Having missing or damaged teeth can seriously affect your confidence and even make you avoid regular activities such as smiling. Fortunately, your prosthodontist can recommend a few effect treatments to repair your smile.
One of these treatments is the all-on-4 dental implants that instantly replace missing or broken teeth. If you’re getting ready for this procedure, you may be wondering what you should expect. This post takes a closer look at the important pointers to keep in mind as you prepare to get your smile back.
What is the All-On-4 Procedure?
The term “all-on-4 dental implants” refers to a procedure where a complete arch of teeth is replaced using four titanium implants. A bridge of dental crowns is then placed on the posts, and these form your new teeth. This procedure is commonly used for people with severely broken, decayed or damaged teeth.
The procedure involves the following process:
- Your prosthodontist will do a complete assessment of your mouth.
- Two of the titanium anterior implants are placed in the axial direction at a 45-degree angle. The two posterior implants are then placed in position. The bones in your gums will need to be strong and healthy for this procedure to be effective.
- Once the implants heal, a temporary bridge is placed over the implants.
- Porcelain teeth are gently attached to the bridge.
- This covers several gaps at once, with titanium posts giving each bridge plate secure support.
- Patients will be required to eat a soft diet until the implants have healed, but it’s a small price to pay for the many benefits.
Know What to Expect
Has your prosthodontist recommended this treatment? Or have you decided to research it on your own before your next dental appointment? Either way, it’s essential to have an idea of what to expect. Consider these pointers.
- Be Upfront About Your Medical History
It’s essential to point out that not everyone is a good candidate for the All-on-4 dental procedure. For instance, patients suffering from diabetes or uncontrollable hypertension may not always qualify for the surgery as their condition can interfere with the healing stage. This can lead to treatment failure.
With this in mind, it’s essential to be upfront with your prosthodontist about your current and past medical history. This will enable them to assess whether you qualify for the surgery. They will also be able to tailor your treatment and medications to not contradict any medication you’re already on.
- Ditch the Tobacco
If you’re a smoker, one of the key requirements that your prosthodontist will require is that you quit the tobacco. The main reason for this is that nicotine and other harmful chemicals found in cigarettes weaken the bones in your gums. This, in turn, makes it difficult for the implant to fuse with the bone and will lead to implant failure.
There is also an increased risk of infection and other forms of gum disease. On average, your prosthodontist will recommend that you stop smoking at least two weeks before your first procedure. If you’ve been smoking for the bulk of your life, your gum bones may already be compromised.
- Review Your Bone and Gum Health
Titanium implants are placed into the bones in your gums. This means that you need to have strong bone health in your gums to withstand the implants. People with inadequate bone structure may need to undergo a bone graft procedure.
On average, it takes about four months for a bone graft to fuse with your jaw or maxillary bone. This means that your implants can only be placed into your gums once the bone graft has fully healed. Speak to your prosthodontist about this, as you may need additional time off work to accommodate this procedure, as it needs to be done before your all-on-4 procedure.
- Understand Your Healing Process
Just because you’ll be walking out of your prosthodontist’s office with a new set of teeth doesn’t mean that your mouth is ready to be used at its full capacity. On average, the posts will take about three to six months to fuse completely with the bone.
This fusing process is called osseointegration and requires you to wear temporary dentures until the implants are ready to support your new, permanent teeth. This means the whole process can take close to a year to finalise if you’re also going to need a bone graft. However, it’s essential to point out that healing is different for each person and is also dependent on your existing oral and overall health.
Final Thoughts
All-on-4 dental implants are one of the more effective ways to restore a complete dental arch. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare for the process and will also give you an idea of the habits (such as smoking) that you may need to give up.
Be sure to speak to your prosthodontist about the necessary pre-treatment aspects you should perform on your end to facilitate a safe and successful procedure. With this procedure, you’ll soon have your wonderful smile back!
