What do you do when your smile is nothing but gum tissue? About 40 million Americans have lost all of their natural teeth, which makes speaking and enjoying a wide variety of foods next to impossible. There are plenty of options to consider when replacing teeth, not the least of which is dental implants, which replace the root as well as the crown. But for those who have lost an entire row of teeth, your best option is likely a very specific type of dental implants – specifically, All-on-4 dental implants in Rock Hill.
What are All-on-4 Implants?
The name “All-on-4” refers to the number of implants involved in the process and the amount of teeth they support. In other words, it’s a treatment to place an entire row of prosthetic teeth on just four dental implant posts. Dental implants are small, screwlike titanium posts that fuse with the jawbone to fulfil the functions of tooth roots. When four dental implants are inserted into strategically chosen points of the jaw, they can provide enough support for a full denture so that it stays in place while you bite, speak, and smile. The two implants that are placed further back in the mouth are inserted at an angle so that they take advantage of the parts of the jaw where bone density is highest.
When are All-on-4- Implants Used?
You may be a candidate for the All-on-4 procedure is all or most of the teeth in your upper or lower arch are missing. The treatment might also be considered if you have so many teeth that are damaged beyond repair that extraction is the only real option. All-on-4 is especially recommended for those who have already experienced bone loss in the jaw. Bone grafts are often required before traditional dental implants can be inserted into a jaw that has already started to break down, but with the All-on-4 technique, the surgery can often be performed right away without the need for a graft.
Benefits of All-on-4
Since All-on-4 minimizes the amount of implants needed to support your new teeth, you’ll save money on your treatment and won’t need as many appointments. The healing period will be shorter as well, as there will be fewer surgical placements sites. Thanks to the stability that All-on-4 offers, there’s a good chance that your implants will be able to support a temporary prosthetic right away, meaning you won’t have to wait to enjoy new teeth.
Whether it’s to replace missing teeth or to upgrade your current dentures, the All-on-4 procedure can be the perfect way to enjoy a truly complete smile again. Talk to your dentist in Rock Hill about your options for tooth replacement to see if All-on-4 is the best option for you.
About the Author
Dr. Coombs grew up in Charleston, where he had a chance to see firsthand the art and science of dentistry at his father’s practice. He loves the opportunity to improve the smiles of his friends and neighbors. He’s been trained in all aspects of dentistry, particularly restorative dentistry and dental implants. If you’d like to learn more about All-on-4 or other options for replacing teeth, get in touch with Coombs & Ross Family Dentistry through his website or by calling (803) 324-5301.