All-on-4 Dental Implants FAQ
If you are scheduled to have All-on-4 dental implants rockwall texas placed, it is common to have questions surrounding the procedure. To learn more about the All-on-4 dental implant procedure, please refer to the following frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6 dental implants? Which is right for me?
The only major difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6 is the number of implants that are used. Though not necessary for all patients, All-on-6 may be recommended to ensure that patients receive as stable and strong a base for the prosthetic dental arch as possible. The additional two implants can help more evenly distribute pressure that occurs when chewing and biting, which can prolong the life of each arch and reduce a patient’s risk of developing additional oral health issues. The additional implants can also help strengthen and stabilize the jawbone and prevent further deterioration from developing.
Am I a candidate for All-on-4?
It will be necessary to schedule an evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate for All-on-4 dental implants. During this evaluation, your periodontist will review your oral and physical health history and take diagnostic exams to determine if you have enough jawbone to support All-on-4 dental implants, and if so, where these implants should be placed to provide you with optimal strength and a natural fit.
What are the biggest benefits and what are the biggest drawbacks to All-on-4?
As with any procedure, there are some benefits and some drawbacks. Some of the benefits people who undergo the All-on-4 process have shared include:
- Looks and feels completely natural
- Increase in self-confidence from having a healthy-looking smile again
- Provides a permanent solution
- Does not require adhesives or any of the maintenance needed for traditional dentures
- Eliminates the possibility of slipping out of place
- Do not cause sores on the gums like traditional dentures do
- Improves overall oral health and reduces risk of other oral health issues
Drawbacks of All-on-4 include:
- Process is an undertaking and requires a commitment to months or even years
- Small procedural risk, and is the case with any surgical procedure
- Discomfort during the recovery process
- Expensive
How long does it take?
It generally takes between two to four hours to complete one arch of the All-on-4 dental implant, however the process of implementing All-on-4 will take several months or even years to complete depending on the severity of your case and your body’s natural healing rate. The first step in the All-on-4 process is your initial evaluation. During this exam, your periodontist will review your oral and medical history, determine the underlying cause of your tooth loss, and take diagnostic exams to determine your viability for this procedure.
Is All-on-4 painful?
Immediately following the placement of your implants, you will likely experience some pain and discomfort, but this can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication, ice pack therapy, and rest. You will also need to follow a soft food diet for some time following the procedure to avoid damaging the implant and reduce your risk of complications.
Will it be obvious that I have had work done?
All-on-4 is designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. Unless someone saw you before you had this procedure done, they would never guess that these were not your natural teeth!
If you have any additional questions about the All-on-4 process, schedule a consultation with your periodontist who can address your concerns and provide their professional opinion as to whether or not All-on-4 dental implants are right for you.