WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS
If you’re missing multiple teeth and feel self-conscious about your smile, all on four dental implants can be a great way to improve the aesthetics and function of your teeth. And best of all, with proper care, they can last a lifetime. For those who may not be familiar with this type of dental restoration, it is very similar to a single-tooth implant in that it is a minor surgical procedure that entails inserting a titanium post into the jawbone before attaching a crown (prosthetic tooth) to it. All-on-4 dental implants take things one step further by enabling you to fill the void left behind by multiple missing teeth. In these cases, four titanium posts are inserted into both the upper and lower jaw, which serve as anchors for permanent, non-removable dentures. In this article, we will explore the benefits of this unique dental restoration and how long you can expect them to last.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS?
The titanium screws that make up all-on-4 implants are fused directly to the bone tissue in the jaw. This fusion not only creates a solid, long-lasting foundation for your permanent dentures but also prevents bone loss in the jaw as well, which typically occurs when an individual loses one or more teeth. And similar to crowns, which are used to cover the titanium post in single-tooth implants, the dentures that are used in conjunction with all-on-4 implants closely resemble your natural teeth, making them nearly undetectable.
ALL ON 4 DENTAL IMPLANTS LIFESPAN
When it comes to how long all on 4 implants last, several things must be taken into consideration. For one, these devices are not one singular unit; therefore, when we are discussing longevity, we need consider not only the lifespan of the titanium screws that hold the dentures in place but also the lifespan of the dentures themselves. Secondly, poor lifestyle choices like smoking, for example, can cause these otherwise amazing dental restorations to fail prematurely. The following can also affect all on 4 dental implants lifespan:
The body rejects the implants – Similar to an organ implant, the body can reject dental implants as well. If the body believes that the dental implant will compromise your health, it will not allow for full integration, which means that the implant will fail prematurely.
Poor oral hygiene– Practicing good oral hygiene is a great way to get the most out of any dental restoration. And all on four dental implants are no exception. According to several studies, poor oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease that can make it difficult for the titanium screws that make up the implants to properly fuse to the jaw.
Autoimmune disorders– Those who have an autoimmune disorder have a higher risk of implant failure as the disorder causes the body’s immune system to turn on itself by attacking and damaging tissues throughout the body as well as the oral cavity. Some of these autoimmune disorders include:
- Celiac disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Type 1 diabetes
All in all, several things can dictate the longevity of your all on four dental implants and also determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for the dental procedure.
HOW LONG WILL ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS LAST?
In a ten-year study, which included 242 participants with all-on-four implants, there were only 2 failures reported. And in a separate 5-year study, there were no failures at all. Generally speaking, if an implant is going to fail, it will usually happen within the first 3 to 4 months. It is important to note that in all of these studies, practicing good oral hygiene played a critical role in increasing the all on 4 dental implants lifespan.
HOW TO CLEAN ALL ON 4 DENTAL IMPLANTS
Because good oral hygiene plays such a critical role in how long all on 4 implants last, let’s take a moment to discuss how you can go about keeping them clean. Similar to taking care of your natural teeth, you will want to brush twice per day and also carefully floss around the implants, which helps remove plaque and food particles that can accumulate on them. Beyond that, you should schedule regular dental checkups to prevent problems that can impact the all on 4 dental implants lifespan.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE THE RIGHT DENTIST FOR YOUR PROCEDURE
Choosing the right dentist is critical to both the initial and long-term success of all dental implants, including all-on-4 implants. For example, dental implant procedures that are poorly executed can lead to nerve or tissue damage. Also, a poorly executed bone grafting procedure performed by a less experienced dentist can lead to implant failure. In simple terms, bone grafting involves transferring bone tissue from other parts of the body to the jaw to support an implant, which is a common practice for those with insufficient bone tissue who would otherwise have to forgo the procedure.
An experienced dentist like Delaram Hanookai DDS., for example, will take the time to ensure that your dental implant is properly placed and will last as long as possible. If you’re in Los Angeles or any of the surrounding areas and considering all-on-4 implants to fill the void left behind by missing teeth, Dr. Hanookai should be among your considerations. With more than 15 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Hanookai is well-versed in all-on-4 implants and can answer any questions that you may have related to how long all on 4 implants last, avoiding all on 4 dental implants problems and, most importantly, how to increase all on 4 dental implants lifespan.