For individuals facing extensive tooth loss or struggling with failing teeth, full-arch restoration offers a transformative pathway back to a confident, fully functional smile. Wise Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists provides this sophisticated treatment utilizing state-of-the-art dental implant technology and advanced surgical protocols, including the innovative PATZI Protocol. Our oral surgeons, Drs. Walsh and Vila, deliver these life-changing results for patients with an emphasis on long-term stability and natural aesthetics.
What is Full-Arch Restoration?
Full-archrestoration is a comprehensive dental implant treatment designed to replace an entire upper or lower arch of missing or non-restorable teeth with a single, fixed prosthesis (bridge or denture). Unlike traditional removable dentures, this solution anchors securely to multiple dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants act as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for a full set of beautiful, durable replacement teeth that look, feel, and function much like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without limitations.
The PATZI Protocol Advantage
At Wise Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Specialists, we are committed to utilizing the most advanced and effective techniques for our patients. The PATZI Protocol represents the newer, superior standard for full fixed arch dental implant restorations, moving beyond the limitations of some historical "All-on-4" concepts. This protocol strategically incorporates pterygoid and zygomatic implants and uses the dense bone in these areas for robust, often graftless, anchorage in cases of severe upper jaw atrophy.
A fundamental benefit of the PATZI Protocol is the elimination of prosthetic cantilevers (extensions of the bridge unsupported by implants). By achieving broader implant support through specialized placements, this approach enhances biomechanical stability, reduces stress on implants, and contributes to the long-term success and durability of your full-arch restoration. We have unique expertise in this advanced technique, having trained with world-leading PATZI Protocol expert Dr. Juan Gonzalez. This specialized training ensures our patients in Alabama receive care based on the latest, most effective global standards for full-arch rehabilitation.
Benefits of Full-Arch Restoration
Opting for a full-arch restoration provides numerous significant advantages over traditional removable dentures:
Regain the ability to eat a wide variety of foods comfortably and speak clearly, enjoying immediate and significant improvements in daily oral function and smile aesthetics.
Say goodbye to messy adhesives, embarrassing slippage, and the discomfort often associated with traditional removable dentures, thanks to a permanently fixed solution.
Dental implants stimulate the jawbone like natural tooth roots, preventing the bone loss and changes to facial structure that commonly occur after extensive tooth loss.
Built upon integrated dental implants and crafted from high-quality materials, fixed full-arch restorations offer exceptional durability and are designed for many years of reliable performance with proper care.
Restoring a complete, stable, and beautiful smile dramatically boosts self-esteem, allowing you to engage socially and professionally with renewed confidence and comfort.
Types of Anesthesia
We offer several levels of anesthesia and sedation to match the procedure complexity and your personal comfort requirements:
Are You a Candidate for Full-Arch Restoration?
These treatments offer excellent solutions for many individuals facing extensive tooth loss. Ideal candidates often include those currently missing most or all teeth in an upper or lower arch, individuals requiring full extraction, or long-term denture wearers seeking a more stable, comfortable, and permanent fixed alternative. A comprehensive consultation, including 3D CBCT imaging, allows our surgeons to assess your jawbone structure, review your overall health, and confirm your suitability for this transformative procedure.
The Full-Arch Restoration Procedure at WISE Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists
Your journey toward a new smile begins with a detailed consultation and planning phase at one of our Alabama offices. Dr. Walsh or Dr. Vila will use advanced 3D CBCT scans and sophisticated digital planning software like Exocad to design your optimal implant placement and prosthetic outcome virtually.
On the day of your surgery, your comfort is ensured with your chosen level of anesthesia, expertly administered by our surgeons. Any necessary remaining teeth are extracted, and the dental implants are placed precisely according to the digital plan, potentially using X-Nav surgical navigation for enhanced accuracy.
In most cases, a custom-fabricated, aesthetically pleasing temporary fixed bridge is securely attached to the implants immediately after surgery. Following a period of healing that allows the implants to fuse with your bone (osseointegration), your final, durable, permanent prosthesis is meticulously crafted and affixed by your restorative dentist in coordination with our team.
Why Choose Wise O&FS for Full-Arch Restoration?
Successfully performing complex full-arch restorations like the All-on-4® treatment concept demands exceptional surgical skill and technological integration. Drs. Walsh and Vila are oral and maxillofacial surgeons with dual DDS/MD degrees, providing the deep expertise needed for these advanced procedures.
Our practice heavily invests in cutting-edge technology — including CBCT imaging, Exocad virtual planning, X-Nav guidance, and the new PATZI Protocol — to ensure precision, safety, and predictability. Furthermore, our surgeons possess experience with specialized techniques like zygomatic and pterygoid implants, offering solutions even for patients with severe bone loss. Combined with our full range of sedation options and patient-first philosophy, we deliver high-quality, life-changing results.
Hear From Our Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the full-arch procedure painful?
The surgery itself is performed under effective sedation or general anesthesia, ensuring you feel no pain during implant placement. Post-operative discomfort is expected but typically well-managed with prescribed pain medication and proper aftercare; many patients find recovery less intensive than anticipated compared to multiple individual surgeries.
How long do full-arch implants and restorations last?
The dental implants themselves, when properly cared for, can potentially last a lifetime as they fuse with your jawbone. The fixed prosthetic bridge attached is highly durable but, like any dental restoration, may require maintenance or eventual replacement over many years (e.g., 10-15+ years depending on material and wear).
How does the PATZI Protocol improve upon older full-arch techniques?
The PATZI Protocol uses specialized implants like zygomatic and pterygoid implants to achieve widespread anchorage in available dense bone, even with severe atrophy. This approach strategically eliminates prosthetic cantilevers (unsupported bridge extensions), improving biomechanical stability and long-term durability compared to "All-on-4" methods that might rely on such extensions.
How long does the full-arch restoration process take?
While the surgical day often results in fixed temporary teeth ("Teeth in a Day"), the entire process involves a healing period of several months for the implants to fully integrate with the bone (osseointegration). The final, permanent prosthesis is typically designed and delivered after this healing is complete. The total timeline varies per individual case complexity.
How do I care for my full-arch restoration?
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for long-term success. This involves daily brushing of the prosthesis, cleaning underneath the bridge using special tools like water flossers or interdental brushes as instructed, and attending regular professional dental cleanings and checkups specifically designed for implant restorations.
Begin Your Smile Transformation Journey
Explore the life-changing potential of replacing failing or missing teeth with a fixed, beautiful full-arch restoration. Discuss this advanced treatment concept and personalized options with the expert team at WISE Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists across our Trussville, Prattville, and Birmingham locations. Schedule your comprehensive consultation today to reclaim your smile and confidence.