If you have missing or failing teeth due to decay or injury, dental implants are a great way to restore your smile and quality of life. Your teeth rely on the gums and jawbone to support them and that’s why replacing missing teeth is important to preventing further tooth loss, gum recession and bone atrophy. Fortunately, modern dentistry has developed several options for replacing missing or failing teeth. The All-On-4® technique, provides a solution for tooth loss by placing four dental implants in strategic locations in the upper or lower jawbone to permanently stabilize the prosthetic teeth. The implants will fuse to the jawbone, providing a durable long lasting smile.

There are pros and cons to the All-On-4® dental implant technique. If you’re considering the All-On-4® method to restore your smile, here’s what you need to know:

The Pros of All-On-4® Dental Implants

A significant benefit of All-On-4® dental implants is the time-saving aspect of the procedure. Other dental implant surgeries involve multiple visits and several months of healing time before the process is complete. With All-On-4® dental implants, you can replace a full upper or lower arch of teeth in just one day, which reduces your healing and recovery time. A bone graft is not usually required with the All-On-4® method because implants are placed directly into the jawbone. According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, the All-On-4® method costs an average of $7,300 per arch less than replacing a full arch of teeth with individual implants.

The Cons of All-On-4® Dental Implants

While the benefits of All-On-4® dental implants far outweigh the disadvantages, it’s important to consider all aspects of the procedure before making a final decision. One downside is the inability to test the prosthetic teeth for appearance, comfort, and bite before the process is complete, which is possible with other implant options. Also, All-On-4® dental implants are not suitable for the molar areas of the mouth, where your bite force is strongest.

Are you a candidate for All-On-4® dental implants?

A good candidate will should have sufficient bone structure and adequate bite alignment to support the dental implants. The candidate’s oral health is also taken into account, and certain conditions like gum disease will need to be addressed before the surgery. Certain medications, including antidepressants and bisphosphonates (for osteoporosis), can impede the implant healing process. A candidate should have good physical health and a strong immune system to support the healing process. Lastly, smoking increases the dental implant failure by three times or more.

Are All-On-4® dental implants right for you?

If your oral health and physical health are in good condition and you want to have a beautiful new smile in one day, All-On-4® dental implants might be right for you. The procedure is especially popular with people who wear dentures because of their functionality and appearance.

Getting your new smile

If you have missing or failing teeth and want a permanent, beautiful smile in one day, then All-On-4® dental implants might right for you. The first step is setting up a consultation with Dr. Jose David Sanchez at Sedation and Implant Dentistry of Tehachapi. Dr. Sanchez will answer all your questions and help you regain your smile and confidence. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our Tehachapi dental office at (661) 822-3727.