Who is a Good Candidate for All-on-4?
If you have lost your teeth to disease or injury, you have multiple teeth restoration options like All-on-4® dental implants. Replacing lost teeth is essential for proper oral health and function. Since the jawbone, gums and teeth all function as a single system, missing teeth usually have a domino effect, causing further tooth loss, gum recession and bone atrophy. Therefore, dentists recommend that patients replace missing teeth as soon as possible.
Candidacy for All-on-4 implants
The All-on-4ssystem for replacing lost teeth involves inserting four dental implants strategically into the upper or lower jaw to permanently support prosthetic teeth. Unlike regular dentures that need to be removed before bedtime and for cleaning, All-on-4 implants are fixed in place and do not move in the mouth.
Implants are small screw-like titanium metals. Since titanium is biocompatible, the implants will fuse with the jawbone gradually to mimic the roots of the natural teeth. After placing the implants, the replacement teeth will be connected via the abutment placed on the implants.
Determining a patient’s eligibility for All-on-4 dental implants requires undergoing a dental examination with the dentist. During the consultation, the dentist will take x-rays to determine if there is adequate bone structure to support the implants and provide ideal bite alignment. The choice of restoring an entire arch of teeth with All-on-4 implants is popular among patients who have lost all or most of their teeth or currently have traditional dentures.
Most people can get All-on-4. The following are factors to consider:
Good general health
The process of placing implants often requires the use of anesthesia. Candidates for All-on-4 need to be in good health to undergo the procedure. Some medical conditions (like untreated diabetes) may make a patient ineligible for the procedure. Patients using antidepressants need to know that there is a higher risk of implant failure. Patients undertaking radiation therapy around the jaw area are usually not candidates for dental implants.
Excellent oral health
Patients who have oral diseases like gum disease need to undergo treatment for the conditions before going through the implant placement procedure. A history of gum disease may not disqualify a patient from getting implants but can increase the risk of implant failure.
Adequate bone structure
The dentist will examine the jawbone with a 3D CT scan and assess the bone volume. All-on-4 usually do not need bone grafts, but the dental professional will inform the patient if it is required.
No smoking
The risk of implant failure is higher for smokers. At least, patients who smoke must quit the habit when preparing for the implant procedure and throughout the healing process. The dentist will advise the patient to quit smoking completely.
In conclusion
Switching to a fixed implant restoration like All-on-4 is a major decision. This option functions, feels and looks almost like natural teeth. The procedure can be completed quickly, and you can soon have your smile back. If you want to know whether you are eligible to undergo the procedure, visit the dentist today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.preferreddentalcenter.com or call Preferred Dental Center at (210) 822-8500 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.
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