Edentulous patients often have great difficulty with traditional dentures, especially if they have worn them for years. Traditional dentures only address the loss of the biting surfaces of teeth. In recent years, dental professionals have favored using dental implants to secure prosthetics because implants address the loss of an overlooked part of tooth structure: the roots.
Using a revolutionary method called All-on-4, our oral surgeons can secure an entire arch of custom made dentures to precisely placed dental implants. This tooth replacement solution allows an edentulous patient to enjoy a full restoration of oral function and appearance without the hassle of ill-fitting prosthetics that only rest on top of the gums.
What Makes All-on-4 Unique
All-on-4 allows edentulous patients the ability to enjoy the benefits of dental implants without the need for replacing each single tooth. Instead, four dental implants – placed in strategic locations – can support a full arch of new teeth. The placement of the dental implants means that the weight of prosthetics and the pressure from oral function is evenly distributed so that patients can enjoy incredibly stable and durable prosthetic teeth. This means that custom dentures will not move or slide in the mouth, thus making messy adhesives and cumbersome cleaning methods unnecessary. It also means that these replacement teeth allow a person to eat tough and chewy foods much easier than with unanchored dentures.
Lastly, another benefit to addressing lost tooth roots is the fact that dental implants will slow down or even prevent the process of bone atrophy. Bone deterioration is very prevalent among patients who have suffered with total tooth loss. Since implants support bone structure, patients can retain a youthful appearance with a healthy looking jaw line along with more durable and longer lasting replacement teeth. Patients who wear traditional dentures will require multiple replacements and repairs in a lifetime because bone loss affects their ability to fit properly over the gums.
To learn more about All-on-4 and you tooth replacement options, call Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery today to reserve an appointment with one of our experienced oral surgeons.