All on 4 Dental Implants Pros & Cons

What are All-on-4 dental implants?

All-on-4 in huntersville is a procedure used as an alternative to traditional dentures. The procedure can replace a full arch of teeth in the top or bottom of your mouth. Dentists are able to attach prosthetic teeth to four strategically placed dental implants. To start, the implants are placed in the jawbone and replace the original tooth root. Once the implants are in place, the dentist will attach acrylic or porcelain prosthetic teeth (crowns) to the screws.

Unlike traditional dental implants that require a separate screw for each tooth, the All-on-4 dental implants procedure attaches an entire top or bottom set of teeth using just four screws. In addition, All-on-4 dental implants are not removable compared to traditional dentures.

Dentists recommend All-on-4 for a variety of reasons, including:

• They can restore teeth after chronic tooth decay or infection
• Replace teeth after failed root canals
• Removing and replacing teeth which are not salvageable

In order to be a good candidate for the All-on-4 dental implants, patients must have strong, sufficient jaw bone mass. Below are a few pros and cons of the All-on-4 dental implants.

Pros

• All-on-4 dental implants reduce the need for the painful and time-consuming bone grafting process.
• Many patients can receive a full set of new teeth in just one day.
• Once your mouth is healed, there is limited disruption to daily life and minimal dietary restrictions.
• All-on-4 dental implants are securely attached and don’t cause pain from rubbing like the alternative traditional removable dentures do.

Cons

• Although it is highly uncommon, there can be a risk of a failed implant. This occurs when the bone doesn’t grow properly around the implanted screw.
• Some patients report a difficulty in speech after the implant surgery.
• All-on-4 dental implants are expensive and can be cost prohibitive for some patients.
• The All-on-4 implant surgery can cause tender gums and difficulty eating during the healing process.

While there can be challenges, studies have found that 98% of patients who undergo the All-on-4 dental implant process say it is worth it and would recommend it to others.

What happens during All-on-4 dental implant surgery?

During the initial consultation, you will meet with a dentist or oral surgeon to determine if you are a candidate for the All-on-5 procedure. For patients who are only missing a few teeth and the existing teeth are healthy, your dentist may recommend traditional dental implants. In most cases, the implants will be placed and the prosthetic teeth will be attached during the same appointment.

Local or general anesthesia is typically used for the surgery. The dentist will begin by removing any remaining rotten teeth and infected gum tissue in order to prepare your jaw for the implants. They will then place two screws in the front section of the mouth and two screws in the back of the mouth. These screws create a strong foundation for the prosthetic teeth. Most dentists use titanium screws to replace the root of the primary tooth which will eventually fuse to the bone.

Lastly, the dentist attaches the full arch of acrylic or porcelain prosthetic teeth to the screws.

Are All-on-4 dental implants permanent?

The longevity of All-on-4 dental implants depends on several factors, including what material is used to make the teeth. Many dentists suggest zirconia or hybrid-acrylic materials last the longest and are the most durable.

Routine maintenance and good oral hygiene are critical to ensure your All-on-4 dental implants last. Clean implants when you wake up and after eating, as you would with natural teeth. It is also important to follow any specific care instructions provided by your dentist. Your dentist is able to repair chips or cracks that develop from normal use to help extend the life of the implant.

For most patients, All-on-4 implants can last up to 40+ years with diligent care, hygiene and regular maintenance.

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