By incorporating dental implants to support the prosthetic arch, All-on-4 offers patients a method for restoring the smile that is structurally complete. Replacing some of the missing roots of the teeth offers stability and other advantages.
If you are considering All-on-4, you should schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon to learn more about what to expect from the treatment process. This will be an important factor in your treatment decision-making process.
Why should I choose dental implants over traditional dentures?
Dental implants are osseointegrated into the jawbone, allowing them to act like artificial tooth roots. As such, an implant-supported denture like All-on-4 is more structurally complete than a conventional appliance that lacks a root-like structure.
Replacing some of the roots of missing teeth in addition to the crowns is associated with a number of benefits of All-on-4, including improved:
- Durability
- Security
- Functionality
- Comfort
- Convenience
What can I expect from the All-on-4 treatment process?
The All-on-4 treatment process requires a surgical procedure to insert four dental implants into the front portion of a patient’s jaw. Because only four implants are needed, this procedure can typically be completed in a few hours.
Because dental implant placement requires surgery, patients usually opt for some form of sedation for maximum comfort. Your surgeon can discuss the various options with you so that you can select the one that best meets your needs.
In some cases, it may be possible for the patient to be fitted with a temporary appliance at the implant placement appointment. For this reason, All-on-4 is sometimes called “Smile in a Day.” Your surgeon can advise you if this is feasible in your case.
Am I a candidate for All-on-4?
An oral surgeon will need to evaluate your specific case to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for All-on-4, but many patients do qualify for this treatment, even if they’ve experienced bone loss at the rear of the jaw.
The four dental implants in All-on-4 are placed toward the front of the jaw, where the bone is thicker and erodes more slowly following tooth loss. Therefore, most patients who want to pursue All-on-4 as an alternative to conventional dentures will have enough bone to support osseointegration.
If you are interested in All-on-4 instead of traditional dentures, schedule a consultation with our team at Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates.