Dental implants are the best, most natural-looking choice for tooth replacement. However, some people are not good candidates for traditional implants because they have experienced bone loss in the jaw. If you have missing teeth but insufficient bone mass, All-on-4 dental implants can provide an excellent option.
What are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
Tooth loss naturally causes the jawbone to atrophy as the body reclaims the calcium from the tooth’s support structures, many people with missing teeth don’t have a strong enough foundation for an implant procedure to be successful. However, they often have areas where the bone is thicker. Sometimes, bone grafts can provide a sufficient foundation for traditional implants, but in other cases All-on-4 implants provide another option.
All-on-4 implants are a variation on the traditional dental implant. With the traditional approach, each prosthetic tooth is supported by a single implant, just like each natural tooth has its own root. With All-on-4, four implants are strategically placed to anchor a removable denture, making use of the areas of your jawbone that have experienced the least amount of resorption. This technique can be used on the upper or lower jaw, or even both if necessary.
Caring for Your All-on-4 Implants
Care of All-on-4 dental implants differs from caring for traditional implants because you can remove your denture or dentures. While the denture is in your mouth, it stays stationary, with the abutments of your implants holding it firmly in place. When it’s time to clean it, you can take the denture out. You should clean it regularly, just like a traditional denture, with a toothbrush and toothpaste or with special tools recommended by your dentist.
Unlike a traditional denture, the implant-supported denture won’t need to be refitted. It doesn’t need to conform to the shape of your jawbone as closely, since it’s anchored in place. In addition, the implants will help stimulate growth in your jaw so it won’t change shape as the bone atrophies. Bone atrophy is one of the major reasons why traditional dentures must be adjusted or refitted.
Still have questions about your own dental implant options? Call us at the office of Benjamin Duval where our team will answer any questions you have.
