Dental implants, like All on 4 implants, are modern dentistry’s answer to the old fashioned false teeth that used to sit in a glass of water on your grandparents’ bedside table. They are better looking, more comfortable and easier to maintain than traditional dentures or bridges. All on 4 in particular is almost certainly your best option if you’re in need of a full set of new teeth. But can everyone get dental implants? Perhaps you’re wondering if you’re a good candidate for all on 4 implants yourself. In this post we’ll answer those questions and look a little closer at the pros and cons of modern dental implant procedures.
Who is a good candidate for All on 4 dental implants?
Suitability for All on 4 implants depends on a number considerations including the dental problem that requires remedying and factors impacting the likely success of the implant procedure itself.
Do you have significant tooth loss or decay?
All on 4 implants are a replacement for all of the teeth on your upper jaw, lower jaw or both. It’s not surprising then that the procedure is best suited to patients with significant tooth loss and/or breakages, extreme wear or significant decay across multiple teeth. Smaller issues with fewer teeth can be better treated with more minor dental procedures or single implants. Generally speaking though, if you’re likely to need multiple teeth extracted or are considering dentures, All on 4 implants are likely to be a good solution for you.
Good general oral health
The success of dental implants depends entirely on a strong, stable fixation to your jaw. The health of your existing jaw bone is therefore an important consideration for your dentist when planning for implants. Ideal candidates for All on 4 implants present with good oral health and good health in general. This will help to ensure that you handle the implant procedure as well as possible and promotes the chances of the best results from your implants. The good news is that if there is damage or decay to your jaw, procedures like dental bone grafting can help get you back in shape for an All on 4 implant procedure.
What are the benefits of All on 4 implants?
All on 4 is the modern, high-tech version of traditional false teeth. Permanently fixing your full set of new teeth to your jaw provides a range of significant improvements for a relatively small cost in the short term. Best of all, once you and your dentist get the fit of your implants just right, you’ll enjoy the benefits for a long time to come with little maintenance.
Flashy good looks
All on 4 implants are remarkably realistic and a few months after your procedure there will be almost no signs you’re wearing false teeth. The bridges sit high on your gums, with only a tiny portion of the fixing hardware visible if you really look hard. All of this stays well hidden, even during the widest smile. Unlike dentures, permanent implants obviously can’t shift around as you speak or chew – another giveaway of traditional false teeth.
Comfort
Fixing your new set of teeth to the solid structure of your jaw means once your All on 4 implants are sitting in the right place, they’re going to stay there. Follow up appointments are very important after implant surgery. One of the things your dentist will be paying particular attention to is that the bridges fit properly. This is to ensure your bridges are sitting as comfortably as possible. All on 4 implants won’t change the way they fit over time like traditional dentures can.
Function
All on 4 implants are designed to work like your own teeth used to. After recovery you won’t have to worry about some of the quality of life issues that patients with removable dentures often encounter. Most importantly you can chew and eat foods that require a significant bite force without a problem.
Longevity
All on 4 implants are hard to break. Implants can’t be easily removed like dentures. So you can’t drop them, you can’t lose them and the dog can’t chew on them. The materials used to manufacture All on 4 bridges are extremely tough and there is no higher risk of damage during chewing or from impacts to the mouth than natural teeth. Best of all, if your bridge is damaged in all likelihood the solution may be as simple as repairing or replacing the bridge. No need to undergo another procedure to replace the implants themselves.
Low maintenance
Once your All on 4 implants are in, the idea is that you treat them like they’re your own teeth. Implants aren’t removed for sleeping. You don’t need to worry about food being caught between your implants and gums. Your dentist will run you through the minimal extra care required after your surgery. Otherwise, cleaning and maintenance is as easy as brushing, flossing and washing like you would your own teeth.
What else should I know?
The procedure
The biggest concern of most patients considering both All on 4 implants and dentures is that implants require surgery. As with any surgery, a dental implant procedure does come with its own unique risks. The good news is that most of the more problematic problems like incorrect placement are extremely rare, easy to avoid and fixable. It’s also important to bear in mind that in particular if you’re in need of a full set of new teeth, you will likely need to have some teeth extracted even to fit removable dentures. The benefits of All on 4 implants far outweigh the discomfort of the procedure itself.
Recovery
Oral surgery requires a carefully managed recovery. Planning for your All on 4 procedure is an important part of every stage of your treatment but especially after your surgery. Some discomfort, swelling and bleeding is to be expected immediately after the procedure. You will also have to follow a carefully managed soft food diet during the initial stages of your recovery. The good news is that these inconveniences are temporary and again, significantly outweighed by the permanent benefits you’ll experience once your implants have settled.
Cost
Dental implant procedures are more expensive than being fitted for traditional dentures. Choosing all on 4 implants is significantly more cost effective than traditional single implants though. The cost of your treatment will vary depending on a range of factors that your dentist will discuss with you before your procedure. All on 4 implants may not be as expensive as you think. Also try to remember that in all likelihood, after the cost of your initial implants you won’t be paying for any more replacement dentures or maintenance.
Considering dental implants?
If you’re considering a full set of new teeth but are still unsure of whether dental implants are the right option for you, we recommend asking your dentist. Kew Dentistry is a specialist All on 4 implant clinic. Get in touch with us today and we can answer any further questions you may have. If you think All on 4 implants are for you, book an appointment with us and start planning for a better, stronger smile today.