When are All-on-4® Implants the Best Option for Replacing Missing Teeth?

Losing even a single tooth can have a major impact on your self-esteem. When you’re missing an entire row (or arch) of teeth, the effects can be extreme. Not only can your self-confidence suffer, but your oral health and overall wellness can be dramatically affected, too.

While dentures are one solution for replacing a row of teeth, they’re not always ideal. Dentures can take some getting used to, and many people feel uncomfortable or self-conscious while wearing them. They also require special care to keep them in good shape, and your gums need special care, too.

In recent years, full-mouth implants have emerged as a popular alternative to dentures. At Dental Studio of Pasadena, our team offers the innovative All-on-4® dental implant system for patients at our Pasadena, California, practice. If you’re missing all your upper or lower teeth, here’s how to tell if All-on-4 implants are right for you.

The science behind dental implants

 Unlike dentures that rest on top of your gums, dental implants rely on strong titanium posts implanted into your jawbone. These posts serve as anchors that can attach to either a single artificial tooth (a crown) or a denture comprising multiple teeth.

With All-on-4s, we implant four posts to support an entire arch of replacement teeth. All-on-4s offer many of the same aesthetic and health benefits as dentures, along with some additional advantages. Specifically, All-on-4 implant dentures:

• Fir securely
• Feel comfortable and natural
• Won’t slip and cause sores
• Look and function like natural teeth
• Can be cared for like natural teeth
• Improve the contours of your face
• Help you feel confident after tooth loss

Plus, All-on-4 technology can replace a single arch or both arches, which means you can replace all your teeth with just eight individual posts.

All-on-4 implants can be an excellent solution for anyone who wants to replace an entire row of teeth without relying on traditional dentures. Even if your jaw bone has atrophied over time, you can still be a good candidate for All-on-4s with appropriate bone grating that can be performed the same day.

The All-on-4 process

Unlike traditional denture procedures that require you to live without teeth for weeks while your dentures are being made, All-on-4 treatment can be completed in a single visit. Our team performs dental imaging and other evaluations beforehand, so when your big day arrives, you’re ready to receive your brand-new smile.

During your initial evaluation, we analyze your jaw structure, bite pattern, and other factors to ensure optimal implant placement. We also review your oral health history and help you understand what to expect during your procedure and recovery.

Implant placement typically takes 2-3 hours per arch, and both arches can be completed in a single visit. Our team uses anesthetics to numb the area completely, and we also offer sedation options to keep you comfortable and relaxed. 

Once the implants are in place, we attach your new custom denture, restoring your beautiful smile and bite function. You’ll need to follow a soft diet during the initial stages of healing, and over-the-counter medicine helps you manage discomfort and swelling during the early period, too.

All-on-4 implants: Restore your smile and your confidence

Don’t let tooth loss take a toll on your health or self-confidence. To learn more about All-on-4 dental implants, call 626-329-4658 or request an appointment online with the team at Dental Studio of Pasadena today.