28 Dec All-on-4 Offers a Permanent Tooth Replacement Solution
Edentulous patients who choose conventional dentures as a tooth replacement typically find that those appliances need to be re-fitted and/or replaced periodically as their fit declines. For patients who prefer a more permanent solution to their tooth loss, All-on-4 improves on standard dentures by adding dental implants into the mix. Those implants help to stabilize the jaw, and the denture retains its fit as a result.
With this treatment option, one of our oral surgeons places four dental implants in the patient’s jaw, and the prosthetic arch is designed to slide over those implants, which then hold the denture in place.
Dental implants offer the most advanced tooth replacement technology available. With the bond that forms between the bone and the implant, the latter becomes a permanent part of the jaw structure with proper maintenance.
Bone loss – which does progress in the years following the loss of the patient’s teeth – can present an obstacle to dental implant placement in many cases, but because only four implants are needed in All-on-4, many more patients have access to this treatment. Furthermore, the implants are placed at the front of the jaw, where the bone erodes more gradually.
Beyond the durability of All-on-4, patients also benefit from a prosthetic that feels more natural due to the root-like structure of the dental implants. At the same time, an implant-supported appliance is more effective at chewing than a standard denture.
In order to get the optimal benefits from All-on-4, the patient must make a commitment to take good care of his or her oral health. If gum disease develops and advances, it can threaten the integrity of the jawbone, which in turn can cause premature dental implant failure. You should be conscientious about maintaining healthy gums and bone, and our oral surgeons can give you direction on the best oral hygiene habits that can help you to achieve this goal.
Whether you’re a long-time denture wearer looking for more stability in your appliance or someone in need of fully restoring a smile for the first time, All-on-4 may be the option for you. Call us at Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates to talk to one of our expert practitioners about your case and find out if All-on-4 will meet your needs.