All on 4 Dental Implants
When you no longer have your natural teeth or need to be extracted, replacing them with artificial teeth as quickly as possible is critical. While your jaw needs time to heal after tooth extraction, waiting too long can negatively affect your oral health. Your jaws will become weaker over time, and your face will take on a sunken appearance. You will also struggle to speak and eat normally, which puts you at high risk for malnutrition.
Dental Implants Are the Top Choice for Tooth Replacement
Removable dentures have been the tooth replacement option of choice for many decades. However, that changed once dental implants became available. Dental implants, which replace the roots and teeth you no longer have, remain permanently affixed in your mouth. You do not have to concern yourself with removing them at night to clean or worry that they might fall out of your mouth and cause embarrassment.
Traditional dental implants require Dr. Thomas O’Connor to insert up to eight implants in each jaw to support the new artificial teeth. All on 4 dental implants in St. Louis, MO, require only four implants in the top jaw and four in the bottom jaw to support a full set of replacement teeth. Many patients prefer this option instead of dentures or standard dental implants.
What Are the Benefits of All on 4 Dental Implants?
All on 4 dental implants offer several benefits besides using fewer implant screws for the procedure. These include:
- Dr. O’Connor places the rear implants at a 30 to 45 degree, which differs from the usual vertical installation. The benefit of doing so is that it decreases the need for him to complete bone augmentation or a bone graft if you have inadequate bone structure to support the implants.
- The total treatment time is shorter since you have fewer titanium screws implanted into your jaw.
- Your new implants can support bridges and crowns if necessary.
- You do not need to schedule as many follow-up appointments because we provide you with a set of snap-in teeth to wear while your jawbone heals.
- You will be able to speak clearly once your jaw has healed and will only have to abide by a few food restrictions.
Remember to care for your new implanted teeth just as you would your natural teeth. Smoking, poor oral hygiene, and other negative lifestyle habits increase the chance of implant failure.
The Procedure to Receive All on 4 Dental Implants
During your first appointment, Dr. O’Connor takes several X-rays to help determine if this is the right tooth replacement procedure for you. More people qualify to receive All on 4 dental implants than traditional dental implants since it is less likely they will need a bone graft. Patients who choose All on 4 are typically missing all their natural teeth, but it can also be appropriate if you are only missing your top teeth, bottom teeth, or several consecutive teeth on either arch.
If you have any remaining natural teeth left on the day of your oral surgery, Dr. O’Connor will extract them along with any infected gum tissue. You will receive either local or general anesthesia, depending on how involved he expects your oral surgery to be.
Next, Dr. O’Connor places two titanium screws toward the front of your mouth and two towards the back of your mouth on each arch. The titanium screws perform the same function as your tooth roots and help to anchor your new artificial teeth in place.
You should expect to wait two to six months for your jaws to heal before receiving your permanent tooth replacements. This healing time is important because the implant screws need to fuse to any remaining bone in a process known as osseointegration. Waiting the appropriate amount of time also helps to prevent future bone loss. In the meantime, Dr. O’Connor will fit you with a set of temporary teeth to allow you to eat and speak normally.
You may experience discomfort for several days after oral surgery. Dr. O’Connor will discuss this with you during your consultation and then write a prescription for an oral pain reliever after the surgery is complete. Plan to follow a soft foods diet for at least the first few weeks after receiving your All on 4 dental implants to avoid causing yourself further discomfort or loosening one of your implants.
Longevity Expectations and Caring for Your New Implant Teeth After Surgery
A set of dental implants installed using the All on 4 method can last as long as 40 years, but the average is closer to 20 years. Unfortunately, your replacement teeth may only last five years or less if you do not take good care of them. Be sure to brush them as though they were your natural teeth, and avoid placing non-food items in your mouth. You will want to follow a healthy diet as well.
If you tend to grind your teeth at night, ask Dr. O’Connor about the possibility of a customized mouthguard. You wear it over your artificial teeth at night to prevent chips and cracks. Keeping up with regular preventive care appointments is also an important way to preserve the longevity of your All on 4 dental implants in St. Louis, MO.
Once Dr. O’Connor has installed your new teeth, we will provide you with a special dental floss to clean around your gum line. This is necessary because food particles can become stuck under your implants and inflame your gums.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More About All on 4 Dental Implants Today
We understand that getting dental implants is a big step, whether you opt for the traditional or All on 4 type. Smile Now STL invites you to reach out to us to request a time to come in for a consultation with Dr. O’Connor. He will answer any additional questions you may have and let you know whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. If not, he will recommend a more appropriate procedure to address your need for replacement teeth.
