How Do All-on-4 Implants Work?

Whether it's because of an accident, decay, or periodontal disease, tooth loss can affect not only your self-esteem but your oral health too. Waiting too long to replace a missing tooth can cause the other teeth in your mouth to shift, leading to alignment and crowding issues. And, because the jawbone is no longer stimulated, this can lead to bone loss and premature aging. 

If you have more than one missing tooth, you may think that dentures are the only replacement options you have. That's not true anymore. 

This article will tell you everything you need to know about all-on-4 dental implants and how they work. 

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants? 

As you may know already, a dental implant is a great and long-lasting solution to replace missing teeth. Unlike other replacement options, the implant will allow you to build your tooth from the root up. The dentist will first insert a metal screw into your jawbone and after an osseointegration period of about six months, they will complete the tooth by adding the abutment and crown. 

As the name suggests, all-on-4 implants refer to four implants that are inserted into the jaw to restore an entire arch. If you have both upper and lower teeth missing, you can use this procedure to restore both arches. 

How Do All-on-4 Implants Work? 

First, the dentist will examine your mouth to determine if you need implants on just one arch or both of them. Based on their conclusion, they will place a total of four implants on either arch. 

As we said, implants need a lengthy healing period during which the metal screw will fuse with the jawbone. Your Valparaiso dentist will give you a set of prosthetic teeth so that you don't have a toothless smile for the next six months. 

After the osseointegration period is completed, the dentist will replace the prosthetic teeth with a special full-arch prosthesis. This type of prosthesis attaches to the implants and provides a more comfortable and efficient teeth replacement option. 

The Benefits of All-on-4 Implants 

Since the treatment process is more complex and the results are long-lasting, All-on-4 implants come with a hefty price. So, you may wonder if they are really worth the investment and how they are better compared to regular dentures. 

• All-on-4 implants are a permanent solution. You may have to replace the prosthesis that attaches to them every 15 years or so, but the implants themselves can last you a lifetime. 

• With all-on-4 implants, you don't have to worry anymore about eating or talking in public. Unlike regular dentures, the full-arch prosthesis isn't glued to your gums but attaches to the dentures. 

Are You Ready to Restore Your Smile? 

Whether it's implants or dentures, at Modern Dentistry we will help you find the best solution to restore your smile and replace missing teeth. 

‍Contact us today to book your appointment with us.