Are All-on-4 Dental Implants the Best Option?

Patients have many options when it comes to replacing missing teeth. The right treatment depends on the individual. Single tooth implants, as the name suggests, replace only one missing tooth. Some patients have multiple teeth missing from their mouths due to gum disease or an accident. These patients require solutions like implant-supported dentures or All-on-4 dental implants.

You can use this article as a general guide to determine if Ao4 implants are a suitable option for you. For the best advice, you’ll still need to consult with a dental professional. If you feel you are a good candidate for this type of treatment, call the highly-trained dental implant dentists at EON Clinics. We serve patients with dental implants in Chicagoland, southern Wisconsin, and northwest Indiana. Schedule a free consultation online today or call us at 800-250-3500.

What Are All-on-Four Dental Implants?

These implants are used to replace a full jaw of teeth. Four titanium implants are placed in the upper or lower jaw to support a bridge of teeth. This allows patients to have their entire set of teeth replaced in just one procedure. This saves money and does not typically require bone grafts, as long as a significant amount of bone is available to fuse with the implant. A periodontist will be able to test the bone to find out if it is sufficient to hold the implant in place.

Who Needs All-on-4 Implants?

A dental implant is a tooth replacement that is permanently attached to the patient’s jawbone. They are never removed. In this procedure, a small titanium post is surgically placed in the bone and allowed to heal. During the dental implant recovery process, this orthodontic anchor fuses with the bone. An abutment, also called a connector, is then attached to the anchor and an artificial tooth or crown is placed on top. This prosthetic tooth is typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloy.

Types of dental implants include:

• Single-tooth implant
• Multiple-tooth implant
• All-on-4 implants
• Implant-supported dentures

If you have multiple missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw, A04 implants may be the best option to restore your smile and chewing abilities. Instead of using a separate implant for each missing tooth, this treatment requires four implants on the top and four on the bottom.

Patients can experience tooth loss for a number of different reasons. They may have been in an accident that resulted in an injury to the face or jaw and teeth may have become cracked or fallen out. Another cause for missing teeth is gum disease.

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, periodontal disease, occurs when proper oral hygiene is ignored. It is an infection in the soft tissue of the gums that causes painful inflammation. Gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss if not treated in time. Proper oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing and regular dental exams and cleanings, can prevent gum disease. If you have gum disease and have lost multiple teeth because of it, A04 implants may be the best option to restore your bite and your smile.

Common symptoms of gum disease (periodontitis) include:

• Swollen or puffy gums
• Red or purplish gums
• Bleeding gums
• Presence of pus around teeth and gums
• Loose teeth
• Changes in bite

Some people are at a higher risk for periodontal disease than others. Those with certain lifestyle habits or medical conditions are more susceptible to this infection. Contributing factors include: 

• Cigarette, pipe, and cigar smoking habit
• Obesity
• Taking medications that cause dry mouth
• Vitamin C deficiency

Benefits:

There are many benefits to getting all-on-four implants. Here are a few of them:

• Look better, feel better — Having missing teeth replaced improves your smile and your speech. When you look better, you feel better, and gain confidence in yourself.
• Convenience — Dental implants are permanent. They don’t require removal for cleaning like dentures and there are no messy adhesives to deal with.
• Improved oral health — Missing teeth are bad for gums and bones. Implants keep them healthy.
• Eat better — Eat the foods you love again with restored chewing ability.
• They last a long time — Dental implants are made from titanium and are quite durable. Most implants last a lifetime with proper care. 

How Do I Care for Dental Implants?

You care for dental implants in much the same way you do your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants are not removed for cleaning but you still need to pay special attention when cleaning.  It is also important to schedule regular checkups and cleaning. Regular brushing and flossing are required to remove the buildup of plaque. Be sure to use a soft bristle brush. Your dentist can recommend a special dental floss or tape for dental implants as well as a good mouth rinse.

The majority of implant treatments are successful. There are a few things that can contribute to their failure, however. Smoking restricts the flow of blood to the gums which can prevent healing. Failure to practice proper oral hygiene will also lessen the chances of success. Certain medications can also have a negative impact. People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases may experience longer healing times. This is why it is important to provide dental professionals with your medical history, including any prescription drugs you may be taking. The more information they have, the better the chances for the success of your dental treatment.

Schedule a Dental Checkup Today!

EON Clinics employs highly-skilled teams of oral surgeons and prosthodontists to perform all types of implant procedures. The oral health professionals who work in our offices are highly-trained. They put cutting-edge technology to use in our in-house labs which creates a one-stop-shop for all dental implant needs at clinics throughout Chicagoland and in southern Wisconsin and northwest Indiana. 
From single and multiple tooth to full jaw implants, EON Clinics helps patients enjoy eating and smiling again. Find out how dental implants can improve your life. Schedule a free consultation today or call us at 800-250-3500.