If you are missing all of your upper or lower teeth and have struggled with the fit and function of traditional dentures, you may want to consider implants as an alternative. Not only can a full arch of artificial replacement teeth now be secured by dental implants, those implants can be placed in a single office visit.
In the past, patients who were missing an entire arch of teeth often had to undergo a bone graft to ensure that they had sufficient bone structure prior to having implants placed. The All-on-4 procedure improves upon past techniques, placing all of the implants near the front of the mouth, where the jaw bone recedes at a much slower rate. This strategy eliminates the need for bone grafts for most patients.
Advances in implant technology allow your implant dentist to identify the precise spot for placement of the small titanium posts, which means that the procedure can be completed more quickly and with a smaller incision. The dentist will use digital images of your mouth and bone structure in combination with three-dimensional planning software to determine the ideal locations for the implants.
Because the All-on-4 procedure is less intrusive and takes less time, patients recover more quickly. In fact, most patients are able to eat a light meal of softer foods later that evening.
All-on-4 dental implants are preferable to traditional dentures for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they’ll prevent further jaw bone resorption because the implant mimics the tooth’s root. The implant serves as sort of an anchor in the bone. Artificial teeth that are held in place by implants also are more secure, and their function replicates that of natural teeth. Patients can speak and eat with ease, without worrying that a slipping or sliding denture will lead to a major embarrassment.
If you are considering dental implants, consult with Dr. John M. Hucklebridge, a Plano implant dentist, to see if you are a candidate for the All-on-4 procedure.
