How Long Do Full Arch Dental Implants Last?

No one ever imagines losing their complete set of teeth. Sadly, it’s a reality. Accidents, decay, and gum disease can render you toothless. But should you live like this for your entire life? You deserve better. Santa Rosa Dentistry and Implant Center in Santa Rosa, California, offers full-mouth dental implants to replace a whole arch of missing teeth. 

Unlike dentures, many patients love full arch dental restorations because they are stable, have a life-like appearance, and can restore oral function to nearly 100%. But how long do full-arch dental implants last? Keep reading to find out.

What are full-mouth dental implants?

If you have lost a single tooth, you need a single dental implant to replace it. However, if you have lost an entire arch of teeth, do you need an implant for every tooth lost? It’s possible, but going this route will cost an arm and a leg. That’s where full-mouth dental implants come into play. 

By strategically placing four to six dental implants in your mouth, we can replace an entire arch of your missing teeth, whether in the upper or lower jaw. Our dentistry uses full-arch Prettau® Bridges — carved out from a solid block of zirconia — to replace your missing teeth. While a full arch zirconium bridge serves the same function as acrylic denture teeth, these restorations are more stable, life-like, and durable.  

What to expect during the placement of Implant-supported Prettau® Zirconia bridges

The process isn’t very different from installing single dental implants. The procedure starts with a consultation with our dental implant team. Here, we use digital x-rays, CT scans, and digital cameras to map your treatment. We also scrutinize your medical history, current medication, and pre-existing medical conditions to determine your eligibility for dental implant surgery. After this, we present our treatment plan, including the financial implications.  

When aligned with treatment, Dr. Wayne Sutton and the team will strategically place 4-6 dental implants in your mouth, typically at the rear and front areas of your mouth. We usually install dental implants in places with more bone density. However, if you have severe bone loss in your entire mouth, we may recommend bone grafting to rebuild the health of your jawbone.

After placing your dental implants, we place a temporary acrylic denture over your implants to support your smile during recovery. You will need 4-6 months to allow healing as your implants fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration. When the wait is over, we will replace your temporary denture with a solid zirconia bridge. Now you have a complete set of teeth that look natural and offer stability when chewing, smiling, or talking.

The life expectancy of full-mouth dental implants

Now, to the real question: how long do full-arch dental implants last? Dental implants are meant to last for a lifetime if you embrace diligent care for your smile. This involves brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and seeing a dentist every six months. In short, take care of your dental implants similarly to what you do with your natural teeth. 

What about artificial teeth? Traditional acrylic denture restoration — used for conventional dentures — have a limited lifespan. Due to the daily stress of biting and chewing, your denture may need replacement after 10-15 years.

But what about Prettau® Implant Bridges? These restorations are designed to last for life! Zirconia is an amazingly sturdy and durable material in dentistry. In fact, it’s ten times stronger than the acrylic material used in traditional dentures. It’s as resilient as a titanium implant, meaning it will support your smile for life.

Although zirconia bridges are long-lasting, it doesn’t mean you slack on your oral hygiene. Observe diligent oral care to ensure your Prettau® Implant Bridge live up to its expected life expectancy.

Why are full-arch Prettau® Zirconia bridges preferred?

Many patients uncomfortable with conventional dentures often find comfort in full-arch zirconia bridges. Full mouth implant-based restorations with a fixed zirconia bridge offer all the benefits of traditional implant-retained dentures and other benefits like:

Experience the genuinely life-changing effects of full arch Prettau® Zirconia bridges

You are just one call away from filling your mouth gap for better function and improved appearance. Please call (707) 868-0677 to book an appointment with Santa Rosa Dentistry and Implant Center for durable, life-looking, full-arch zirconium bridges. 

About Dr. Wayne Sutton

Dr. Sutton is one of the premier cosmetic dentists in Sonoma County, and with over 20 years of experience, his implant center maintains a standard of excellence using the strongest dental implant bridge currently available to provide predictable full mouth dental implant reconstructions. 

Dr. Sutton completed his postgraduate studies at The Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco and received his doctorate, three years of experience as a clinical instructor, and the coveted “Clinical Excellence Award” from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1997. He also earned his Fellowship in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and studied Advanced Occlusion at the Hornbrook Group.

Dr. Sutton continues to take four times the annual continuing education requirements to maintain his license. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (awarded his Fellowship), the Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowships status), the American Dental Implant Association (Diplomat status), the American Dental Association, the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Sutton is also a select cosmetic dentist recognized as an Official Dentist of the Mrs. Globe – Mrs. USA Pageants.

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