How Often Are All-on-4® Dental Implants Recommended?

Thanks to advances in technology, there are a variety of options available when it comes to tooth replacement and restoration. Factors such as your general health, the extent of tooth loss, the condition of remaining teeth, and the amount of bone loss are all taken into consideration when recommending All-on-4® dental implants or other solutions.

Comparing Tooth Replacement Options

You want to have a smile that is not only healthy and beautiful but also functional. That means choosing a treatment that fits your needs. Dental implants have become a preferred choice for tooth replacement because of their versatility, durability, and strength. Implants can be used in conjunction with several different types of dental prosthetics to replace missing teeth.

Are All-on-4 Dental Implants a Good Fit?

All-on-4 dental implants are commonly recommended if you are missing all of your teeth and want to replace your entire top or bottom arch. However, it is important that you have quality bone mass and density to support the implants. Since only four implants are used, two are placed vertically in the front half of the jaw, and two are placed at an angle in the back half of the jaw to increase contact and support from the jawbone.

One of the benefits of All-on-4 dental implants is that even if you have some degree of bone loss, you may still be a good candidate for the procedure due to how the implants are positioned. In addition, the implants serve as substitute tooth roots and help stimulate the jaw to prevent further bone deterioration.

What Are Alternative Solutions?

If you do not meet the criteria for All-on-4 dental implants, that does not mean that you cannot receive implants at all. In fact, there are many patients who undergo a similar procedure using six implants instead of four to secure a full arch prosthetic and experience the same benefits.

If your jaw is not healthy enough to support the All-on-4 concept with just four or six implants, then implant-supported dentures are another option. Several implants are precisely positioned around the jaw, and a removable denture is snapped into place. A bone grafting procedure may be performed to create a stable foundation and increase bone volume prior to implant surgery. Implant-supported dentures still allow you to confidently eat your favorite foods and speak without fear of your replacement teeth falling out.

With any implant-related procedure, it will take a few months for osseointegration to occur and the implant to fully fuse with the bone so that permanent replacement teeth can be attached. But in the meantime, a temporary prosthetic can be placed, allowing you to leave the office with a full, natural-looking smile.

Explore the Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants can be a long-lasting solution for restoring your smile. Periodontal and Implant Surgeons of Houston offers multiple options based on your needs. Learn more about All-on-4 dental implants and whether they fit you well.