A New Solution for Missing Teeth

Our teeth are a major part of our personal identities. With us as early as six weeks after conception, they are completely unique and essential to our normal function. Though dental hygiene is much more prevalent now than it was even 50 years ago, there are still many who find themselves needing to replace teeth. Over half of those patients now seeking cosmetic dentistry procedures are between 41 and 60 and grew up during an era when dental hygiene was not emphasized as heavily as it is now. Studies show that those who consume three or more glasses of soda or sugary beverages a day have 62% more tooth decay, fillings, and tooth loss, also contributing to the prevalence of cosmetic dentistry today.

While dentures used to be the only option for patients who were missing teeth, the top cosmetic dentists now offer dental implants which have success rates of up to 98% and which can last a lifetime. Continually improving, dental implants are now available for placement in only one day. All on four dental implants are perfect solutions for patients wanting full upper and/or lower restoration as they require only four implants per jaw to support fully customized sets of replacement teeth.

All on four dental implants provide an incredible solution for patients who, in the past, could only rely on dentures. It is accomplished by the placement of a prosthesis held in place by four implants providing the comfort and security dentures lack while preserving the jawbone. Aside from the major benefit of receiving a fully customized set of teeth, patients receiving all on four dental implants are also able to avoid bone grafting, a surgery often required for patients with substantial bone loss in the jaw.

Traditionally, the restoration of a full arch of teeth would involve bone grafts, six or more implants, and as many as 18 months of treatment, leaving patients without teeth or with ill-fitting temporary dentures for more than a year. All on four dental implants can be placed in only one or two visits to an oral surgeon and restorative dentist for the development of a treatment plan and surgical implantation. After about six months during which the gums heal fully and implants fuse to the bone, new impressions are taken of the patient’s mouth and a final, stronger, permanent set of teeth are created for a perfect fit that can last a lifetime.

Though all on four dental implants cost more than dentures, they provide a lifelong solution that is more permanent and easier to manage. If you’re tired of the discomfort that comes with dentures, talk to your dentist about implants. You’ll be glad you did. References.