Full-Arch Implant Placement: From Dentures to Fixed Prosthetics

Convenient Meals with Full-Arch Implants near Kondae Station

Did you know that long-term denture use

can cause the jawbone to gradually resorb?

This is known as 'alveolar bone resorption.'

As the bone diminishes,

dentures become loose,

chewing strength decreases,

and the lower face may appear sunken.

The patient we would like to introduce today

had been experiencing this process

over a long period of time.

Here is a treatment case from Seoul Hunhunhan Dental Clinic!

Let's take a closer look together.

The patient we are introducing

had significantly reduced chewing function while using dentures

and was also experiencing aesthetic discomfort.

She expressed a wish to transition to implants

and came in for a consultation.

At the initial visit, an intraoral examination

and X-ray imaging were performed

for detailed analysis.

Multiple missing teeth were identified

throughout the entire arch,

and the remaining teeth

were in a condition difficult to preserve.

Signs of bone resorption

caused by denture use were also observed.

After thorough consultation with the patient,

a plan was made to proceed with full-arch implants.

3D-CT imaging was used

to carefully assess the position and angle

for implant placement.

When explaining the plan to the patient and her guardian,

we marked tooth numbers on the CT images

and provided a thorough explanation for each one.

Additionally, undergoing full-arch implant treatment

can place a considerable burden —

both mentally and physically —

on elderly patients.

Sedation therapy was applied throughout the entire treatment process

to help reduce that burden

and support as comfortable a treatment experience as possible.

Sedation therapy operates on the same principle as sedation endoscopy.

Using a sedative agent,

the patient rests comfortably during treatment.

It can significantly reduce anxiety and discomfort,

making it particularly useful for patients with strong dental anxiety

or elderly patients.

Extractions were performed under sedation,

followed by implant placement

and bone grafting in the areas where it was needed.

A total of 16 implants were placed —

9 in the maxilla and 7 in the mandible —

and the procedure was completed

according to the pre-planned positions and angles.

For approximately two months following placement,

temporary dentures were fabricated

to support the patient during the healing period.

Approximately two months after placement,

full-arch temporary teeth were fabricated.

In full-arch implant cases,

final prosthetics are not placed immediately.

Full-arch temporary teeth are always fabricated first

to go through the process of

establishing a clear occlusal position.

To establish a clear occlusal position,

we guided the jaw to 'CR (Centric Relation)',

the most stable jaw position,

and went through the process of setting

'VD (Vertical Dimension)', the vertical height between the upper and lower jaws.

Once this process is sufficiently stabilized,

occlusal discrepancies during final prosthetic fabrication

can be minimized.

This step is especially important

when reconstructing the full arch at once,

and careful verification at this stage is essential. :)

Even after the final prosthetics were fabricated,

they were not permanently cemented right away.

They were first temporarily attached

so we could carefully check

for any discomfort during chewing.

Final cementation was then performed

to complete the treatment.

From extraction and placement to final prosthetics,

we supported the patient step by step.

After the final prosthetics were placed,

the patient expressed great satisfaction,

saying she was able to eat comfortably. ^^

At a follow-up check approximately five months after final treatment,

we confirmed that she was using them

without any issues. :)

We will continue to support her

with regular check-ups

to monitor the condition of her implants.

💕 Before > After 💕

This concludes the case presentation

of a patient who was supported

through full-arch implant treatment

to enjoy comfortable meals.

Full-arch implant cases in elderly patients

involve many factors to consider.

For elderly patients,

the degree of bone resorption

resulting from long-term denture use

must first be assessed in detail,

and a comprehensive plan must be made

for the sequence and scope

of bone grafting and implant placement.

In addition, establishing VD and CR

is one of the most critical aspects

of full-arch reconstruction.

A sufficient adaptation period

at the temporary tooth stage

is necessary to help prevent occlusal issues

at the final prosthetic stage.

At our clinic, every step from diagnosis to prosthetic completion

is carried out carefully and thoroughly. If you are considering full-arch implants, we invite you to come in for a comfortable consultation at Seoul Hunhunhan Dental Clinic. :) Thank you for reading, and we look forward to sharing another case next time!

* All case photos are posted with the patient's consent

in accordance with Articles 23 and 56 of the Medical Service Act.

* All treatment photos are of patients treated at our clinic.

* All treatment photos are of the same individual

and were taken under the same conditions.

* Side effects may occur following procedures or surgery depending on individual differences;

please consult thoroughly with a medical professional.

Seoul Hunhunhan Dental Clinic 4F, 361 Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul Check in to this blog Other posts from this location