Overview
If you’re missing several teeth and searching for a long-term alternative to traditional dentures, then you might have come across All-on-4 dental implants. Your dentist in San Antonio can explain this procedure in detail and help determine whether it’s right for your needs, but it can be helpful to have a brief overview and understand the main benefits beforehand.
What are All-on-4 dental implants?
All-on-4 is a method where four dental implants are placed in your jaw to support a full set of replacement teeth.1 These teeth are fixed in place, so they don’t come out, and you care for your new artificial teeth similarly to how you would your natural teeth.
Benefits of All-on-4 implants
All-on-4 dental implants offer a wide range of benefits, making them a popular tooth replacement solution. From fast treatment to secure support, here are some of the advantages you could expect:
Immediate results
Depending on your oral health, you may be able to leave the dentist with a temporary prosthetic on the same day the implants are placed. This means you won’t need to go without teeth while you heal. Even though this prosthetic is temporary, it means you can already start showing off your new and improved smile, which can help boost your confidence and self-esteem.2
Faster treatment
Full-mouth implants typically involve multiple surgeries and long treatment timelines. However, as the All-on-4 procedure only requires four dental implants per jaw, the process is simplified and the treatment is easier to manage. This efficiency means you need fewer procedures, fewer appointments, and can save time on treatment and recovery.
Securely placed
Because All-on-4 implants are placed at an angle, they can have longer dimensions than full-mouth implants and embed deeper in your mouth.3 Your dentist will fix these implants to a dental bridge containing your new artificial teeth using dental cement or tiny screws.4 Compared with traditional dentures, this means your new teeth will be more secure when speaking or eating.
Less noticeable
As dental implants are so securely fixed, this also means you don’t need to worry about them slipping or falling out in front of others.5 Your fixed dental bridge won’t move around like dentures might, so your new teeth will look more natural.6
Feel comfortable
All-on-4 implants tend to feel more comfortable than traditional dentures because they don’t rest directly on your gums, which can irritate them.7 Plus, since the implants use a fixed bridge, it doesn’t cover the roof of your mouth, so it’s less likely to affect your sense of taste or temperature, so eating feels more natural and enjoyable.8
More accessible
As dental implants are inserted into the bone, your jaw needs to have enough bone to support each implant.9 However, if you’ve experienced bone loss, you might need a bone graft to create a strong enough foundation for implants.10 With All-on-4 implants, you may be able to avoid grafting as the implants are placed at an angle, meaning the treatment could be an option even if you weren’t a candidate for full-mouth dental implants in the past.
Fewer treatments
If the bone loss is in your upper jaw, your dentist might recommend not only a bone graft, but also a sinus lift to make space for implants.11 Again, because All-on-4 implants go in at an angle, this method can often avoid the need for these additional procedures.12
Enhanced appearance
When you’re missing teeth, your body reabsorbs your jawbone over time, which can cause your cheeks to sink.13 As the All-on-4 method uses dental implants, it can preserve your appearance better than traditional dentures, as dental implants can reduce this bone loss.14 This can help you maintain a fuller, more natural-looking facial appearance.
Lower cost
Compared to a full mouth of dental implants, All-on-4 implants require less procedure time, implant materials, and dentist appointments. This can make it a more cost-effective tooth replacement solution. While dental implants typically cost more than traditional dentures, with proper care and oral hygiene, implants can last a lifetime. This makes All-on-4 a good investment for your long-term oral health.
The bottom line
The All-on-4 method is a safe and convenient solution to restore your smile and help you feel more comfortable and confident in your daily life. Schedule a consultation with your dentist in San Antonio, who can assess your oral health and recommend if this option is right for you.
