Understanding the All-on-4 Implant System
There are many teeth replacement options available for dental patients today. If you remember your grandparents dealing with dentures, the idea of teeth replacement need not be frightening! You can enjoy a full arch restoration on 4 implants that hold your replacement teeth permanently in place.
Investing in All-on-4 dental implants can be the end of a long struggle. Many implant patients have suffered an accident or traumatic event that loosened, broke or knocked out their teeth. If you have been struggling to care for your teeth and fighting decay or gum disease, this dental implant procedure could greatly increase your quality of life.
The All-on-4 dental implant concept includes two simple steps. Four titanium implants are placed in your upper and/or lower jaw bone. A permanent arch or set of teeth for the top or bottom is attached to these implants. Over time, the implants will fuse with the bone, holding the teeth permanently in place.
When considering All-on-4 vs dentures, the comfort factor must be considered. Dentures are not permanent. This ability to remove your dentures can mean that they will move easily, even when you don’t want them to. Dentures can make it tough to talk, chew, and swallow. Dentures that slide can also irritate your gum tissue and cause inflammation in the roof of your mouth.
Dentures will need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. Once your teeth have been removed, your gum tissue will change and your jaw bone will lose mass. Implants can rebuild the health of your jaw by increasing blood flow to the tissue.
See also all on 4 dental implants considerations
What Does the All-on-4 Procedure Involve?
Getting your All-on-4 implant system installed is oral surgery. You will receive a general anesthetic; you may also receive sedation. Share your concerns about the procedure with Dr. Delaram Hanookai and Dr. Michael Abaian. They can provide you with detailed information so you can fully relax during the procedure.
Your All-on-4 system can support a full arch of teeth on each jaw because of the angle of placement. While the front implants are put in straight up and down, the rear implants are angled to the back. This angling process makes it easier for those who may have lost some bone mass, particularly on the bottom jaw, to still enjoy a stable implant.
The All-on-4 teeth count is structured so that each implant supports 4 teeth. One of the biggest benefits of All-on-4 is that you can get your implants and your teeth installed on the same day. The number of teeth on All-on-4 arches is slightly lower than 4 teeth per implant, giving you a great smile but reducing the pressure on the full mouth dental implants.
See also: Same Day Dental Implants Los Angeles
How Many Teeth with All-on-4 Implants?
As noted above, each arch or span of teeth for the top or the bottom includes 10 to 14 teeth. If your natural teeth were very crowded because of a small or narrow jaw, your All-on-4 smile makeover may only need 10 teeth per arch.
Your dental implant options will be fully explained when you have your initial consultations with your oral surgeon and dentist. The All-on-4 dental arch and implants can all be installed on the same day, though you will need to come in for a follow-up. You’ll also get guidance on caring for your gums under the arch and a dental implant guide to answer questions.
Your implant-supported dentures are permanent dental prosthetics. You can treat them like real teeth, and with a bit of alteration, care for them like your real teeth. If you have struggled with unsightly or painful teeth during your lifetime, the straight and even smile of an All-on-4 customization can be of great benefit!
Is All-on-4 Dental Restoration New?
While All-on-4 tooth replacement is new in the United States, the science of implant dentistry has been around for quite a long time. The process of adding a post and crown tooth to replace a single lost tooth is not new.
Additionally, the science of titanium implants in bone is not new; titanium has been used in bone repair by orthopedists since the 1980s. The All-on-4 functionality and ease offers those who have struggled with dental issues a wonderful and simple repair process.
Instead of replacing missing teeth with implants one or two at a time, the science of full-arch dental implants means that you can undergo one jaw surgery and get a full set of teeth with All-on-4. Just remember that your All-on-4 treatment plan will require 4 implants per arch. If you need all the teeth replaced on the top and the bottom, you’ll need to double the number of implants for full arch to 8 implants total.
Cost Concerns
It is true that the All-on-4 cost in Los Angeles is generally higher than traditional dentures. However, All-on-4 stability and All-on-4 patient experiences are much more positive. The All-on-4 aesthetics also tend to be higher; one of the biggest dental implant success stories is that you don’t need to worry about your dentures slipping or your top plate causing you to gag when you try to eat.
The All-on-4 patient testimonials also refer to the ease of this procedure. Before you can schedule your full arch implant support surgery, you will need to have your teeth removed and get your mouth fully healed. Your All-on-4 dental implants success rate will be higher if the gum tissue is healed but bone loss has not yet increased.
Remember too that the cost of All-on-4 implants is impacted by the fact that your All-on-4 dental bridges are permanent. False teeth need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years because they wear out and because the shape of your mouth changes. Once your teeth come out, your jaw bone can start to deteriorate. With your implants firmly in place, you can enjoy the dental implant benefits of protected bone density.
How Long Until I Get My Teeth Installed?
You will need to undergo an assessment to determine the current state of your jaw as well as your teeth. One of the All-on-4 procedure details that must be considered is whether or not your current bone structure will be sufficient for the number of implants needed.
If you have missing teeth that have been gone for a while, you may need a bone graft. Only a skilled oral surgeon can give you confirmation of your All-on-4 results until your bone density has been confirmed.
There are procedures that must be undergone before you can undergo implantation. Remaining teeth may need removed. If you’ve been hesitant about smiling, make sure you get your All-on-4 before and after photos taken; we love to see people celebrating that new smile!
When considering All-on-4 versus traditional implants, it’s important that you’re aware that the process will take time. Removing one tooth and replacing it with a crowned implant may have been stressful and disruptive, but the healing process after getting all of your teeth removed will take a great deal of time. You’ll need time to heal and to allow your gum tissue to return to a normal state.
Tooth removal would be necessary even if you were getting traditional dentures fitted. As you plan for your All-on-4 dental costs and the number of procedures you’ll need, pay careful attention to that healing break. Talking without your teeth will be challenging; once your new arches are in place, you may need to practice enunciating and speaking clearly.
Many people struggle to learn to talk again once they get their traditional dentures installed. One of the best things about investing in the All-on-4 arches is that there won’t be anything on the roof of your mouth!
Why Four Implants? The Science Behind the All-on-4 Method
The purpose of 4 implants is to even out the pressure on all supporting members. All-on-4 implant stability is what allows you to bite down and tug with your front teeth, as you do when biting into an apple. The experts at Southland Dental Care can give you a better understanding of the mechanism of the implant-supported full arch.
Functionally, each implant supports 4 teeth. If you need a full set of teeth, you’ll have a total of 8 implants. The rear implants are put in at a slight angle, tilted to the back of the mouth. In this way, the arch of teeth are held firmly to the gum.
When comparing dental implants vs dentures vs. implant-supported teeth, it’s critical to consider the sensitivity of the roof of your mouth. Dentures that fit will will stick to the roof of the mouth via suction as well as adhesive. Even a top plate that fits well can trigger your gag reflex, especially if it slides around. Over time, that sliding can cause inflammation and pain.
If you have lost only one tooth, you may be a good candidate for a single implant. This measure can provide you with many benefits; your jawbone will receive a workout that it wouldn’t get without a tooth attached. If you lose more teeth, this implant may need to be replaced to support a full arch or collection of teeth.
Customization: Can You Choose the Number of Teeth?
You can customize your All-on-4 restoration within limits. A single implant can hold more than one tooth, but the implanted teeth may need to be hooked or connected to nearby teeth.
If your tooth loss is extensive, having all of your teeth removed may be the most effective treatment. A single implant must be used in connection with other supports; if there is a gap between implant supported teeth and naturally occurring teeth, a single post will not work.
Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes
Your All-on-4 implants will support a full arch of teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, you won’t have to worry about these new teeth sliding around or dropping from the roof of your mouth onto your tongue.
By getting titanium implants added to your jaw once your teeth have been removed, you can maintain a healthy blood supply to your jaw bones, top and bottom, and reduce the “gump” that can occur as jawbones recede.
Cost Considerations: What to Expect
The entire cost of going from damaged teeth to no teeth to All-on-4 implants should be broken down into different steps. The surgery required to remove your existing teeth may be necessary simply for your overall health. It would also be necessary if you were getting traditional braces.
Your mouth will need to heal fully before you can get your implants installed. This same healing time would be necessary before getting fitted for traditional dentures.
If your teeth have been missing for a time, you may also need a bone graft. Each support can hold and stabilize between 10 and 14 teeth. If you need arches for both top and bottom, of course the cost will be higher. The material used in making your arch will also have an impact on the cost of your new teeth.
Patient Experiences: Success Stories and Testimonials
Teeth can need replacing for a variety of reasons. You may simply struggle with poor genetics. You might have had an accident that let to broken or loose teeth. Even with good dental hygiene, illness can also cost you the health of your teeth.
Indications are that those who have lost teeth due to accidents have had very positive results from the All-on-4 procedure.
Testimonials from those who have suffered tooth loss for a variety of reasons remind us that painless dental care is possible. If you have dental trauma in your past, the idea of replacing your teeth with titanium supports and new arches may be an excellent choice.
Is All-on-4 Right for You?
It’s important to be aware that the all-on-4 implant process is permanent; once the posts are installed in your jaw, they will fuse with the bone. However, if you are facing the loss of all or most of your teeth, dealing with a lot of decay and pain, or simply tired of caring for dentures that don’t fit well, the all-on-4 post installation and arch attachment could be incredibly freeing.
Many people who have been struggling with tooth loss for a long time have stopped smiling. Not being able to smile freely or speak clearly is extremely limiting! Your ability to connect and communicate can change a great deal with all-on-4 installation. Visit with a dental professional about the simplest way to enjoy a healthy smile and strong, hearty teeth.