Traditional dentures replace a full set of teeth, but they aren’t always the best solution for patients with missing teeth. However, when All-on-Four dental implants are placed, dentures become a permanent and effective treatment.
Here’s how All-on-Four dentures work:
The dentist follows a personalized and precise treatment plan to place the four implants. The implants are inserted into the jawbone through an incision in the gums. They integrate with the jawbone through a three-to ten-month process called osseointegration. Once the jawbone heals, the dentist connects an abutment to the top of the implant which secures the denture.
The implants act just like a natural tooth root, so the jawbone and prosthetic teeth are strengthened unlike with any other tooth-replacement option. Once the dentures are placed, they are secure, natural feeling, and natural-looking.
Continue reading this blog to learn if you are a candidate for All-on-4 dentures and the benefits of this revolutionary treatment.
Candidacy for All-on-Four Dentures
To qualify for All-on-Four dentures, patients must meet these criteria:
- Good overall health. Diabetes and other health issues may interfere with the success of the procedure.
- Healthy gums. Gum disease must be treated before moving forward with the dental implant procedure to reduce the risk of developing an infection after surgery.
- Enough jawbone density. Dental implants are only successful when they are secured to the jawbone. Thankfully, with All-on-4 implants, less jawbone density is needed than with traditional implants.
- Tobacco-free: Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of dental implant failure.
Before you count yourself out, schedule an appointment with an experienced dental implant dentist. She can discuss your options and what you can do to become a suitable candidate.
Benefits of All-on-Four Dentures
Though this treatment is more expensive than traditional dentures, All-on-4 dentures offer numerous benefits that can’t be matched, including:
- Permanency: In nearly all cases, dental implants are successful and last a lifetime. Once the procedure is complete, you’ll likely never need serious dental work again. Although, you may have to replace the prosthetic teeth.
- No shifting or slipping: Gone are the days when you have to worry about your teeth moving around while eating, speaking, and laughing!
- Function like natural teeth: The dental implants strengthen the dentures and gums so much so that you can eat just like you did before. You’ll also be able to taste much better since there will be nothing covering the taste buds on the roof of your mouth.
- Look like natural teeth: Your dentist will work with you and a dental lab to create a smile that fits perfectly with the rest of your face and mouth.
- Comfort: The dentures will no longer put pressure on your gums because they will be mounted to the abutments.
- Easy care: You’ll care for your dentures just as you would natural teeth—brush, floss, rinse, repeat.
- Support of facial features: Because of the dental implants, patients are much less likely to experience atrophy, so the cheeks and jawbone will stay intact.
More Information About All-on-Four Dentures
Your dentist may recommend the All-on-Four dental procedure for all of these reasons, but she will also inform you of the risks and disadvantages so you can make the best decision. The most common downfalls are:
- Surgical risks
- Risk of infection
- Long treatment time
- Higher cost
It’s important to know that the risks involved with the surgical procedure are minimal. The All-on-Four denture procedure is extremely predictable, so your dentist should know if this option is right for you. The length of treatment and cost are all circumstantial and should be extensively discussed before treatment begins.
Contact an experienced All-on-Four dentist today to schedule an initial consultation. To speak with our friendly dental team, call (530) 823-8771.
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