Dental implants have been long advocated to replace missing teeth but a more recent dental implant technique can help even more people in a cost effective way. For those patients with no teeth or failing teeth, the traditional treatment has been placement of a full removable denture. These removable dentures came with many compromises like poor fit, denture sores, and 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.
What Is The All On 4 Dental Implant Procedure?
The All on 4 Dental Implants procedure was developed in the 1990′s by Nobel Biocare. The all on 4 dental implants system has allowed for 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. Specially designed dental implants were created that could support the immediate fitting of replacement teeth. This treatment is attractive 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 just four dental implants and a full set of new upper or lower replacement teeth in just one appointment. This usually able to be done without the need for dental bone grafts. The real attraction to 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.
Traditionally, the approach to restoring a full arch of teeth (either upper or lower) usually involved dental bone grafts, six or more dental implants, and as much as 18 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.
Dental Implants Explained
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 an ideal 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.
Adequate bone, and good overall health will give you the ideal prognosis for ideal oseointegration, (the way bone attaches and fills in around the dental implant for strength and stability). Dental implants are intimately connected with the underlying bone and gum tissues in the mouth. So, proper fit, good occlusion, and excellent oral hygiene are necessary for long term success. With 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 include the following:
-Immediate results. Patients experience a dramatic improvement in chewing ability, teeth stability and overall comfort right away.
-Improve your cosmetic appearance.
-Renewed Lease On Life. You’ll have greater comfort and confidence when smiling, speaking, and eating. You will look better. You will feel better.
-Ability to eat the foods you enjoy again without worry. An all on 4 denture will increse biting force by as much as 70% or more over a traditional removable denture.
-Allow you to taste your foods properly. You can enjoy food again, and not be fearful of losing your denture when you eat.
-Get a long lasting smile.
-Eliminate possible future health issues from teeth that are failing.
–Dental hygiene becomes much easier with fewer areas to keep clean. Just 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 around the mouth.
All On 4 Dental Implants Conclusion
All dentistry is done on the basis of helping the patient function and smile fully without worry. The all on 4 dental implants technique does that and more. For many with failing teeth or already in dentures it can open a whole new world for them that they did not believe could ever exist again. If you are considering this procedure, contact your dentist for a full evaluation and chances are your new smile is closer to reality than you think.
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