When you are losing a significant amount of teeth, traditional, or adhesive based dentures are not the only replacement option you have. Dental implants enable patients to function normally and can help preserve their health in the long-term.
For those who have been without teeth for a long time, a traditional placement method may not be possible without a special preparatory procedure, such as bone grafting.
If your jawbone has already been affected by resorption, there is another way to restore your dental anatomy with dental implants without needing preparatory surgeries. The All-on-4 treatment concept allows your dentist to place implants in bone that has less volume so that you can enjoy the full benefits of dentures retained by implants.
How Does All-on-4 Work?
Viable candidates for conventional dental implant placement must be healthy and need to have adequate space in their jawbones to receive the posts. That’s because traditional placement features dental implants that are inserted vertically, straight into the framework like the original roots.
But for patients with diminished jawbones, the All-on-4 treatment allows for a creative alternative to conventional placement. While your two front implants will still be placed in the traditional fashion, the posts in the rear will be placed at a 45° angle. This tilt effectively makes use of existing jawbone structure, which allows you to restore the health of your smile in a shorter amount of time since a grafting procedure isn’t necessary.
All-on-4 dentures are meant to be a total replacement method, so any existing teeth would have to be removed prior to the procedure in order to guarantee results. These posts, along with your new permanently fixed bridge, will allow you to smile and function confidentially, just as you would with your natural teeth.
Living With Your New Smile
Once the four titanium posts are in place, your dentist will be able to snap on your new dentures. Your new teeth will be much more durable than adhesive based dentures, which would need to be relined or totally replaced after years of wear and tear. You will be able to maintain regular oral hygiene habits and enjoy meals and conversations without worrying about possible slippage that occurs with regular dentures. With your new smile in place, you will be able to enjoy an improved quality of life; the health of your smile and your overall well-being are linked, so improvement in one will definitely benefit the other.
Schedule Your Implant Placement Today!
At the Center for Prosthetic Dentistry, Dr. Krikor Derbabian and his highly-trained staff work with patients to improve the health of their smiles. We place dental implants in our office for patients in the greater Glendale area, including Burbank and Pasadena. To schedule your consultation, call our office today!