It's an uncomfortable subject, but it's a fact: Tooth loss affects not only function but also your appearance and self-confidence. Removable dentures are a possible solution, but they're far from ideal for many patients.
All-on-Four dental implants provide a permanent solution to tooth loss, restoring self-esteem and functionality. Keep reading to learn if All-on-Four implants are right for you.
What Are All-on-Four Implants?
All-on-Four implants are an excellent option for people who’ve lost teeth due to decay, gum disease, or accidents.
All-on-Four implants are a type of permanent denture supported by implants. The implants are placed in the jawbone, then artificial teeth are attached to the implant.
The term All-on-Four refers to four dental implants placed throughout the jawbone to support the replacement teeth. The number of implants may vary based on your individual needs, but it generally takes only four to support a complete set of new teeth.
How Do All-on-Four Implants Work?
The first step is to determine if you’re a candidate for this procedure. During a consultation, your dentist will examine your oral health, discuss your medical history, and perform diagnostic tests to see if the bone underneath the gums is healthy enough to support implants.
Many patients who’ve been missing teeth for an extended time require bone grafts before undergoing an all-on-four implant procedure.
The process begins with four small titanium posts being surgically inserted into the jawbone. These posts serve as anchors for an entire row of replacement teeth. The posts are positioned at a slight angle so they can be inserted into areas of the jawbone strong and dense enough to support them.
After a few months of healing, when the bone has fully integrated with each post, an acrylic arch of replacement teeth is attached to all four posts. The arch is fabricated from permanent acrylic that looks just like natural teeth. The acrylic snaps onto each implant and is held securely in place by a metal bar that connects all four posts.
Benefits of All-on-Four Implants
Removable dentures are the most common type of dental restoration for people who’ve lost their teeth, but they can make it difficult to eat or speak properly. Removable dentures can also slip at embarrassing moments.
In some cases, the dentist will recommend a fixed denture, which remains in place permanently and cannot be removed by the patient. While these can provide greater comfort and stability than removable dentures, they still can shift and present other problems.
The All-on-4 method provides greater stability than fixed dentures and eliminates the problems associated with removable dentures.
All-on-4 dental implants provide many benefits over traditional dentures. They don't need to be removed from the mouth for cleaning or sleeping, so they're more convenient than dentures. They look more natural since they work like real teeth.
Are All-on-Four Implants Right for Me?
Traditional dental implants require five to eight implants per arch (top and bottom) of teeth. Because the All-on-4 system requires fewer implants, it’s typically less expensive and takes less time than traditional implants.
All-in-Four implants are also more effective for people who’ve lost bone in their jaw due to gum disease or missing teeth. The All-on-4 system relies on two angled posterior (back) implants that can integrate into existing bone tissue more effectively than regular implants. The procedure has a high success rate, having been used successfully in over 100,000 patients worldwide.
All-on-Four Implants Offer a Permanent Solution for Tooth Loss
Missing teeth can affect how you look and your ability to eat and speak properly. For patients who’ve experienced tooth loss, the impact on quality of life can be profound. Dental implants are the best solution for tooth loss, and for many patients, All-on-Four is the most effective way of placing these implants.
Smile Makers Comprehensive Dentistry Offers All-on-Four Implants
Getting dental implants can be smooth and easy with the right dental team. At Smile Makers Comprehensive Dentistry, we know that oral surgery can be scary. We want to assure you that dental implants can provide you with a lifetime of benefits with minimal discomfort.
If you have questions about the dental implants procedure or recovery, contact our office at 334-277-5498. Or request an online appointment.