Full-arch rehabilitation is a treatment option for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth in one or both arches. The tooth loss may be due to decay, disease, trauma, or aging.

The procedure involves placing four or more dental implants in strategic positions and angles to support a fixed prosthesis that is attached on the same day of surgery. This technique offers many benefits, such as improved esthetics, function, comfort, and quality of life, as well as reduced treatment time and cost compared to conventional implant-supported dentures.

A full-arch rehabilitation can be performed in the maxilla or the mandible, depending on the patient's needs and preferences. Additionally, the prosthetic teeth can be made of different materials, such as acrylic or zirconia, and can be customized to match the appearance of the patient's natural teeth and facial features.

There are different techniques and protocols for full-arch rehabilitation, depending on the number and location of implants, the type and design of the prosthesis, and the patient's preferences and expectations. Here are two types of full-arch restorative treatments that your dentist may use.

All-on-4 Restoration

One of the most popular and innovative methods is the All-on-4 treatment concept, which involves placing four implants in each arch (two in the anterior region and two in the posterior region tilted at an angle) and attaching a fixed full-arch prosthesis on the same day of surgery. This technique offers many advantages over conventional methods, such as:

• Reduced treatment time and cost
• Immediate function and esthetics
• Avoidance of bone grafting

DIEM Full-Arch Replacement

Another option for full-arch rehabilitation is the DIEM system, which is similar to the All-on-4 treatment concept but uses six implants instead of four. The DIEM system also allows for the immediate loading of a fixed full-arch prosthesis on the day of surgery, but it may provide more stability and support for patients with severe bone loss or heavy occlusal forces.

Full-arch rehabilitation can be a life-changing treatment for patients who suffer from edentulism or near-edentulism. It can restore your smile, confidence, chewing ability, speech, and facial structure. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and requires careful planning and collaboration between the surgical team, the prosthodontic team, and the laboratory team. Each case should be evaluated individually and tailored to the patient's needs and goals.

If you are interested in learning more about full-arch rehabilitation or finding out if you are a candidate for this treatment, contact a dentist in your local area. For more information on full arch rehabilitation, contact a professional near you.