Losing most or all of your teeth to disease and damage will take a toll on your everyday life. Not only does tooth loss affect oral function, it greatly affects one’s self-esteem and confidence. Many people feel that their situation is hopeless, but the truth is that there are treatment options that can completely restore appearance and greatly improve oral function. One such option is All-on-4, a method of securing custom prosthetic teeth (dentures) to dental implants.
How All-on-4 Works
When dental implants support dentures, it means that prosthetic teeth will not shift or move during oral function. Dental implants are titanium metal components that are embedded into the jaw. Their purpose is to function like the roots of teeth. Once the jawbone integrates around the titanium posts of implants, they will be stabilized for dozens of years, if not a lifetime.
By embedding four dental implants throughout the jawbone, a full denture can be supported permanently. Rather than relying on tacky and cumbersome adhesives, patients can enjoy a very durable alternative to conventional dentures while also preserving bone health. Dental implants help keep bone tissue stimulated so that the body does not resorb bone mass.
Today’s dentures are very lifelike. They are custom made for each person in a dental laboratory. Every denture is made to exact measurements so that the prosthetic fits perfectly over the jaw and in the mouth. The customized nature of dentures also improves a patient’s level of comfort.
Candidates for All-on-4
Edentulous patients and those who will have all their teeth in an arch removed are considered candidates for implant supported dentures. Patients who have worn dentures for years may also benefit from All-on-4. Since dental implants are placed into the jawbone, bone density is a factor in the stabilization of implants.
The best way to find out if All-on-4 is the right tooth replacement method for you is to reserve a consultation with one of our skilled oral surgeons. At your appointment, we will perform an oral examination and take X-rays to evaluate the health of all oral structures. Based on the examination, we can recommend the appropriate treatment option for a person’s unique situation.
Call our team at Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery today to reserve an appointment.
