At Common Sense Family Dentistry, we offer All-on-4® dental implants for patients who are looking for a convenient way to replace missing teeth. If you have experienced tooth loss, we encourage you to visit our office to discuss the options available to you.
You Don’t Have to Live With Tooth Loss
There are distinct advantages to living in the modern world. One of these, from the dental perspective, is the ability to live without the stigma and challenges of tooth loss. According to the Periodontic Association of America, roughly 175 million people, of all ages, have lost one or more teeth and this number is actually expected to grow larger over time. What this has done is spurred growth in the replacement tooth industry and the revolution of dental implants. Dental implants are a way to get the most natural looking and behaving replacement teeth. However, the standard implant procedure is not always physically viable or convenient. In this situation, All-on-4® dental implants in St. George, Utah, can be a better solution.
What is All-on-4®?
All-on-4® is a minimally invasive method of placing a full mouth of dental implants only using four implants to support a full arch (upper or lower) fixed non-removable replacement teeth. All-on-4® allows you to have a full set of teeth without having to undergo multiple surgeries and replacements to place a full set of implants in your mouth. The greatest thing about All-on-4® is that the procedure can typically be completed in office during one appointment under local anesthesia. For our patients who have lost all their teeth or may need to have the remaining teeth pulled due to decay, this is an amazing advancement that allows them to have a full set of teeth without undergoing multiple procedures. Simultaneously, this solution gives patients the kind of teeth that look real and act like the original teeth.
Who Should Get All-on-4®?
The simple answer is that anyone who has lost teeth and wants to have a permanent good-looking set of replacement teeth will benefit from dental implants. The All-on-4® systems offer people a chance to live a full and healthy lifestyle by replacing the teeth with implants over removable dentures. The ideal candidate for All-on-4® dental implants is someone who already wears dentures or is already missing multiple teeth. Additionally, this is an ideal procedure for someone that does not have the bone density to support a full set of individual implants, the time to have individual implants placed, or the budget to pay for them. The All-on-4® procedure is faster and more affordable.
Why Do People Prefer All-on-4®?
There are several ways in which All-on-4® implants are better than dentures. Patients take care of All-on-4® implants in the same way they care for their natural teeth by brushing each day. The implants also operate in the same way as natural teeth, so the patient does not have to be cautious of what he or she eats. Along with the fact that patients do not have to remove All-on-4® dental implants when eating or cleaning the teeth, there is also no need for uncomfortable wires or brackets to hold the implants in place. Even more importantly for patients, the dental implants allow anyone to eat what the heart desires. You do not have to worry about hot or cold affecting your dentures. You also can bite down with up to 70 percent more force, which allows you to eat the foods that you love. Finally, All-on-4® dental implants look exactly like your natural teeth. No one will be able to tell that you are wearing a dental prosthetic. From a dental health perspective, it is important to note that when you have All-on-4® dental implants, it is going to prevent bone deterioration in the jawbone and ultimately restore your facial features by fighting resorption. The process of resorption involves the dental implants stimulating the jaw to send a message to the body that the jaw is supporting teeth once again. Resorption will help the jawbone to regain some of the mass that it has lost previously. Many of our patients who visit us notice a difference in their facial structure as a result.
The Success of the All-on-4® Procedure in Our St. George Dental Office
The Oral and Maxillofacial Associates state that All-on-4® dental implants have a success rate of 98 percent. With All-on-4® dental implants, patients have a 98 percent probability of leaving our St. George offices with a perfect set of teeth that are permanently attached to their jawbone. To discuss how successful the procedure may be for you, call (435) 319-8992.
Schedule an Examination
At Common Sense Family Dentistry, we can help replace your teeth with this convenient and innovative procedure. To discuss the many benefits or to get started, call (435) 319-8992 and schedule an examination with our dentist, Dr. Scott Stucki.
All On 4 Dental Implants FAQs
Q: What distinguishes all-on-4 implants from dentures?
A: All-on-4 implants are offered as a permanent solution for missing teeth. Utilizing just four deliberately placed implants to support an entire arch of teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, which can be removed and rest on top of the gums, all-on-4 implants are fixed in place and anchored to the jawbone. This provides a more stable and secure fit. Additionally, all-on-4 implants help prevent the jawbone from deteriorating over time, which will happen due to the loss of stimulation a tooth’s root provides.
Q: Can four dental implants support a complete arch of false teeth?
A: Yes, thanks to their strategic placement, four dental implants can effectively support a complete arch of false teeth. The all-on-4 technique requires the placement of two dental implants in the front of the patient’s jaw and two others angled in the back, maximizing contact with the available bone. This design distributes chewing force across the entire arch, providing strong and stable support for the prosthetic teeth. This method is highly effective and has been proven to provide long-lasting results for patients needing full-arch restoration.
Q: Is the process for receiving all-on-4 implants the same as traditional dental implants?
A: The process for receiving all-on-4 implants differs slightly from traditional implants. While both procedures involve placing titanium posts into the jawbone, all-on-4 typically requires fewer implants—just four to support a complete arch of dentures. The implants are strategically angled to maximize contact with the bone, often allowing for immediate placement of a temporary prosthetic. Traditional implants might require more posts and usually necessitate a longer healing period before placing the permanent restoration. All-on-4 is often quicker, with fewer surgical steps, making it an appealing option for many patients.
Q: How long will it take to have my all-on-4 dental implant surgery?
A: All-on-4 dental implant surgery typically takes 2-3 hours per arch, varying depending on individual circumstances. The procedure is often completed in a single day, allowing patients to leave the dental office with temporary teeth in place. Following surgery, a healing period of several months is necessary for the implants to integrate fully with the jawbone. After this period, the final, permanent artificial teeth are attached. The entire process, from call for an appointment to final restoration, can take a few months, but patients can often enjoy a transformed smile much sooner.
Q: Do I need to worry about my all-on-4 implants failing?
A: While all-on-4 implants continue to see a high success rate, it’s natural to have concerns about potential failure. The risk of failure is low, but it can occur due to factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, or medical conditions that affect healing. To minimize the risk, following your dentist’s post-surgery care instructions, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and attending regular check-ups are important. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience any unusual pain or mobility in the implants. With proper care, all-on-4 implants can last many years without issues.
Q: What can I do following my surgery to ensure success?
A: To ensure the success of your all-on-4 implants after surgery, follow these key steps:
- Adhere to a soft diet during the initial healing period.
- Avoid smoking or alcohol, which can impede healing.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by gently brushing the surgical sites.
Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor healing and address potential issues early. Additionally, avoid putting excessive pressure on the implants until your dentist confirms they are fully integrated. Following these guidelines can help ensure your implants’ long-term success and stability.
Q: Will my dental insurance cover all-on-4 implants?
A: Dental insurance coverage for all-on-4 implants varies widely depending on your specific plan and provider. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the procedure, particularly teeth extraction or preparatory treatments like bone grafting. However, the implants and prosthetic teeth are often considered elective or cosmetic and may not be fully covered. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand what your policy includes.
