomfort from a denture shifting around.

Usually Requires Three Or Four Implant Posts

Unlike traditional implants that require a post for each tooth and result in extensive time in the dentist's chair, a full arch restoration is typically done with three or four implant posts, so your implants are placed in a fraction of the time. This not only can save you time, but it can also save you discomfort during the recovery period. You'll have fewer implants to heal, so the process may be easier for you.

Your Eligibility Depends On A Few Factors

Because a full arch restoration is dependent upon implant health, there are a few things you'll need to discuss with your dentist to ensure that you're a good candidate. If you're a smoker, you'll be advised to quit before you pursue the restoration. In addition, you'll need to be in good overall health and not have any condition that could interfere with the healing of the implants. Uncontrolled diabetes and other autoimmune conditions that affect your recovery time may affect your eligibility.

These are just a few things that you'll need to discuss with your dentist to help you decide if a full arch rehabilitation is right for you. Talk with your dentist today about any concerns you might have and they can help answer your questions and guide you to the proper treatment.