Patients in Fairhope who are suffering from missing teeth may have considered a number of teeth replacement options, including dentures, crowns, bridges, or traditional dental implants. All of these have their various advantages and disadvantages, meaning they’re often not the perfect solution.
All-on-4 implants are a minimally invasive permanent tooth replacement option for patients who may not have sufficient jawbone tissue and for those who do not want to endure the lengthy procedures required for traditional dental implants. Additionally, unlike dentures or bridges, All-on-4 dental implants function just like natural teeth. They are strong, durable and are the most natural-looking option on the dental market.
Our doctors have years of experience performing the All-on-4 procedure for residents of Fairhope. Patients can come to them with peace of mind knowing they are going to get the results they desire.
What Are All-on-4 Implants?
All-on-4 implants are a revolutionary way to provide patients with an entirely new set of permanent teeth in as little as one day. If you are suffering from any loose or missing teeth, or teeth that are damaged or diseased, this system may be the perfect solution for you! Rather than use an individual implant for each tooth that is missing, the All-on-4 system uses as few as four implant locations to anchor one arch of teeth. These implants will be placed at a precise angle to create a firm foundation on which to place the prosthetic teeth.
While every patient who receives All-on-4 dental implants will have some recovery time and minor restrictions, most of our doctors’ patients leave our office with a new functional smile.
What Are the Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants?
The benefits of All-on-4 Implants are numerous, making them a popular choice. Not only do they provide great results, but their cost efficiency makes them more attainable for patients who have budgetary constrictions.
The most notable benefits of the All-on-4 system are:
A completely restored smile with as few as four strategically placed implants
The ability to provide patients with a completely new smile in a single day
The need for only one procedure, which greatly improves the patient experience
In many cases, there is no need for a bone graft to strengthen the jawbone
Lower cost than other dental procedures, such as dental implants
Strong and secure hold that prevents wiggling or loose teeth
Immediate improvement in eating, talking and swallowing
Immediate boost of self-esteem and appearance
Highly realistic and functional prosthetic teeth crafted to fit the patient’s mouth
Stimulates jawbone to preserve the patient’s profile
All-on-4 Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Many Fairhope patients might wonder — why choose All-on-4 implants over dentures? While dentures can be cheaper than All-on-4 implants, that’s about the only benefit this teeth-replacement method has over All-on-4 implants.
While dentures can provide a natural-looking smile, they do nothing to stimulate the jawbone of the patient because they sit on top of the gums. This means that even though the patient is chewing and biting, the jawbone is not stimulated. Without stimulation from tooth roots or dental implants, the jawbone will begin to deteriorate and shrink. In a short period of time, patients will notice a drastic change in their profile as their jawbone begins to change. This can cause dentures to slip and slide around the mouth, making it difficult for patients to eat and speak properly.
Luckily, the All-on-4 system prevents this problem by providing the jawbone with proper stimulation. The implants that are placed into the jaw will provide the stimulation required to keep the jawbone healthy and fully functional. Additionally, the All-on-4 system is a permanent tooth replacement solution. Fairhope patients will always have their beautiful smile at the ready—all day, every day. To care for their implants, patients just need to maintain normal oral hygiene habits by brushing twice daily, flossing, using antibacterial mouthwash once daily, and visiting a general dentist regularly for professional dental cleanings.
All-on-4 Dental Implants vs. Traditional Implants
Fairhope patients who choose traditional dental implants certainly won’t be disappointed with their selection. Traditional implants are an excellent choice for teeth replacement, especially since they can be used to fill in gaps in the smile without replacing all of the teeth. However, traditional dental implants require more bone to be present in the jawbone for a successful treatment. If you have many missing teeth that need to be replaced, you could require 8 or more implants per arch. All-on-4 implants only require as few as 4 implants per arch, which are placed at an angle, making them a more viable option for many men and women.
Am I A Candidate for All-on-4 Dental Implants?
Before deciding on a treatment, you will visit with one of the oral surgeons at our office for a comprehensive examination to determine the condition of your teeth and your candidacy for the All-on-4 procedure.
This permanent tooth-replacement system is suited for Fairhope patients who:
- Want to replace their dentures with a natural-looking option
- Need to repair damaged or decayed teeth
- Want to replace an entire arch or mouthful of teeth
While treatment with All-on-4 implants will not be possible for all Fairhope patients, there are other options and our doctors will be able to provide individualized alternative solutions during your consultation.
What Is The All-on-4 Dental Implant Procedure Like?
Before the All-on-4 procedure can be performed, our doctors will need to have an initial consultation with the patient. This allows them to examine the mouth and ensure the patient is a good candidate. During this consultation, the doctors will take X-rays and images to examine the patient’s jawbone and possibly impressions to assist in preparation.
On the day of your All-on-4 procedure, you will need to set aside approximately 2.5 hours for each placed arch. In some cases, you may need to come in for a follow-up procedure to place the second arch. Our doctors use IV anesthesia to make patients feel more comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, your oral surgeon will:
Remove any remaining diseased or damaged teeth remaining in the mouth.
Remove any diseased tissue in the mouth.
Place at least four dental implants, strategically placed at specific angles in the jawbone.
Place an abutment on the dental implants which will connect to your new set of teeth.
Place a new arch of teeth to restore your smile.
Meet the Doctors
Our doctors practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures with specialities ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal.
The Recovery Process After the All-on-4 Dental Implants Procedure
Recovering from the All-on-4 procedure is much like recovering from any other dental procedure. Patients may experience bleeding around the incision sites of the implants, as well as minor swelling and discomfort. For the first day after the surgery, patients should avoid touching the surgical areas and try to keep their mouth as clean as possible. Instead of brushing, it’s recommended to use salt water to gently rinse out the mouth.
Fairhope patients should take it slow for the first few days after All-on-4 placement, resting as much as possible and avoiding strenuous activities. While it’s recommended that patients follow a soft foods diet for the first few days after the surgery, patients can slowly return to normal foods as instructed by our doctors.
Restore Your Teeth With All-on-4 Implants
All-on-4 dental implants truly offer Fairhope patients one of the most affordable and successful solutions for restoring their damaged smiles. With this minimally invasive procedure, they’ll be able to reap the benefits for years to come.
To learn more about how All-on-4 implants work contact us today at (251) 344-6191. We’ll walk you through your options and help you decide if the procedure is right for you.
