Get a Same Day Smile With All-on-4

As people age, they may lose multiple teeth for various reasons. In some cases, all of a person's teeth may need replacing. All-on-4® dental implants can provide such individuals with a comfortable and long-lasting solution to restore their smile. Taking the time to understand how these implants work allows prospective patients to make a more informed choice.

Reason people lose teeth

Though trauma such as accidents can cause people to lose teeth, the majority of tooth loss is due to tooth decay and gum disease. Much of the time, this is due to poor dental care. However, sometimes despite someone's best efforts, they lose teeth anyway, largely due to genetic factors.

Replacing these lost teeth is crucial for cosmetic and health reasons. People need a full set of teeth for optimum chewing function. Also, a person's teeth dramatically affect the way they speak. Missing teeth can cause someone to feel less confident in their smile, which can have several implications for their self-esteem.

What are All-on-4 implants?

This type of procedure is designed to provide patients with missing teeth an option to fill in gaps in a damaged smile on a permanent basis. Multiple implants are inserted into a jawbone to support a new set of natural-looking teeth with one surgery, providing individuals with a new smile with a single procedure. There are several benefits to this type of replacement option:

• Implants do not shift
• Bridges supported by four implants can replace large gaps all at once
• No refittings or adjustments are required

All-on-4 implants can be a good choice for those who want convenience with replacement teeth. They also look, feel, and act like natural teeth and do not have to be removed for cleaning like traditional dentures.

Implants are considered the treatment option most similar to natural teeth. Chewing and speaking with traditional dentures takes some getting used to. However, this is not the case with All-on-4. The patient does not have to worry about the denture slipping around or falling out of place while speaking or eating. The patient can chew with peace of mind and not have to avoid certain foods.

Another benefit of All-on-4 over traditional dentures is the stimulation of the jawbone. When tooth roots are no longer present, people lose jawbone density. The screw-like titanium implants are like replacement tooth roots. They stimulate and strengthen the jawbone.

Before making a final choice, individuals with missing teeth may want to take time to learn about the implant process and what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.

Before the implant process

Patients who want this treatment generally have to discuss their medical history before the process can begin. The dental professional can take X-rays of the jawbone to ensure that there is enough bone to hold the screw-like titanium implants used and that the bone is strong enough to withstand the surgery. If the jawbone is not dense enough, a bone graft may be able to strengthen it. After the graft has healed, the implant surgery can proceed.

During the surgery

The dental professional places the implant posts into the jawbone. In an all-on-4 procedure, four implants are typically placed in the lower arch, and four are in the upper. Once the posts are positioned, the bridges are screwed and cemented into place. The implants are permanent and do not require removal for cleaning or rinsing, and the surgery provides wearers with a beautiful new smile that the patient can display proudly the same day.

Aftercare All-on-4

It may take a few months for the jawbone to fuse completely with these implants. In the meantime, patients can clean replacements like their natural teeth with daily brushing and flossing. Patients may want to use a soft toothbrush, so the acrylic material does not become scratched or discolored. With proper care, the titanium screw-like implants can last a lifetime. The false teeth will need replacing. However, they can still last up to 20 years if they are well cared for. Along with detailed aftercare instructions, our team will send you home with tips on keeping your new teeth in good condition and getting the most out of them.

Conclusion

All-on-4 implants can provide a hassle-free solution for those who have lost multiple or all teeth on the upper or lower portion of the jaw. These implants offer a variety of benefits, but it is wise to choose with the assistance of a dental professional to ensure a lifetime of oral comfort and health.

Are you considering All-on-4 in the Encino area? Get more information at https://www.encinodentalassociates.com.

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