All-on-four frequently asked questions
All-on-4 dental implants at Newark Periodontics and Dental Implant Specialists generally resemble natural teeth in function, feel, and appearance. These implants are a permanent prosthetic set of teeth that are affixed to dental implants that have been surgically implanted into your jawbone. Because the procedure is permanent and expensive, it’s important to clarify any questions or concerns patients may have before electing to undergo the procedure.
Because all-on-4 dental implants are permanently installed and meant to function in the same way as actual teeth, they can be cleaned and maintained like natural teeth. Unlike dentures, they aren’t removed from the mouth for cleaning or maintenance, nor is any adhesive needed to affix them inside the mouth. Because they are custom fitted to your mouth, they are more comfortable than traditional dentures and don’t compress the gum tissue. Because no adhesive is required to hold them in place, they don’t interfere with the taste of food, and people are free to consume foods of varying extreme temperatures with all-on-4 dental implants; all-on-4 recipients are often able to use increased force while biting, as opposed to those who choose dentures, allowing them to enjoy a wider variety of foods. Because all-on-4 implants are built onto titanium screws, which fuse with the bone over time, they may deter bone deterioration and restore the structure and features of the face.
The primary difference between all-on-4 dental implants and dentures is that all-on-4 implants are a permanent replacement for damaged or missing. Because they are affixed directly to your jaw, they function and feel just like natural teeth. All-on-4 implants differ from traditional dental implants because they use fewer implants per arch. The implant itself is a small titanium screw that is implanted in the jawbone. Traditional implants usually use anywhere from six to eight implants per jaw, whereas all-on-4 implants use four. These implants are positioned at an angle, which allows the natural support of your bone to provide additional contact with the prosthesis, strengthening the foundation and enhancing the mouth’s mechanical function. In addition, patients rarely require bone grafting for an all-on-4 procedure, though grafts are commonly needed for traditional implants. This may save time and money. All-on-4 dental implant surgery usually takes just under 3 hours per arch and can be a convenient same-day procedure, though initial consultations are required. Studies report a 98% success rate among patients who have received all-on-4 dental implants.
Ideal candidates for all-on-4 dental implants are people who are currently using dentures or who are missing all or most of their teeth. As long as the candidate is in good general health, age does not play a role in eligibility for all-on-4 dental implants.
In many cases, all-on-4 implants can be placed on the same day as your extraction and the rest of the procedure. A temporary set of teeth will be installed on your implants on the same day the implants are placed. Then, giving the implants time to heal, you will return to the dentist’s office about six months after the initial surgery to have your permanent set of teeth placed . These new, permanent teeth, and they will feel and function like real teeth. All-on-4 dental implants also look completely natural. It is unlikely that anyone will know you have had the procedure done without you telling them you have.
Perhaps you only need implants on your bottom or top arch. It is common for all-on-4 implants to be placed on only one jaw, either the top or bottom. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and facial bones, using scanning technology, to determine whether you may eventually need both rows of teeth replaced. If the dentist determines that you may need both rows replaced at some point, they may suggest that you have both the top and bottom rows replaced with all-on-4 arches at the same time. In addition to saving time and money, this will produce better results, allowing the dentist to properly align your bite and make any necessary adjustments. The best way to determine which procedure is most beneficial to you, both in terms of health and finance, is to talk to your doctor.
After you have had the procedure, your dentist and his team will provide you with a specific daily oral hygiene plan. Dental implants need to be treated the same way you would treat your natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing. When treated properly, you can expect your all-on-4 dental implants to last a lifetime.
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