The All-On-Four treatment uses as few as four dental implants to support an upper or lower arch of missing teeth. We offer All-On-Four in Hunt Valley, MD, for patients who have full arches of missing teeth. Some patients with missing teeth may be unfamiliar with this modern restorative treatment, which is why we welcome our patients to learn about All-On-Four. We are here to answer your questions about restorative care.
FAQs: All-On-Four in Hunt Valley, MD
Read answers to commonly asked questions that patients have about the treatment:
Are All-On-Four Implants Comfortable?
Yes, in fact, many patients may find that All-On-Four is much more comfortable than the alternatives. Traditional dentures lay on top of the gums and slip around the mouth, making it more difficult to eat and speak properly. Dental implants stabilize dentures, so patients don’t need to worry about false teeth slipping. Patients can also bite and chew evenly with All-On-Four.
Can I Get All-On-Four if I Have Bone Loss?
Yes, we often recommend All-On-Four treatment for patients who have problems like jaw bone loss and Osteoporosis. Bone grafting, or adding healthy bone to the jaw, is not required for All-On-Four. Instead, we can strategically place dental implants to maximize the bone that we can use during treatment.
How Do You Clean All-On-Four Implants?
You can clean your implant-secured dentures similarly to how you would clean your natural teeth. We recommend that patients use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent damage to their false teeth. Abrasive materials like charcoal can damage false teeth. You can also use a variety of flossers, including water flossers, to conveniently clean your smile.
Do I Need a Tooth Extraction Before All-On-Four?
We may recommend a dental extraction for patients with many missing teeth if they have remaining unhealthy teeth. Removing decayed and damaged teeth before implant treatment can prevent implant destabilization. Dental implants can fail to fuse with the jaw bone if the gums or bone have an infection. We will also thoroughly examine your mouth to see if All-On-Four is right for you and if you need extractions prior to treatment.
How Long Do All-On-Four Implants Last?
With the right care, All-On-Four can last 20 or more years. The titanium implants are designed to fuse with the jawbone. This creates a strong and durable foundation for the replacement teeth. To extend the life of your implants, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly, and avoid habits like smoking.
What are The Benefits of All-On-Four Implants?
The All-On-Four method offers several advantages over traditional dentures:
- Stability: Unlike removable dentures, All-On-Four implants are fixed in place, so they won’t slip or shift.
- Improved Function: You’ll be able to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, just like you would with natural teeth.
- Bone Preservation: Implants help prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone, just like natural tooth roots.
- Convenience: All-On-Four implants are easy to care for and don’t need the adhesives or special cleaning solutions that traditional dentures do.
How Long Does the All-On-Four Procedure Take?
The All-On-Four procedure typically takes a few months, but the timeline can vary depending on your specific situation. We’ll create a treatment plan that outlines each step and length during your initial consultation. The plan may include any necessary tooth extractions, implant placement, and the healing process.
In many cases, you’ll leave our office with a temporary set of dentures on the same day as your implant surgery. Once the implants have fully fused with your jawbone (a process called osseointegration), we’ll attach your permanent dentures.
Is the All-On-Four Procedure Painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the All-On-Four procedure. We use local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable during the surgery. Sedation options are available for patients who feel anxious.
After the procedure, you may experience some swelling or soreness. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and should subside within a few days. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you recover quickly and comfortably.
Can I Eat Normally with All-On-Four Implants?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of All-On-Four implants is that you can eat a wide variety of foods with confidence. Unlike old dentures that slip or make it difficult to chew certain foods, All-On-Four implants are securely anchored in your jawbone. This means you can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth moving or coming loose.
How Much Does All-On-Four Treatment Cost?
The cost of All-On-Four treatment varies depending on factors like the number of extractions, the type of dentures you choose, and additional procedures. While All-On-Four implants may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional dentures, they are often more cost-effective in the long run. They last longer and require fewer adjustments. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss payment options or financing plans to make treatment more affordable.
What Makes All-On-Four Different from Other Implant Options?
The All-On-Four method is unique because it uses just four implants to support a full arch of teeth, whereas traditional implant-supported dentures may require six to eight implants per arch. This makes All-On-Four a more efficient and less invasive option for many patients.
Additionally, the angled placement of the implants allows us to maximize the use of available bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting. This makes All-On-Four an excellent choice for patients with bone loss or those who want to avoid additional procedures.
Restore your smile with All-On-Four in Cockeysville today. Schedule an appointment at Valley Dental Health by calling 443-733-6613. If you have any remaining questions about the All-On-Four treatment, please let us know.