There’s something incredibly satisfying about a “fix it and forget it” moment. When the smoke alarm stops chirping, the car tire gets patched, or the Wi-Fi finally holds a signal through the whole house. One small action, and suddenly, the problem that’s been quietly irritating you vanishes. It’s no longer something you have to remember, manage, or work around. So why aren’t there more of those? Why do so many of life’s fixes come with strings attached, endless upkeep, or a mental checklist that never quite clears? Tooth loss often feels like one of those problems that only offers temporary workarounds. You manage shifting dentures, apply adhesives, avoid certain foods, and schedule frequent adjustments. Full arch dental implants change that.
In a world full of short-term solutions, full arch dental implants offer something more permanent. They restore the stability you’ve been missing and eliminate the daily workarounds associated with traditional tooth replacement.
Do You Need Full Arch Dental Implants?
If you’ve been managing tooth loss for a while, you might be thinking about your next step.
Maybe you’ve had a few extractions or have been wearing dentures for years. Or perhaps you’ve reached a point where your current solution no longer meets your needs. If you’re exploring full arch replacement options, full arch dental implants may offer the comfort, confidence, and function you’ve been missing.
Full arch dental implants are a comprehensive solution for replacing all missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Dr. Apel places mini dental implants into the jawbone to support a fixed set of prosthetic teeth.
Traditional dentures, on the other hand, rest on the gums without any connection to the underlying bone. While they restore the visible portion of the smile, they do not replace the missing tooth roots. As a result, the jawbone no longer receives the necessary stimulation. Over time, the bone begins to shrink in a process called resorption. This gradual loss of bone can change the shape of your face and reduce jaw strength. Mini dental implants help prevent this by supporting the bone, preserving both your facial structure and long-term oral function.
Implant solutions help prevent this by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots. They provide the stimulation your jaw needs to maintain its strength and structure. If you’ve noticed your dentures shifting, your bite feeling weaker, or your facial features changing, it might be time to consider a full arch dental implant solution.
Understanding Your Treatment Path With Full Arch Implants
Your Initial Consultation
Your full arch treatment begins with a personalized consultation with Dr. Apel. During this visit, he will assess your oral and overall health, discuss your goals, and determine if you are a candidate for mini dental implants. As part of this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Apel will perform a CBCT scan.
A CBCT scan, or cone beam computed tomography scan, uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam that rotates around your head to capture detailed images from multiple angles. These images are combined into a high-resolution, three-dimensional view of your teeth, jawbone, nerve pathways, and surrounding soft tissues. This level of detail allows Dr. Apel to assess the quality and volume of your bone, allowing for accurate implant placement planning. CBCT technology helps ensure a safer procedure and a more predictable outcome.
Choosing Your Full Arch Implant Solution
After reviewing the scan and your oral health, Dr. Apel will explain your full arch treatment options. One of the most common choices is the roundhouse bridge. Designed in a horseshoe shape, the roundhouse bridge follows the natural curve of your dental arch and replaces a full set of teeth.
There are two main types of roundhouse bridges available:
- Semi-removable roundhouse bridge: This option, often referred to as a fixed hybrid, is supported by 6 to 10 mini dental implants. The bridge stays securely in place during daily life. At routine checkups, Dr. Apel will remove it for a professional cleaning. You will not need to handle the bridge yourself—just maintain your daily oral hygiene as instructed.
- Non-removable roundhouse bridge: This version is permanently cemented onto 10 to 12 mini dental implants. Once placed, it stays fixed in your mouth and functions like natural teeth. Dr. Apel designs this option for patients who want the highest level of strength and stability in their restoration.
Placing Your Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are less than 3 millimeters in diameter. Their smaller size allows Dr. Apel to place them using a minimally invasive technique that does not require incisions or stitches. This approach makes the procedure simpler and allows for a shorter healing period.
Each mini implant is a one-piece design. The implant post and the abutment are fused into a single structure. Traditional dental implants, by contrast, involve two separate components. The first surgery places the implant post into the bone, and after a healing period, a second procedure is required to attach the abutment. Mini implants eliminate the need for this multi-step process.
Dr. Apel begins the procedure by creating a small pilot hole through the gum and into the jawbone. He then carefully places the implant into position. Because this method causes minimal disruption to the surrounding tissue, patients often experience less discomfort and a faster recovery.
Explore the Long-Term Benefits of Full Arch Dental Implants
Tooth loss doesn’t have to be a daily burden. If you’ve been living with the limitations of traditional dentures, it may be time to consider a more stable, lasting alternative. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Apel to determine if full arch dental implants are the right fit for your health, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
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