All-on-4 dental implants can effectively restore a complete smile, offering a permanent and natural-looking alternative to traditional dentures. Many patients who have lost most or all of their teeth can qualify for this procedure, as it mainly requires good general and oral health. Learning about the basics of the All-on-4 procedure, its benefits, and eligibility factors is the first step toward deciding if it is right for you.
All-on-4 is a smile restoration technique that can replace a full arch of teeth with four strategically placed dental implants. An implant is a metal screwlike post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. It serves as an artificial tooth root, anchoring tooth replacements in place. A general dentist can use an implant and a dental crown to replace a single tooth. However, by choosing the All-on-4 technique, patients can enjoy a quicker recovery and a full smile without needing individual implants for each tooth.
Further, the All-on-4 technique is unique because it involves placing the two posterior implants at an angle, which allows the implants to make maximum contact with the available bone. This angled placement increases stability and often reduces the need for bone grafting, a common qualifying procedure for implants. The entire arch is supported securely by these four implants, creating a stable, comfortable set of replacement teeth that look and function like natural teeth.
All-on-4 offers various benefits, making it a top choice for smile restoration after significant tooth loss. It offers both aesthetic and functional improvements to the smile. Key benefits include:
When cared for properly, All-on-4 implants can last a lifetime. Patients simply need to practice good oral hygiene, which includes visiting the general dentist for routine dental checkups and cleanings.
All-on-4 has several advantages over traditional removable dentures. For instance, traditional dentures can be cumbersome and may require adhesives to stay in place, while All-on-4 implants are securely anchored to the jawbone. This stability prevents issues such as slipping or clicking, which can be common with dentures and often impact speech or eating.
In addition, All-on-4 helps maintain jawbone health. Traditional dentures rest on the gums and do not stimulate the jawbone, making it prone to shrinking over time. However, All-on-4 stimulates the jawbone in the same way as natural teeth. Regular stimulation through chewing and biting helps maintain jawbone density and prevent the facial changes associated with bone loss.
Finally, patients must remove traditional dentures at night and soak them in water or a denture-friendly solution to keep their shape. All-on-4 eliminates the need for daily removal; patients can simply care for them as they would their natural teeth.
Patients with healthy gum tissue and adequate jawbone density are generally good candidates for All-on-4. Even those with some degree of bone loss may qualify, as the angled placement of the posterior implants in the All-on-4 technique can often make use of available bone without the need for grafting. A history of gum disease or other oral health concerns may require treatment prior to implant placement. Systemic health factors, such as diabetes or immune disorders, are also taken into consideration, as they can affect healing and implant success.
In some cases, additional procedures may be necessary before proceeding with All-on-4 dental implants. A general dentist can determine this in a comprehensive evaluation.
Bone grafting is one of the most common qualifying procedures done to prepare a patient for All-on-4. It involves adding bone material to the jaw in order to create a stronger foundation for the implants. Alternatively, the dentist may recommend tooth extraction to clear the arch of severely decayed or damaged teeth. Gum disease treatments, such as scaling and root planing, may be necessary if there is an existing gum infection or periodontal disease. By receiving these procedures prior to the All-on-4 treatment, patients can increase the likelihood of long-term success and stability with their implants.
All-on-4 implants are a lasting and reliable full-arch restoration. To learn more about All-on-4, consult our general dentist at River Falls Family Dental. Our team can also discuss qualifying procedures, if necessary.
Request an appointment here: https://riverfallsfamilydental.com or call River Falls Family Dental at (812) 962-7342 for an appointment in our New Albany office.
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