Your top queries and questions answered
Are you looking for a way to restore your smile after losing multiple teeth?
Whether you are 19 or 90, losing teeth is never fun. And, if you have lost some or all of your teeth, you will be aware of how it can impact on your confidence and even your ability to eat.
When looking for ways to alleviate this issue, you have probably come across oral implants; titanium rods or screws which are inserted into your jaw, acting as a false root for prosthetic teeth.
But if you have lost multiple teeth or even all of your teeth, do you need to have an implant inserted for every single tooth?
There are many restoration options for those who have lost all of their teeth, but one of the most popular (and cost effective) treatments is the all-on-4 oral implant. Suited to the fitting and securing of full or partial dentures, this treatment cuts down the fitting time and allows for a more natural look.
But what is an all-on-4 implant and how does it differ from regular dental implants Sydney CBD? Read on to find out the answer to these questions and more.
What are all-on-4 implants?
All-on-4 implants are oral implants, but rather than having 1 implant per tooth, 4 implants are placed into your jaw to secure a denture or a bridge.
Different from regular oral implants used in dental care today, this method uses the fewest implants possible to obtain the level of functionality and the aesthetic result that you want, so in the long term, it saves time and money too!
How do they differ from dentures?
With regular dentures, you place the prosthetic teeth on top of your gums and hold them in place with a strong dental adhesive.
But, as many denture users report, even the strongest dental glues do not always stop the prosthetics from moving; with all-on-4 implants, the dentures fit snugly to your gums and are held in place by implants. So, in simple terms, they cannot move!
How long does the treatment take?
The fitting of these implants can be completed in a single appointment but, depending on your age and overall health, there may be a bit of a wait before you can have your prosthetic teeth fitted, usually between 3-6 months.
Can any implant be used for the all-on-4 procedure?
There are 4 common implant types used in dental care and the preferred types for the all-on-4 procedure are endosteal and zygomatic for the upper jaw.
Mini implants or micro implants cannot support a denture or bridge and so, they are not suitable. Talk to your dental team about whether you can have subperiosteal supported all-on-4 implants if you have minimal jawbone.
Can all-on-4 be done on both jaws?
Yes, but as mentioned earlier, if you have minimal jawbone, especially on the upper jaw, you may need to have a zygomatic implant fitted. The benefits of this implant procedure are apparent in the more aesthetically pleasing smile of a full set of secure teeth and the ability to eat, laugh and speak knowing there will be no movement of dentures to cause embarrassment.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
