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What are all-on-four dental implants?
All-on-four dental implants is a uniquely innovative dental implant technique that allows you to replace all of your teeth on one or both arches using only four strategically placed dental implants. To understand the true value and beauty of the all-on-4 dental implant technique, you need to understand how dental implants work.
A dental implant is a titanium screw that’s drilled into the jawbone underneath the empty socket of a missing tooth. A titanium implant essentially replaces the root structure of the missing tooth — not the visible crown. When the titanium tooth implant is surgically placed, your body initiates the osseointegration process that facilitates the gradual fusion of your natural jawbone tissues with the titanium implant surface. Over several months, the titanium implant becomes a firmly rooted part of your dental anatomy, indistinguishable from natural teeth roots. Finally, a dental crown or bridge is attached to the dental implant to replace the missing teeth. This procedure ensures completely natural teeth replacements.
Dental implants are undoubtedly the best means of replacing missing teeth. But dental implant surgery is a complex surgical procedure, and it can only be performed for a few teeth at a time. Traditional dental implants can only replace teeth at a 1:1 ratio, i.e., you need one titanium implant per missing tooth. That’s why dental implants have traditionally been used to replace a few individual missing teeth. But thanks to the all-on-4 dental implant technique, dental implants are now possible for edentulous patients, i.e., people with a complete arch of missing teeth. Now that you know what dental implants are, let’s discuss the unique advantages of all-on-four dental implants.
All-on-four dental implants is a unique technique wherein four strategically placed dental implants can replace a complete arch of missing teeth. The dental implant doctor examines your jawbone anatomy, identifies the four perfect positions for the implants, and places four titanium implants during one dental implant surgery. Once the implants are placed, the dentist attaches a complete denture to the implants, thus replacing all of the missing teeth. You can attach a complete denture to only four dental implants, thus allowing you to replace all of the missing teeth with as few as four implants. That’s why all-on-four dental implants are perfect for edentulous patients.
What are the benefits of all-on-four dental implants?
- Replace all of the missing teeth with as few as four dental implants.
- Support underlying jawbone structure and facilitate jawbone regeneration.
- Replace a full arch of teeth in one session, making it perfect for edentulous patients.
- Restore complete bite force and eat whatever you want.
- Restore optimal speech clarity.
- No risk of the dentures slipping or sliding out of place.
- Look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
- Optimal aesthetic appearance because the dentures are perfectly symmetrical.
Can I get All-on-4® implants on just one arch, or does it have to be both?
You can get all-on-4 implants for one arch or both arches — the choice is yours. If you’re missing all or most of the teeth on your upper arch, you can get all-on-4 implants for the upper arch. If you’re missing all or most of the teeth on your lower arch, you can get all-on-4 dental implants for the lower arch. You can also get all-on-4 implants for both arches. You will need four implants for each arch, so the total number of implants will depend on whether you’re getting the procedure for one or both arches.
How do All-on-4® dental implants compare to traditional implants?
All-on-four dental implants are more effective and convenient than traditional full dental implants. If you need to replace a full arch of teeth using traditional implants, you’ll need at least ten implants over multiple procedures. The risk of complications increases with each implant. But if you need to replace a full arch of teeth using all-on-4 dental implants, you only need one session for the placement of all four implants. That’s why the all-on-4 technique is quicker, more convenient, and safer than using traditional implants to replace a full arch of teeth.
Where will my All-on-4® implants be made?
Your all-on-four implants will be prepared by the dental laboratory. Our dental implant doctor will take impressions of your teeth and send them to the dental laboratory. The dental laboratory will prepare the all-on-4 dental implants and implant restorations according to your unique dental anatomy. We only work with the country’s best dental laboratories, so you can expect the best and most reliable results.
Who is the right candidate for All-on-4® dental implants?
All-on-four dental implants are meant for edentulous patients, i.e., individuals missing all of the teeth on the upper arch, lower arch, or both arches. If you need a full arch of teeth, you should consider all-on-4 dental implants. However, you need to have sufficient jawbone tissues in the targeted regions. If you don’t have enough jawbone, your dental implant doctor may recommend bone grafting before the implant procedure.
What are my other tooth replacement options?
Complete dentures are the non-surgical alternatives to all-on-four dental implants. But dentures can’t restore the natural appearance or functionality of natural teeth. They don’t allow you to eat comfortably, and they can slip or slide out of place, which can be embarrassing. If you’re missing all of your teeth, you should definitely go for all-on-four dental implants.
Schedule an appointment for all-on-4 dental implants near me in Houston
URBN Dental is a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art dental implant center specializing in all-on-four dental implant techniques. Our dental implant dentists examine your mouth, review your medical history, and curate personalized treatment plans to ensure optimal results. Please schedule an appointment for your all-on-4 dental implants near me in Houston today.