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Find Comfort and Support With All-On-4 Implant Dentures
Have you recently lost an entire arch of teeth? Are you ready to restore your smile to its former glory? Missing teeth can leave an impact on your quality of life. Your face can lose its structure, food choices become more restricted, and your self-confidence can take a hit. Fortunately, a comfortable, permanent solution exists with today’s dental technology. All-on-4 denture implants give you a beautiful smile whilst being functional and giving you much-needed support.
At St. Louis County Dental, our team has the experience and expertise to give you a smile that provides you with the independence you need to continue living your life.
What Are All-On-4 Denture Implants?
Like most dental implants, All-on-4 is a set of four implants used to recreate your top or bottom arch of teeth. This prevents your natural teeth from shifting and preserves the appearance of your facial structure. Without your teeth, your face can begin to sag and lose its natural shape.
In the past, patients had the choice between traditional dentures or full arch replacements. Traditional dentures can slide around and pinch the gums. Older full arch replacements required the placement of six to eight implants. With All-on-4, you can enjoy a permanent treatment with a faster recovery time.
Benefits of All-On-4
All-on-4 combines the unique advantages of dental implants with the functionality and appearance of dentures. Some benefits of this implant restoration include:
- Shorter Procedure: Because fewer fixtures need to be placed, this procedure can be completed in one appointment at our St. Louis office.
- Cost-Efficient: Receiving an All-on-4 restoration is a more cost-effective solution for replacing multiple missing teeth compared to individual implants.
- Natural Aesthetic: All-on-4 implant solutions are designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, giving you a beautiful and functional smile you can take pride in.
- Short Recovery Time: Because all-on-4 implants only require four fixtures, you’ll be able to enjoy a much shorter recovery period as opposed to individual dental implants.
- Durability and Longevity: Implants are a stable, reliable option. They can withstand your daily activities and may last a lifetime with proper care.
All-On-4 Candidacy
You may be a perfect candidate for All-on-4 implants if you:
- Want to smile with confidence
- Be free of removable dentures, creams, adhesives, and repair
- Want a permanent solution to tooth loss
- Want independence in your food choices
- Wish to promote good oral health for your natural teethIf you’re ready to start your journey to a complete smile, schedule an appointment with our St. Louis dentist by calling our office at 314-332-1307. At your initial consultation, we’ll evaluate your oral health and determine if you’re an ideal candidate for all-on-4 implants.
The All-On-4 Procedure
The All-On-4 dental implant procedure is a sophisticated treatment designed to restore an entire arch of teeth. Here’s a detailed overview of the steps involved:
Consultation and Evaluation:
The journey begins with an initial consultation with your dental provider. They will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, including X-rays and possibly a 3D scan. This assessment helps determine if you’re a suitable candidate for All-On-4 implants.
Treatment Planning
Based on the evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is devised. This plan outlines the number of implants needed, their optimal placement, and the type of prosthetic that will be used.
Implant Placement
On the day of the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure you’re comfortable throughout. The dental surgeon then strategically places four implants into the jawbone. Two of these implants are typically inserted at an angle to maximize stability and support.
Temporary Prosthetic
While the implants integrate with the jawbone, a temporary set of prosthetic teeth is attached to the implants. These temporaries allow you to maintain normal oral function and aesthetics during the healing phase.
Healing and Integration
Throughout three to nine months, the implants undergo osseointegration – a natural process where they fuse with the surrounding bone. This integration provides a sturdy foundation for the final restoration.
Final Restoration:
Once the implants are fully integrated, the temporary prosthetic is replaced with a custom-crafted, permanent set of teeth. These final restorations are meticulously designed to look and function just like your natural teeth.
Aftercare and Maintenance
After your All-On-4 procedure, it’s crucial to follow these steps to ensure the longevity and health of your new smile:
Oral Hygiene: Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Use non-abrasive products and follow your dentist’s recommendations for specialized brushes or tools.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule routine check-ups with your dentist. They will monitor the health of your implants, and the surrounding tissues, and provide professional cleanings to prevent any complications.
Dietary Considerations: Initially, stick to soft or liquid foods to avoid putting excess pressure on the implants. As you heal, gradually reintroduce a balanced diet. Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage the prosthetic.
Avoid Tobacco and Excessive Alcohol: Both tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It’s advisable to quit smoking altogether.
Protective Measures: If you participate in contact sports or activities that could impact your mouth, consider wearing a protective mouthguard to safeguard your new smile.
Potential Risks and How to Handle Them
While All-On-4 implants are considered a highly successful and reliable treatment, there are some rare but potential risks and complications to be aware of:
Infection
Although rare, infections can occur at the implant site. Signs include swelling, pain, or discharge. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is essential.
Implant Failure
While uncommon, implants may fail to integrate with the bone. Factors like poor bone quality or inadequate healing time can contribute to this issue.
Nerve Damage
In rare cases, the nerves around the implant site may be affected, leading to temporary or, in extreme cases, permanent numbness or altered sensation.
Prosthetic Issues
Wear and tear on the prosthetic teeth can occur over time. Your dentist will monitor and address any necessary adjustments or replacements.
Sinus Complications (Upper Arch)
For upper arch treatments, there is a slight risk of sinus complications due to the proximity of the sinus cavity. Your surgeon will take precautions to minimize this risk.
It’s important to note that these risks are infrequent and can often be mitigated with proper care, regular check-ups, and adherence to post-operative instructions provided by your dental professional. Always consult with your dentist for any concerns or complications that may arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does All-on-4 last?
All-on-4 implant posts can last a lifetime, but your dental restorations may only last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. You can extend the longevity of your restoration by practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
We also encourage patients to visit our St. Louis dental office for routine dental visits twice a year. Regular dental cleanings and exams can help keep your mouth free of bacteria and allow your dentist to detect the earliest signs of oral health complications.
How is All-on-4 different from dentures?
All-on-4 provides many benefits compared to traditional removable dentures. Dentures tend to
have a bulky appearance and may cause discomfort by pinching your gums and sliding around in your mouth. All-on-4 implants provide a stable, natural appearance that feels and functions like real teeth.
All-on-4 implants also won’t click while you speak, and you won’t need to adhere to dietary restrictions. Removable dentures must be taken out and cleaned each night, which can be a hassle. All-on-4 is not only low maintenance, but can also last much longer than traditional removable dentures.
Is receiving All-on-4 implants painful?
Receiving all-on-4 dental implants is a virtually painless experience. Your St. Louis implant dentist will administer a local anesthetic beforehand so you don’t feel any pain. We also offer sedation dentistry options for patients who struggle with dental anxiety.
You may experience mild discomfort once the numbness fades, but any pain should subside within a few days and can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications.
Complete Your Smile With Our St. Louis Dentist
Give yourself the smile you deserve. If you’re ready to set yourself up with a perfect set of all-on-4 dental implants, contact our team by email or call our St. Louis office at 314-762-6784 for new patients, or 314-332-1307 for existing patients. We look forward to helping you reach your smile goals!