5 Things to Consider Before Getting All-on-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4® dental implants can restore your smile and improve your oral health. This dental procedure offers a permanent solution for patients missing multiple teeth. However, there are important factors to consider before deciding whether it is the right choice for you and your treatment goals. Here are five essential items you should know before consulting a periodontist.

1. Oral health evaluation

Before a patient undergoes the All-on-4 treatment, they need an evaluation to ensure their mouth and bone structure are healthy enough to withstand treatment. A skilled periodontist will assess their overall health and the health of their teeth, gums, and jawbone. They will check for signs of decay, cracks, or structural damage. Any dental issues like cavities or gum disease will need to be addressed prior to the All-on-4 procedure.

In addition, if the patient has experienced significant bone loss in their jawbone, the periodontist may recommend bone graft surgery to ensure the implants have enough bone to support them. To evaluate the condition of the patient's jawbone, the periodontist may use imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or cone-bream computed (CBCT). These images provide detailed information about the thickness, height, and volume of the patient's jawbone, allowing the dental professional to determine the best placement for the implants.

2. Eligibility for All-on-4 implants

Not every patient is an ideal candidate for dental implants. Those eligible should be in good overall health while tolerating anesthesia and the stress of oral surgery. Certain conditions and medications may also disqualify some patients as candidates for this procedure. If they are a smoker or have a chronic health condition, they should first consult their medical provider to help determine if they are healthy enough to withstand the treatment process. Underlying conditions such as heart disease or diabetes may not automatically disqualify patients. However, the periodontist may need special medical clearance prior to taking them on as an All-on-4 patient.

3. Adapting to the bulk

One concern that many patients have is developing speech issues after getting All-on-4 implants. This tooth restoration method requires vertical and horizontal bulk for strength, making it buildier than the patient's original bone and soft tissue that it replaced. This can make it harder for patients to pronounce the "d," "n," "s," and "t." However, it is important to remember that it is possible to retrain the tongue over time and adapt to these minor oral changes.

Additionally, some patients also worry about adapting to the bulk of the implants. They are used to feeling their natural tissue touching their teeth. However, with All-on-4, the natural soft tissue touches the artificial tissue and the dental prosthetic that then touches their teeth. Some patients adjust to this change, while others struggle to adapt.

4. Long-term commitment

All-on-4 dental implants offer a permanent solution for tooth loss. However, they require a lifetime commitment to maintenance and oral hygiene. While prosthetic teeth are resistant to care, patients still need to care for them properly to prevent gum disease and implant failure. Patients with All-on-4 implants should be diligent about regular check-ups, professional cleanings, and oral hygiene habits to preserve their implants' health and stability.

5. Cost and financial considerations

The cost of All-on-4 dental implants can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the patient's case, the materials used, and the location of the dental practice. Insurance coverage varies for All-on-4, and not all dental insurance plans fully cover the procedure. Many practices offer financing options and payment plans to help make All-on-4 implants more affordable for patients.

While All-on-4 implants may initially seem more expensive than traditional dentures or bridges, they are an investment in the future of one's oral health. They offer long-term benefits, including improved function, aesthetics, and durability, and reduce the need for future expenses associated with denture maintenance or replacements.