There is no doubt that removable devices such as dentures have helped many people improve their quality of life, but they also come with some major disadvantages. Even traditional dental implants often require 12 months or longer before they are fully functional. For patients that want immediate and long-term results, it might be time to take a look at the All-on-4® treatment concept.
Traditional Dental Implants
Traditional dental implants are a suitable option for restoring one’s smile, but the surgery can take some time and patients often require multiple appointments. One of the reasons for this is that many patients need upwards of six different implants in order to fully support the bridge that will be used to replace their teeth.
All-On-4® Implants
All-on-4® is a treatment concept that has been studied for over 20 years and provides many of the same benefits as traditional implants without the lengthy recovery time. Instead of using upwards of six implants, just four small titanium rods are used to support the false teeth.
These implants are much less invasive, and this means a shorter recovery time. Due to the angle and design of the titanium rods, this treatment option can be just as durable as other implants.
Am I Ready for All-On-4® Implants
Untreated tooth loss is a serious medical issue that drastically reduces the quality of one’s life. In addition to problems with eating and speaking, missing or severely damaged teeth will increase the risk of other health complications such as gum disease and bone loss.
Practically any patient that is ready to permanently restore their smile will make a great candidate for All-on-4® implants. The only limiting factors will be issues with the patient’s general health that could affect their recovery.
An example of this would be periodontal disease, a condition that will need to be treated before undergoing implant surgery.
The Day of Your Surgery
After the initial consultation to inspect the patient’s mouth, patients will be able to enjoy a restored smile in as little as 24 hours after their procedure. The first step in this process is to use a local anesthetic near the implant sites.
If teeth must be extracted or other treatments are planned, then the patient might require a general anesthetic. The rods will then be anchored into strategic points in the patient’s bone before attaching temporary false teeth.
Another appointment will then be scheduled several months later to create a new set of false teeth that will have a better fit and be more durable. From the moment that a patient steps out of the office, they will once again be able to smile, speak, and eat with confidence.
With regular checkups and great aftercare habits, the implants can remain secure for a lifetime.
If you’re interested in All-on-4®, contact the office of Dr. Samuel F. Jirik, DDS today to make an appointment.
