Dental implants offer a world of benefits to patients. Just one for a single missing tooth can give you the appearance and use of natural teeth and last you the rest of your life! But did you know that for full-arch replacement there is an even more efficient route than substituting for missing teeth individually? If you didn’t, keep reading to learn about All-on-4 dental implants and the advantages and disadvantages of this restoration.
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
For replacing one tooth, there are three parts in dental implants:
- The post, which is surgically placed in the jawbone and is the “tooth root.”
- The abutment, which connects the post to the crown.
- The crown, or the visible part of the tooth that completes the restoration.
With single-tooth implants, only one post is inserted into the jawbone. When it comes to All-on-4 implants, just 4 posts are strategically placed along the jaw to support an entire arch of artificial teeth.
The Pros of All-on-4 Dental Implants
Replace Many Teeth at Once
All-on-4 implants are useful if a patient is missing all their teeth or an entire arch, whether it’s top or bottom. The process is simplified as fewer posts are required, reducing cost and surgery time as opposed to placing more implants for regular implant dentures.
Quicker Recovery Time
Because there is less work to be done on a patient, there is a fairly fast recovery period with All-on-4 implants. It puts less strain on the person receiving the implants since it’s less invasive compared to getting a lot of implants done individually. People can typically return to normal activities within a few days. You’ll want to stick to doctor aftercare instructions like watching what you eat and practicing proper dental hygiene, but after several weeks, patients can generally enjoy all their favorite foods again.
Permanent, Fixed Teeth
Unlike removeable dentures, All-on-4 implants are permanently placed into your mouth, eliminating the need to take them out and clean them. Not only that, but they also look and feel more like your natural teeth.
Longevity
Patients who have All-on-4 implants can expect to enjoy them for 30 years or up to a lifetime with the proper maintenance. This includes brushing and flossing daily and semi-annual visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings.
The Cons of All-on-4 Dental Implants
Costs
Compared to implant dentures or regular dentures, the expenses behind the All-on-4 procedure can seem high. However, if you look at it as a long-term investment in your oral health and overall well-being, the costs may feel worthwhile. You’re getting decades of natural-looking teeth that function like the real deal!
Potential Speech Problems
Some patients report trouble pronouncing certain words or sounds after receiving implants. However, these are usually minor issues and resolve themselves after a few weeks of the mouth adjusting to the new structure.
(Slight) Risk of Failure
While they have a success rate of 94 percent, there is a small percentage of dental implants that fail to integrate with the jawbone and ultimately do not succeed. With an experienced surgeon performing the procedure, good follow-up aftercare, and a good dental at-home oral hygiene regimen, there’s no reason to think you would fall into the minority.
Ultimately, the pros of All-on-4 dental implants outweigh the negatives. Dental implants are the go-to choice of tooth replacement for several reasons: durability, functionality, and appearance. Consult your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
About the Practice
If you’re interested in All-on-4 dental implants, our board-certified oral surgeons at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery can give you four dental implants and one beautiful smile. We’re focused on patient care and satisfaction with multiple, convenient locations in Burke, Reston, Annadale, and Alexandria to service residents across North Virginia. Visit us online today to schedule your appointment or contact our Alexandria office at (571) 998-0044.