Replacing Missing Teeth with All-on-4®

For those with missing teeth, All-on-4® treatment offers a solution that not only looks natural but works as well as one’s natural teeth. All-on-4® is a dental implant procedure that involves replacing all teeth in the mouth, anchoring them to four implant posts for each bridge, for a total of eight posts. Whether you have badly broken or decayed teeth or are already missing your teeth, implants offer a durable, dependable alternative to dentures.

Benefits of All-on-4® treatment

One of the top benefits of implants is the boost in self-confidence they bring. Being able to smile without worrying about its appearance can be life-changing for many people. There is a range of additional benefits as well.

Better oral health

Implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, which helps preserve that bone and maintain the patient’s appearance. Traditional dentures remain above the gums and, therefore, cannot protect the jawbone. Poor oral health can also affect the heart and cause a range of physical issues. With All-on-4®, patients can resolve oral health issues that, left unchecked, could become life-threatening.

Better function

Like one's natural teeth, dental implants are rooted in the jawbone, which gives them a strong base for dentures that do not slip around in the mouth. Recipients find that these appliances do not impede speech, and foods taken off the menu, such as apples, are no longer a problem.

Natural look

Implants include a customized set of dentures that fit patients to a T. They can be made from porcelain, zirconia or acrylic, while many dentures are made of plastic. Implant dentures offer a more natural look.

What to expect

To determine whether one is a good candidate for All-on-4®, dentists review the patient’s medical history and conduct a comprehensive exam of teeth and gums. 3D images or X-rays may also be taken.

Preparing for dental implants

Implant surgery is an outpatient procedure that is done in stages, with time to heal between each one. Damaged teeth may need to be removed first, and then any jawbone work comes next. If the jawbone has eroded, as in the case of long-time denture wearers, or the bone is too soft, bone grafting may be an option to replace missing bone tissue and provide the needed support.

Placing the implants

When the mouth is ready for the next step, titanium posts are implanted in the jawbone. While the gums heal, bone tissue grows into and around the posts, integrating with them as with natural tooth roots. When fully integrated, an abutment is attached to each post that will connect to the dentures themselves. Impressions of the patient’s mouth are then taken to create realistic dentures, which are placed once the jawbone is strong enough.

Conclusion

About 40 million people in the U.S. are missing all their teeth, according to the American College of Prosthodontists. Dental implants are the first choice for treatment due to the long-term dependability.

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