The All-on-4 is an FDA approved technique which utilizes a great deal of planning between the Doctor, patient, and the laboratory. These dental implants are designed for patients who need full upper and/or lower teeth. This can be due to an accident or as a result of gum disease. In some cases, patients choose implants to replace removable dentures as implant-retained dentures are a far superior option.
Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanently placed in your mouth through dental implant surgery.
The dental implant procedure is performed with the placement of four dental implants that support a fixed denture. These implants are attached by tiny metal rods that are surgically placed in the jaw bone. The rods fuse to the jaw bone during the healing process. In the second part of the procedure, an abutment is placed onto the rods and the implants are then placed on top. The prosthetic teeth are made from either a metal alloy, porcelain, or ceramic material.
Who Needs Dental Implants?
Patients with multiple missing or broken teeth should consider All-on-4 implants. Replacing a full set of teeth typically costs less than replacing multiple individual teeth and has greater long-term benefits.
There are a few reasons patients might have multiple missing teeth:
- Blunt trauma. We’ve helped many patients that have lost a significant number of teeth due to an impact injury that could result from a car crash or other type of accident.
- Periodontitis or periodontal disease is another cause of tooth loss. Also called gum disease, this condition occurs through a lack of good oral hygiene. Patients experiencing gum disease have an infection in the soft gum tissue resulting in painful inflammation.
Certain lifestyle habits and medical conditions, such as smoking tobacco, obesity, or a deficiency in vitamin C, can lead to gum disease. Medications that cause dry mouth can also contribute to periodontitis. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing periodontitis.
Gum disease can be prevented through good oral hygiene such as daily brushing, flossing, and regular Dentist visits for checkups and cleanings.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen, puffy gums or gums that appear red or purple
- Bleeding gums or the presence of pus around teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty chewing your favorite foods
- Changes in your bite
Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants vs. Dentures
There are many significant advantages of dental implants over traditional dentures. Dentures require removal for cleaning and are taken out while you sleep. This increases the risk of damage. Dentures can also affect speech and make it difficult to eat your favorite food. They can slip in the mouth while speaking, causing embarrassment. They can also crack and break easily, requiring adjustments or replacement.
Dental implants are never removed. Caring for them is the same as for natural teeth and they can last for a lifetime of the patient with proper care. They allow the patient to speak clearly, chew properly, and they look natural, and restore self-confidence. All-on-4 dental implants are a permanent, one-time investment that saves money over the long term.
Dental implants help prevent future dental issues and health problems. When we have gaps or open spaces in between teeth from teeth that have been removed, the surrounding teeth WILL shift toward that open space causing the teeth to become misaligned and to deteriorate faster. Dental implants protect gum tissue and the underlying bone. Dental implants help reduce bacteria in the mouth which lowers the chances for periodontal disease and infections that can lead to strokes and heart attacks.
Here are some of the benefits of dental implants:
- You’ll Look Better — Replacing missing teeth allows you to smile fully with confidence.
- You’ll Eat Better — Eat the foods you love with restored chewing capabilities.
- You’ll Feel Better — When you look better, you feel better, and you WILL get your confidence back.
- You’ll Save Time — Dental implants do not require removal for cleaning like dentures which is a time-consuming and difficult activity.
How Long Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Last?
All-on-4 dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and regular cleanings. Studies have shown that dental implants are likely to last at least 25 years. They are extremely durable and are designed to look and function like natural teeth.
We may recommend zirconia dental implants to patients that have a history of bruxism (teeth grinding) and are rough with their teeth. This material never needs replacement. When you visit Oak Ridge Dental & Surgery for your consultation, you will be provided with an overview of all your treatment options.
What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants?
The All-on-4 technique allows better diagnostic planning and more predictable results. This procedure maintains a 98% success rate, as opposed to the estimated 93% success rate of implants placed with traditional approaches.
Most procedures are successful, although there are risk factors involved for some patients. Smoking, for example, restricts blood flow to the gums. This makes it harder for the mouth to heal after surgery. Some medications can also affect healing, such as those prescribed for conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
We will determine if your jaw bone is strong enough for the titanium implants to take hold. For some patients, a bone graft procedure may be necessary. Failure to maintain proper oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups can also affect success rates. We will discuss these factors with you as well as your medical history and what, if any, prescription drugs you may be taking.