Traditional dental implants, a mainstay of cosmetic dentistry, make use of a single implant for each individual tooth, and so require a strong foundation of bone in your jaw. They also require a healing period between the placement of the implants and the placement of the prosthetic teeth, which can extend into several weeks. With All-on-4 implants, however, you can have your full, beautiful smile within a matter of hours.
How Do All-on-4 Implants Work?
Unlike traditional implants, the All-on-4 technique uses only four dental implants to support a removable denture. The implants are set into your jawbone in a way that takes advantage of the areas where the bone is strongest. A denture can be placed on the implants immediately, giving you a brand-new smile right away.
The denture used with All-on-4 is held in place by the abutments of the implants, but can be removed for cleaning. While the denture is in your mouth, though, it will be stationary, and you’ll be able to eat and talk without worrying about it moving or being dislodged.
Are All-on-4 Implants Right for Me?
If you’re missing a full arc of teeth, ask your dentist about All-on-4 implants. He will discuss your options and find out if this approach is best for you to replace your teeth. In some cases, implants might not be the best option. Be sure to tell your dentist if any of the following applies to you:
- You are a smoker
- You have diabetes
- You have an autoimmune disorder
- You are taking medication for osteoporosis
- You have gum disease
These can affect your ability heal after your implant surgery. Your dentist will also evaluate the level of atrophy in your jawbone, particularly if you’ve had missing teeth for a long time. Over time, the bone in the jaw is resorbed by the body, which can make the jawbone not strong enough to support implants.
If you’re interested in implants, but aren’t sure the traditional approach is right for you, talk to our cosmetic dentist about All-on-4.
