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Are you tired of wearing your uncomfortable and stained removable dentures? Have you lost all your teeth and want a fully-functional and esthetically pleasing replacement? If yes, All-on-4 implant-supported dentures are your best option. But what is the difference between conventional complete dentures and all-on-4 prostheses? You may ask. If you are interested in knowing more about all-on-4 implants, you have come to the right place. So, continue reading to learn everything you need about all-on-4 implants in Houston.
What is All-on-4?
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, All-on-4, or full-mouth implants, refers to a prosthesis that replaces all missing teeth in a jaw. The unique thing about such a prosthesis is that it does not require an implant for each missing tooth. Instead, up to 4 or 6 implants can be used to support a complete fixed bridge or denture.
Who Can Benefit from All-on-4 Implants?
Any individual who has lost all their teeth in a jaw is a candidate for an all-on-4 implant-supported prosthesis. Likewise, individuals unsatisfied with the fit, esthetics, or chewing efficiency of removable complete dentures can also consider all-on-4 implants. However, since this prosthesis depends on implants, one must have sufficient jawbone tissue to support and anchor them. But, if someone doesn’t have adequate bone tissue, there is no need to worry. Your dentist will perform a bone graft procedure in Houston to replenish healthy bone, which can firmly support the implants and the prosthesis.
What is the Process of Getting All-on-4 Implants?
Complete tooth replacement with all-on-4 in Houston is typically carried out in multiple steps. During your first appointment, your dentist will perform a detailed examination and evaluate the x-ray images and study models of your teeth. Based on this information, they will prepare a detailed treatment plan customized according to your dental needs.
At the next appointment, the surgical procedure for implant placement is performed. First, your dentist will make an incision over the soft tissues overlying the bone where implant placement has been planned. Next, they will drill holes in the bone at pre-determined sites and carefully screw each implant. Afterward, they will place a healing collar over each implant to ensure uninterrupted healing.
Your dentist will ask you to wait for about 4-6 months; this is done to ensure optimal healing of the surgical site, ensuring the firm anchorage of the implants in the jawbone. While the surgical site is healing, your dentist in Houston will place a temporary restoration over the implants to restore your facial esthetics. However, this prosthesis is not used for chewing.
Once complete healing has occurred, your dentist will replace your temporary prosthesis with a permanent, pre-fabricated one. That’s it; you’re now the proud owner of a beautiful smile!
What are the Benefits of All-on-4 implants?
Compared to the conventional replacement options for all missing teeth – removable dentures – all-on-4 offers various advantages:
- Durability – dental implants can last for a lifetime if they are looked after properly
- Esthetics – dental implant prostheses offer superior, lifelike esthetics compared to conventional, staining-prone removable dentures.
- Convenience – dental implants restore one’s ability to eat and speak normally, unlike conventional removable dentures.
- No Dietary Restrictions – dentists require denture wearers to avoid hard and sticky foods as they can dislodge or break their dentures. This problem has been eliminated with all-on-4 prostheses, as you can eat all your favorite foods without restriction.
- Bone Conservation – a considerable drawback of removable dentures is that they exert pressure on the underlying bone tissues and cause accelerated bone loss. On the other hand, dental implants preserve bone damage and even promote bone formation around them.
All-on-4 implants are the perfect, durable, and esthetically pleasing solution for individuals who have lost all their teeth. So, what are you waiting for? Consult your implant dentist in Houston today and take your first step towards an implant-powered, healthy smile.