Losing all of your teeth can be very concerning and impact your lifestyle in many different ways. When you have missing teeth, talking, eating and drinking can become challenging and even cause a patient to lose confidence. However, even if you have lost all of your teeth, the dentists at Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center can help you out and give you back a perfectly radiant smile.
We can do this by using implant-supported dental bridges and dentures to give you a full mouth dental implant. We do not just replace your teeth, but also the roots of your teeth to make sure you have a smile that will last your lifetime.
After a consultation, we will identify what type of full mouth dental implant is right for you. The All-on-4® Treatment Concept is one of the most popular types of immediate dental implants.
When Patients Should Consider All-on-4 Treatment
Patients should seriously consider All-on-4 treatments when their oral health renders other restoration procedures ineffective or detrimental. Since All-on-4 treatments are designed to replace all of a patients' natural teeth, All-on-4 is suitable for patients who are missing most of their teeth or are scheduled to have most of their teeth removed. All-on-4 treatments are a good alternative for patients with low bone density, which would exclude procedures that involve implanting devices onto the jawbone. All-on-4 treatments can resolve the pain and facial changes involved with significant tooth loss. Patients that experience constant pain as a result of other procedures such as traditional dentures are also good candidates for the All-on-4.
What is an All-on-4?
An All-on-4 is a surgical technique where a complete arch of teeth is attached permanently and securely to four dental implants. Hence "all" the teeth on "four." The procedure may be performed on your upper or lower jaw or even both.
How Does the All-on-4 Treatment Concept Work?
The science behind the All-on-4 Treatment Concept provides a 3D trapezoid force that ensures the strength and stability of the treatment. Two implants are placed in the front of the jaw at 90-degree angles (similar to traditional implants), but the rear two implants in the back of the jaw are longer and angled at a more acute angle of around 45-degrees, creating greater bone-to-implant contact. The combination of these factors ensures the overall stability of the implants and attached arch of teeth.
What Are the Advantages of an All-on-4?
Permanent Teeth Allow Security and No Diet Restrictions
For individuals who have loose dentures, the All-on-4 is a great solution. The embarrassment of dentures falling out or slipping is a thing of the past, and you will be able to eat any foods you like that previously would have been off the menu because of your unstable teeth.
Those with Bone Loss Can Still Get Dental Implants
The All-on-4 is even suitable for some patients who have bone loss. Dental implants usually require a healthy jawbone to be viable. However, if your jawbone does not have enough supporting bone, a bone graft procedure is required before the implant procedure. Furthermore, depending on where the bone loss is in the jawbone, the All-on-4 could still be an option without the need for a bone graft.
Get Your New Implants in Just One Day
The procedure is sometimes called Teeth-In-A-Day or Same Day Dental Implants and the complete procedure, including any remaining teeth extractions, implant placement, and attachment of teeth is carried out in the same session. This is a contrast to traditional dental implants which often require three months between implant placement and attachment of the dental crown (pontic tooth).
Supports Your Jawbone
The All-on-4 will not only give you your teeth back, but it also helps the jawbone health. It can contribute to the health of your jawbone by helping to preserve the bone which is often lost following tooth loss.
Quicker Healing Times
All-on-4 implant procedures are associated with reduced healing times.
Affordability
The cost of all-on-4 implants is low when compared to other complete-restoration options.
Who Is Suitable for All-on-4 Treatment?
This treatment is only suitable for edentulous patients (those who have lost all of their teeth) or those with very few teeth left who are compliant with having them removed.
While there is no upper age limitation for individuals wishing to have the All-on-4, candidates will generally have to be in reasonably good health. Some long-term conditions may be an issue, such as blood clotting disorders or diabetes, but if they are well-controlled, they may not preclude you from the treatment.
This is a surgical procedure and smoking after surgery poses numerous risks around tissue healing, especially in the mouth where the toxins from inhaling cigarette smoke make the environment even more hazardous. Smoking greatly increases the possibility of implant failure, as well as other oral health issues, including gum disease and cancer, and it is highly unlikely you will be offered any dental implant procedure while you are still smoking.
Maintaining Your Immediate Dental Implants
Maintaining All-on-4 implants is similar to oral care for natural teeth. Be sure to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit our office for routine checkups and cleanings. Following these simple steps is sufficient to maintain your new dental implants. Since All-on-4 implants are a permanent solution, they do not involve additional tools such as adhesives or tasks such as removal during sleep.
Are Immediate Dental Implants Right for You?
The All-on-4 treatment is a quick and effective solution for patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth. The rapid placement and low requirement thresholds make the All-on-4 a valid option for a majority of our patients. Our professional team at Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center has substantial experience with successfully performing All-on-4 treatments and providing advice on how to best maintain the implants. To schedule a consultation and speak to our team of professionals about the All-on-4 Treatment Concept, call our office at (470) 222-8983.
