A few years ago, the only option available for replacing all missing natural teeth was removable dentures. Despite being cost-effective, denture wearers often complained of insufficient chewing efficiency, difficulty in speech, and their potential for staining. But, thanks to modern dentistry, you don’t need removable dentures for replacement if you have lost all your teeth. Instead, you can benefit from al-on-four dental implants. So what are dental implants, and how do they work? This article explains everything you need to know about all-on-four implant-supported prostheses.  

What Are All-On-4 Teeth Implants In Dentistry?

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, all-on-four implants, also known as full mouth implants, are prostheses used to replace all missing teeth in a jaw. These appliances are supported by four or six implants, placed in strategic locations, usually in the front and two in the middle. The missing teeth are replaced by attaching a fully fixed bridge over the implants. 

What Are The Advantages Of All-On-4 Dental Implants?

The all-on-four implants offer various benefits over conventional complete dentures. These include: 

• Durability and strength 
• A 10-year success rate of more than 90%
• Prevention of jawbone degradation, unlike removable dentures that  accelerate bone loss  
• Superior aesthetics 
• Improved chewing and speech efficiency 
• Minimal risk of side effects or allergic reactions

How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

Unlike removable dentures, implants are built to last. Dental implants are made from titanium, which gives them excellent strength and durability. According to the American Dental Association, dental implants can last for a lifetime with proper care, optimal oral hygiene maintenance, and regular dental checkups. In short, dental implants are the next best thing to your natural teeth. 

Is It Possible To Do Dental Implants On Every Tooth?

In short, yes, it is possible. However, you don’t necessarily need an implant for each missing tooth. For example, if you have a missing tooth, your dentist will replace it with a porcelain crown. However, if you have more than one missing teeth, depending on their location, your dentist may use an implant-supported partial overdenture or bridge to replace them. On the other hand, for individuals who have lost all their teeth, tooth replacement is done using the all-on-four treatment concept. 

Is The Price Of A Dental Implant Justified These Days?

No doubt, removable dentures are more cost-effective than implants. However, if we consider the benefits implants offer over dentures – such as their durability, aesthetics, and restoration of dental function – their high cost is a small price to pay in the long run. In addition, getting your teeth replaced with implants saves you from frequent denture repair or replacement. Therefore, the cost of dental implants is justified.  

What Is The Recovery Time For Dental Implants?

Once your dentist has surgically inserted the implants, they will ask you to wait for 4-6 months. This ensures that the implant site heals optimally and the implants become firmly anchored with the jawbone. Don’t worry; you won’t have to go without your teeth during the healing phase; your dentist will attach temporary teeth to restore the facial aesthetics. However, these temporary sets of teeth are not meant for eating hard and sticky foods. Once complete healing has taken place, your dentist will attach the permanent prosthesis over the implants. So, the entire process may take around 6-8 months. However, in some cases, dentists choose to attach a prosthesis to the implants immediately after implant placement. This protocol is called immediate implant loading, and it is not performed routinely. 

How Do You Care For Dental Implants?

One of the best things about dental implants is that they do not require extensive and time-consuming maintenance compared with conventional dentures. Simply ensure optimal oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing, and visit your dentist regularly. That’s all you need to do to look after your implant-supported teeth. 

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Dental implants are made from titanium alloys, which are safe for use inside the human body and oral cavity. In addition, unlike removable dentures that carry the risk of allergic reactions and have other adverse effects, titanium alloys are biocompatible: they don’t cause any allergic or toxic reaction inside the oral cavity. Therefore, implants are absolutely safe and among the most preferred tooth replacement options among patients and dentists. 

What Leads Someone To Need Dental Implant Surgery?

You may need implant surgery if you have one or more teeth missing. The exact number of implants required and the prosthesis needed for tooth replacement will be decided by your dentist following a thorough clinical examination. After careful examination and treatment planning, your dentist will suggest a suitable tooth replacement option for you. In cases where someone is not eligible for getting implants due to insufficient jawbone, your dentist will perform additional surgical procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lift surgery to restore optimal bone density. 

Dental implants function, look and feel just like natural teeth. That is why they are so popular among patients and dentists as a tooth replacement option. However, while implants have lifelong durability, their success depends on the dentist’s skill and expertise. If the implant placement is not done properly, there is a risk of implant failure. Therefore it is advisable to visit a qualified and trained implant dentist for getting implants. 

If you’re looking for the best implant dental clinic in Ballsbridge, Dublin and surrounding areas, Pembroke Dental should be your first choice. We offer high quality, affordable dental services – all under one roof. So, book a new patient appointment today and let us give you a healthy and charming smile.