If you are missing multiple teeth and researching possible tooth-replacement options, you may want to consider the All-On-4 implant treatment. All-On-4 implants involve placing four titanium implants at key points in the lower or upper jaw to provide a sturdy base for a row of artificial teeth. This type of dental implant can provide the natural appearance of a full smile with artificial teeth that function like regular teeth.
The All-On-4 implant treatment is available at Smile Solutions in Pittsburg and the surrounding area. This treatment is a fantastic option for many patients who need to replace multiple teeth but do not want to use individual implants. Our team can help customize this treatment to your specific needs for the full smile you desire.
Call us today and schedule an appointment to learn more about the All-On-4 implant treatment.
Why Patients Should Consider All-On-4®
Instead of waiting for several months to get false teeth attached to the implants, patients can get them attached the same day. The process takes a shorter amount of time because it does not require bone grafts or a large number of implants. The All-On-4 implant process gives the patient natural-looking teeth and helps them feel at ease chewing, speaking, and socializing.
When patients are missing only a few teeth, treatments such as partial dentures, bridges, or traditional implants may be a better fit. However, people who come to our office for All-On-4 implants either have no teeth or their teeth are failing. Also, if a patient has certain health conditions, a bone graft may not be recommended, and this treatment may be a safer choice.
- The All-On-4 implant process gives the patient natural-looking teeth and helps them feel at ease chewing, speaking, and socializing.
Causes & Effects Of Tooth Loss
According to WebMD, tooth loss is a common but not inevitable part of aging. Tooth loss can occur from an accident, such as a slip or fall that knocks out one or more teeth. Injuries such as hard blows to the face from playing sports or being involved in a vehicle accident could dislodge teeth as well. Over time, excessive decay or gum disease can compromise a tooth’s structure and effectiveness. Teeth may wear down, fall out, or a dental professional may have to pull them.
Extreme tooth decay can cause severe pain and irritation. Aesthetically, a toothless smile can have emotional implications for a patient. Other effects of missing or damaged teeth include:
- Sensitivity to certain foods and beverages: When a patient has large cavities or failing teeth, it can be challenging to consume hot or cold food and drinks.
- Discomfort in the gum area: Patients who have no teeth may have trouble eating and speaking. Some may find wearing a complete set of dentures less comfortable.
- Social discomfort: Patients who are missing teeth may avoid smiling or even being out in social settings.
All of these effects can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Luckily, there are many tooth replacement options. Our team can help patients determine if All-On-4 is the right solution for them.
- According to WebMD, tooth loss is a common but not inevitable part of aging.
How the All-On-4® Implant Treatment Works
Replacing the top or bottom arch of teeth with standard dental implants would require an implant for each tooth. Alternatively, All-On-4 uses just four implants to replace the top or bottom row of teeth. The treatment works even if the patient has no teeth at all. As explained in this article by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the four implants support the entire arch of replacement teeth. Also, this treatment does not require bone grafting. The implants will fuse with the existing bone and become part of the jaw. Because some of the implants are set at an angle, they are longer and offer more support.
All-On-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster. First, the doctor will take impressions and X-rays and send those to a lab. At a subsequent appointment, our team will use a local anesthetic to numb the patient and may have to remove any remaining damaged teeth. Then, the dental professional will insert screws into four places in the upper and lower jaw. These titanium anchors will help support the artificial teeth throughout the mouth.
- All-On-4 implant treatment is similar to getting regular implants. However, the procedure and recovery time is faster.
After The Procedure
Our team will send you home with specific aftercare instructions that you should follow exactly for proper healing and prevention of infection. Instructions commonly include brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush, sleeping with your head elevated, and eating only soft foods. Immediately following the procedure, you may be sore, have swelling, and light bleeding. As always, call our office immediately if these symptoms get worse rather than subside.
Patients should maintain proper care of the implants and their oral health. Just as with natural teeth, patients need to continue brushing and flossing daily. Regular dental checkups are essential. A dentist should routinely examine the implants and artificial teeth to ensure that everything looks the way it should.
- Patients should maintain proper care of the implants and their oral health. Just as with natural teeth, patients need to continue brushing and flossing daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Dental Implant Terminology
An abutment is a component that attaches to the dental implant so a professional can place a dental crown to provide patients with an artificial, aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional smile.
Multiple replacement teeth that are fixed in place via attachment to dental implants, natural adjacent teeth, or a combination of the two.
A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.
Endosteal is a type of dental implant that a professional places in the alveolar and basal bone of the mandible that transcends only one cortical plate.
Eposteal is a type of dental implant that conforms to whichever edentulous surface of an alveolar bone is superior.
An implant-supported bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix in place with the use of dental implants inserted in the jaw to create a sturdy set of artificial teeth.
Osseointegration is the process by which a titanium dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone over several months after an oral health professional places the implant in the jaw.
Literally “around the tooth.”
Resorption is the process by which the body absorbs the calcium from the jaw since there are no tooth roots to cause the necessary stimulation and proceeds to use the calcium in other areas.
Transosteal is a type of dental implant that includes threaded posts that penetrate the superior and inferior cortical bone plates of the jaw.
It is Your Turn
If you are missing teeth, consider All-On-4 implant surgery. Call us today to discuss your oral health needs. Join other patients in Pittsburg and rediscover your smile and ability to eat the foods you love. You may also finally feel good about your overall appearance.