04 Jun Is All-on-4 right for me? Five Factors To Consider
Patients who are exploring their options to restore a smile that has been decimated by tooth loss may consider different approaches, including conventional dentures and dental implants. An innovative treatment known as All-on-4 can meet the needs of a wide variety of patients.
When you are making a treatment decision, it’s important to get as much information as possible about your options. We recommend that all patients who need dentures consult with an oral surgeon about All-on-4.
All-on-4: An Overview
All-on-4 uses just four dental implants placed in a patient’s jaw by an oral surgeon to secure an entire upper or lower denture (or both). In the several months after the titanium dental implants are placed, they become osseointegrated into the jaw. That is, the bone tissue forms a permanent bond with them.
The outermost dental implants are angled beneath the gumline in order to support the weight of the entire rear section of the appliance. Because only four dental implants are needed to support the appliance, they can be placed near the front of the jaw, where the bone is thickest.
Some patients may be able to have a temporary appliance fitted the day that the implants are placed. For this reason, this treatment may also be referred to as “Smile in a Day.”
Factors To Consider When Deciding On All-on-4
When determining how to restore their smiles, patients will weigh a number of factors in the process of settling on a specific treatment. They may include:
- Jawbone integrity
- Overall health
- Appliance longevity
- Desire for comfort and convenience
- Budget
By meeting with an oral surgeon, you can gather all of the information you need about these aspects of All-on-4 dental implants. Ultimately, this solution is more durable and functional than conventional dentures.
Some factors are more complex. For example, the initial cost of All-on-4 may appear to be significantly higher than that of conventional dentures. However, dentures need to be relined and replaced periodically, making the costs of dentures and All-on-4 comparable over the lifespan of the appliance.
Is All-on-4 the best choice for you to restore your smile? We can give you the information that you need to answer that question. Call Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates today to schedule your consultation.