Are you considering All On 4 dental implants in Woodland Hills to replace your missing teeth?
It’s a great option, as it offers several benefits over traditional dental implants. But what are All On 4 implants, how do they work, and how do you know whether you may be a candidate for this type of treatment?
What are All On 4 Implants?
All On 4 implants, also known as “same-day implants,” are dental implants that involve the placement of four implants in the jawbone to support a full arch on top or bottom set of replacement teeth.
During your regular dental appointment, you can ask how this differs from traditional dental implants, which typically require the placement of one implant per tooth, which can be a lengthy, expensive, and inconvenient process.
All On 4 implants are designed to be a more efficient and cost-effective way to replace missing teeth, as they require fewer implants and less surgical and recovery time. They are also a good option for people with insufficient jawbone density, as the implants can be angled to take advantage of the stronger bone tissue in these areas.
The Benefits of All On 4 Implants
There may be questions that you have during your appointment including about the benefits of All On 4 implants. There are several benefits to choosing All On 4 implants over traditional dental implants or dentures. These include:
- Improved function: All On 4 implants are designed to mimic the function of natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
- Better aesthetics: The replacement teeth attached to All On 4 implants are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, giving you a more natural-looking, beautiful smile.
- Increased stability: All On 4 implants are anchored in the jawbone, providing a secure foundation for the replacement teeth. This means you don’t have to worry about your teeth shifting or sliding around like you might with dentures.
- Long-lasting: All On 4 implants can last a lifetime with proper care. Traditional dental implants also have a high success rate, but they may require additional procedures in the future, such as implant maintenance or replacement.
- Convenience: All On 4 implants can be placed in just one surgical visit, allowing you to leave the dentist’s office with a complete set of replacement teeth. Traditional dental implants require multiple visits and an extended recovery period over months.
Am I a Candidate for All On 4 Implants?
Most people who are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws are candidates for All On 4 implants and can enjoy the benefits of permanent implants.
However, All On 4 may not be the best choice for you if you have a few different oral issues that include:
- Poor oral health: If you have gum disease or tooth decay, it’s important to address these issues before getting All On 4 implants. These conditions can affect the success of the implants and the health of your mouth. People with gum disease are often good candidates for All On Four if the underlying jawbone remains intact and if any affected areas have been treated.
- Insufficient bone density: As mentioned earlier, All On 4 implants can be placed at an angle to take advantage of stronger bone tissue, unlike individual implants. However, you may not qualify for this treatment if you have severely decreased bone density.
- Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or cancer, may affect your ability to heal from All On 4 implant surgery. Your dentist will consider these factors before determining if you are a candidate for treatment.
If you and your doctor decide that All On 4 implants are the right choice for you, inserting them will typically involve the following steps.
- Consultation
To determine if you meet the criteria to be a successful candidate for All On Four, your doctor will require a consultation to assess your health and risk factors.
During your consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to assess the condition of your jawbone and the feasibility of All On 4 implants. They will also discuss your treatment options and help you determine the best course of action.
- Surgery
If you and your dentist decide that All On 4 implants are the right choice for you, the next step is the surgical placement of the implants. This typically involves making incisions in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone, drilling holes in the bone to place the implants, and closing the incisions with sutures.
- Healing
After surgery, you’ll need to allow the implants to heal and integrate with your jawbone so they are comfortable and durable. This process, called osseointegration, typically takes several months. During this time, you may need to follow a soft food diet and take medications to help with the healing process.
- Attachment of the Replacement Teeth
Once the implants have fully healed, your dentist will attach the replacement teeth to the implants. This typically involves making impressions of your mouth to create custom-made teeth that match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, so there is a natural, easy transition to using the new implants.
- Follow-Up Care
Following your dentist’s instructions when caring for your All On 4 implants is essential to ensure their long-term success. This may include brushing and flossing daily, visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups, and following all aftercare instructions immediately following the surgery and during the healing process.
Overall, getting All On 4 implants can take several months from start to finish but can be a better option for you and your wallet if you’re a suitable candidate. The result is a full set of replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, brush, and smile confidently.
If you would like to know if you’re a good candidate for All On 4 implants, schedule a consultation with our dentists to see how we can help you get back to looking your best and living with a full mouth of beautiful teeth.
