The Benefits Of All On 4 Dental Implants

Dental implants are a highly advocated option to replace missing teeth, but a more recent dental implant technique can help even more people in a cost efficient way. For patients with no teeth or decaying teeth, the traditional treatment has been the placement of a full removable denture. These removable dentures came with many complications like poor fit, denture sores, and the inability to enjoy the foods we know and love. A newer technique has been developed using only 4 dental implants strategically placed to give support and stability to a traditional removable denture. This procedure is known as all on 4 dental implants.

The All On 4 Dental Implants Procedure

The All on 4 Dental Implants procedure was discovered in the 1990′s by Nobel Biocare. This implant system has allowed a variety of patients who, for various reasons, were not considered good candidates for traditional dental implants to now become candidates. 

The All on 4 Dental Implants technique uses 4 dental implants per arch (upper or lower). The dental implants in the back are placed on an angle to take maximum advantage of the existing bone structure. These uniquely designed dental implants were created to support the immediate fitting of replacement teeth. This treatment is desirable to those with loose dentures or those in need of full upper and/or lower restorations. With the All on 4 dental implants procedure, qualified patients receive four dental implants and a full set of new upper or lower replacement teeth in just one appointment. This can usually be done without the need for dental bone grafts. The real excitement with the all on 4 dental implants procedure is how quickly permanent dental implants can be placed. This allows patients the ability to leave the same day with a denture that is fixed in place and stabilized by the dental implants.

Generally, the approach to restoring a full arch of teeth (upper or lower) involved dental bone grafts, six or more dental implants, and as many as eighteen months of treatment. In that time, the patient would be wearing an interim denture while the dental bone grafts and dental implants heal and integrate into the bone. This can be very expensive, time consuming, and uncomfortable for a patient to continuously go back for treatment.

About Dental Implants 

Dental implants are an artificial tooth root (usually made of titanium) that a periodontist or oral surgeon places into your jaw to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, support a bridge, or support a denture (making it more comfortable and secure).

Dental implants are a great option for people in generally good oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, fracture or decay. Dental implants are actually more tooth saving than traditional crowns and bridges, since dental implants do not cut down healthy teeth or rely on adjacent teeth for support.

Having adequate bone and good overall health will give you the ideal prognosis for oseointegration, (the way bone attaches and fills in around the dental implant for strength and stability). Dental implants are closely connected with the underlying bone and gum tissues in the mouth. So, a proper fit, good occlusion, and excellent oral hygiene are necessary for long-term success. With dental technique and material advances, dental bone grafts are now more successful than ever and can be used to augment your natural bone. Periodontal disease, diabetes, bleeding problems, etc. can cause difficulty in placement, healing and longevity of the dental implants. Be upfront with your dentist regarding health issues so that the proper steps can be taken to give you the highest chance of success. There is an increased risk of failure in patients who are smokers. For this reason, dental implants are frequently placed only after a patient has stopped smoking.

Benefits Of All On 4 Dental Implants

The benefits of all on 4 dental implants include the following:

- Immediate results. Patients experience an immediate improvement in chewing ability, teeth stability and overall comfort right away.

- Improve your cosmetic appearance.

- Renewed Lease On Life. You will have increased comfort and confidence when smiling, speaking and eating. You will look better and feel better. 

- Ability to eat the foods you enjoy again. An all on 4 denture will increase your biting force by as much as 70% or more over a traditional removable denture.

- Allow you to taste your foods properly. You can enjoy your favorite foods again and not be fearful of losing your denture when you eat.

- Have a long-lasting smile.

- Eliminate potential dental issues from teeth that are failing.

– Dental hygiene becomes much easier with fewer areas to keep clean. Make sure to brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for routine dental cleanings. Simply treat them like regular, natural teeth.

- No need for denture adhesives to keep your denture in place.

- Prevent future bone deterioration.

- Ability to restore your facial features and remove some wrinkles near the mouth. 

All On 4 Dental Implants 

All dentistry is performed with the goal of helping the patient improve their smile and mouth function. The all on 4 dental implants technique does that and more. For many patients with failing teeth or who already wear dentures, it can open a whole new world for them that they did not believe could ever exist again. If you are considering this dental procedure, contact your dentist for a full evaluation and chances are, your new smile is closer to reality than you think.