When All-on-4 Is Your Best Option For a Healthy Smile

Missing multiple teeth can significantly impact oral health, self-esteem, and well-being. All-on-4® dental implants provide an effective solution. This dental restoration method mimics the role of the natural tooth root and stimulates the jawbone. They provide a permanent and natural-looking replacement, providing optimal stability and durability

When to consider All-on-4 implants

When patients have substantial tooth loss and do not address it in time, they may experience significant bone loss in their jawbone. This deterioration can make them ineligible for traditional dental implants. The All-on-4 implants use four dental implants, securing a full arch of prosthetic teeth. Situations to consider getting All-on-4 implants include:

Severe tooth loss

If an individual has lost multiple or all of their teeth in one or both arches, All-on-4 implants can provide comprehensive restoration in a single procedure. Instead of getting individual implants, a periodontist can utilize the All-on-4 technique to maximize the available bone density, reducing the need for bone grafting procedures. This makes the treatment process more efficient and cost-effective for those missing multiple teeth.

Loss of some or all teeth from the lower arch or upper arch

All-on-4 implants support a full arch of dental prosthetics. After the periodontist places the implants, they create sufficient support for the patient's future dental bridges or dentures. This contrasts to the six or eight implants surgically placed during traditional implant treatment. If the patient has lost almost or all of their natural teeth, the All-on-4 treatment plan may be the most effective option to restore their smile.

Healthy teeth and gums

People who are considering All-on-4 as their dental restoration option need to have good oral health. Optimal oral health can ensure the implants heal and fuse with the jawbone properly. Conditions like periodontitis and infections can interfere with the healing process and cause implant failure. Individuals with severe tooth decay or gum disease will need to have these issues addressed before undergoing oral surgery.

Moderate bone loss

Natural teeth and their roots stimulate the jawbone when a person bites or chews. This stimulation keeps the tissues healthy and in their proper state. When a person loses teeth, the jawbone loses this stimulation, and they will begin to experience bone loss. Patients with moderate bone loss are not ideal candidates for traditional dental implants because there is not enough jawbone structure to support multiple implants.

In contrast, the periodontist can utilize All-on-4 implants to capitalize on the patient's existing bone tissue. They place the implants in strategic places accordingly. They also angle the back implants to provide the maximum support for future dental prosthetics.

Wanting a quick solution

While conventional dental implants are effective, it takes a lot of patience and time. The procedure requires multiple stages and often takes up to six months. With All-on-4 implants, the periodontist can place a temporary restoration on the same day after placing the implants. This means the patient can go home with their new smile after one day.

Less maintenance

Taking care of All-on-4 implants requires less maintenance than other options, not requiring the patient to drastically change their routine and oral health habits. All-on-4 implants are easier to clean and maintain than removable dentures, which trap food particles and bacteria against the gums. Dentures require special cleaning solutions, adhesives, and regular maintenance. Dental implants only need normal brushing, similar to natural teeth. By brushing and flossing regularly and attending regular dental check-ups, the patient can help preserve their gum health and ensure their implant treatment is successful.