If you have worn dentures for quite some time or have had missing teeth for years, you have probably noticed that the shape of your mouth has changed. This is because tooth loss causes jawbone atrophy where the bone loses mass over time. When the roots of teeth are gone, either the body re-absorbs bone material or the bone atrophies because it no longer serves a purpose. This change in jaw shape and size also affects the way traditional dentures fit and in many cases, dentures will frequently slide through the mouth or even fall out when eating or speaking. To help address the negative effects of tooth loss and restore a patient’s oral function, our oral surgeon offers All-on-4 dental implants to support prosthetic teeth.
All-on-4 Implant Supported Dentures
The All-on-4 method for supporting dentures involves the surgical insertion of four small dental implants. These textured titanium rods are embedded into the jawbone in four tactical locations. Once the implants are inserted into the jaw, a set of prosthetic teeth is attached to abutments on the implants. Because the dentures are anchored by the dental implants, patients enjoy stable support and the ability to eat their favorite foods. Implant supported dentures do not move throughout the mouth, allowing edentulous patients the opportunity to regain their self-confidence.
Implants Promote Jawbone Health
Because dental implants function just like a tooth’s roots, the jawbone does not atrophy as quickly as it does with traditional dentures that rest on top of the gums. This allows patients to retain as much bone as possible so that the shape of their face and the contour of their jawbone do not change so drastically.
If you are interested in learning more about implant-supported dentures, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeon. At your appointment, our doctor will determine if you are a candidate for this procedure and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
To schedule your consultation, call the office of Dr. Chris Tye today.