all-on-four dental implantsMen and women all over the country are living with dentures and searching for a better option. Dentures may be extremely affordable, but for most patients, dentures aren’t worth the trouble they cause. Denture wearers complain about the device slipping around in their mouth, wearing down their gums, causing pain and discomfort, and that they frequently need to be replaced.

Thankfully, there’s a better way to replace missing teeth—All-On-Four dental implants. Dentures are now a thing of the past! With All-On-4®, patients can have a smile that is natural-looking and feeling that will last for decades.

Before you begin searching for “all-on-four near me,” read this blog to learn everything you need to know about All-On-4 dental implants.

Candidates for All-On-4

Candidates for this tooth replacement option include anyone over the age of 18 who is missing most or all of their teeth. Other candidacy requirements for All-On-Four include:

  • Adequate bone density: When a person is missing most of their teeth, significant bone loss is expected. When this happens, the jaw becomes unable to hold a traditional denture in place. However, dental implants can be placed in such a way that the oral surgeon can maximize the remaining tissue. In some cases, patients may require bone grafting before the All-On-4 procedure.
  • Good oral health: Patients must be free gum disease and tooth decay before undergoing treatment. Additionally, the patient should avoid tobacco use.
  • Good overall health: Autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and other related conditions can negatively impact the healing process.

Those who desire All-On-Four implants should visit an oral surgeon to be certain whether or not they are good contenders for this procedure.

Benefits of All-On-4

Though cost and treatment time is something all patients will be encouraged to consider, the benefits of All-On-Four implant dentures and bridges are numerous. These include:

  • One short day surgery
  • Only four dental implants
  • Patients are less likely to need bone grafting
  • Implants encourage jawbone regeneration
  • Implants can last the rest of the patient’s life
  • No need for denture adhesive
  • No more slipping
  • No food restrictions
  • Improved self-confidence

The Placement Process

Now that you know there is only one procedure, let’s talk about what that entails.

During a separate appointment, your oral surgeon will determine your candidacy. Once you’ve been approved, he will create a treatment plan to meet all your needs.

On the day of your appointment, the oral surgery team will put you in a comfortable room. The oral surgeon will administer anesthesia and any other types of sedation that are necessary. Then, the oral surgeon will implant four small, screw-like posts into specific areas of the jawbone.

Patients have the option of wearing a temporary denture until their jawbone heals which usually takes about three to six months. This healing process is called osseointegration and it is the natural process by which the jawbone and implants join together—just like a natural tooth root joins with the jawbone.

Upon healing, the patient will visit their dentist or oral surgeon once more to have abutments and permanent denture secured. The denture can be removable or fixed. Either way, the patient will feel confident while eating, talking, and laughing.

Schedule an Initial Consultation Today

The first step towards a new and improved smile is to call an oral surgeon near you to schedule an initial consultation.

At Texas Oral Surgery Specialists, our experienced and renowned oral surgeon, Dr. Chris Tye is prepared to give you a smile that you will be proud to show off.

Call our Grapevine office today at (817) 552-3223.