Maidu Dental

All-on-4 Dental Implants vs Dentures

//  by 

Depositphotos 23518263 l 2015

Advances in dentistry now offer superior solutions to common dental problems like missing teeth.

Not long ago, patients who had lost most of their teeth to periodontal disease, trauma, or other oral health problems, had only one choice—removable dentures. Now, dentists offer an array of restorative techniques, such as implants, bridges, partial dentures, and complete dentures. Today, we will discuss our newest and most popular technique: All-on-4 Dental Implants.

To learn about your eligibility for All-on-4 Dental Implants, call 530-507-8989 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Luminita Markham today. Her experience and advanced training will allow her to guide you toward the appropriate restorative treatment for your smile.

All-on-4 Dental Implants

This permanent tooth replacement provides a secure and natural bite for patients who already have removable dentures and for those who need most of their teeth removed. During your first appointment, Dr. Markham will position four to six titanium posts which will naturally fuse to your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once the implants are placed, she will attach a temporary denture for you to wear during the four to six-month healing process. When your mouth has completely healed, Dr. Markham will secure your permanent, customized denture. This procedure is more invasive than the traditional denture procedure, but patients find the extra investment in time and money to be worth it.

Benefits

Although the treatment timeline is much longer than traditional dentures, these implants typically last a lifetime. You never have to worry about your teeth slipping out when you laugh or eat, and nothing will prohibit you from enjoying the delicious foods you love.

All-on-4 dental implants are more stable than removable dentures because your jawbone is strengthened by the implants, reducing the risk of jawbone deterioration. Without the implants, which act like your natural tooth roots the jawbone will become weakened which can cause traditional dentures to shift and irritate your gums.

Removable Dentures

Modern dentures are more natural-looking and comfortable than ever before. Unfortunately, they never feel completely natural. Full dentures consist of an acrylic base that fits over your gums. The top denture covers the roof of your mouth, which can affect your ability to taste. The lower denture is made to accommodate your tongue.

To prepare your mouth for full dentures, all your teeth must be removed. Your dentist can place your dentures immediately after your tooth extraction or after the healing process has completed. During the healing process, the bone that supports your teeth will shift and reshape. This means you will have to visit your dentist again so he or she can appropriately fit or refit your dentures. After your mouth has completely healed and the dentures are seen to be a perfect fit, you will need to visit the dentist at least once a year to have your dentures, gums, and bone examined. Over time, the dentures will experience normal wear and will need to be relined, remade, or rebased.

Dentures also need much more care than All-on-4 dental implants. Care instructions include:

  • Dentures may break if dropped and become warped when placed in warm water.
  • Place your dentures in a cleanser soaking solution, or plain water, to prevent them from drying out when you aren’t wearing them.
  • Brush your gums, tongue, and palate before inserting your dentures every morning.

Overall, removable dentures are much more delicate, less durable, and less comfortable than All-on-4 treatment. However, many people still choose removable dentures because the treatment process is shorter, less invasive, and more affordable.

Contact Your Auburn Dentist Today

The only way to know if you are a suitable candidate for All-on-4 dental implants is to visit with Dr. Markham. She will discuss your treatment options and payment options and work alongside you to create a personalized plan to restore your smile. Contact our friendly team today at 530-507-8989 to schedule an initial consultation.