ARE FULL MOUTH DENTAL IMPLANTS SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE?

Full mouth dental implants an excellent treatment choice for most patients, however there are some factors which increase patient’s risk of failure.  These risks include lack of bone density or volume, poor overall health, and smoking.  It is important that a potential implant candidate be thoroughly evaluated for potential issues that could shorten the typical long term prognosis.

HOW DO FULL MOUTH DENTAL IMPLANTS DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL DENTURES?

Traditional dentures rest on and are supported by gum tissue.   The upper denture covers the roof of the mouth and some level of suction can be developed for retention.  It is generally not possible to develop suction in a lower denture because of the smaller surface area as compared to the upper.  Additionally tongue movement tends to upset the denture. Implant-stabilized restorations offer superior chewing ability and are more like natural teeth.

WHAT ARE FULL MOUTH DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Full mouth dental implants, also known as full arch dental implants or implant supported dentures, are a treatment option for patients who have lost all or most of their natural teeth.  This treatment involves a full arch prosthesis that is supported by multiple implants.

CAN ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS BE REMOVED IF NECESSARY?

All On 4 Dental Implants can be removed or replaced if necessary but this is generally a rare occurrence.

Infection and/or implant failure would necessitate the removal and replacement of the existing implant and bone grafting would typically be recommended to rebuild the structural support for a new implant.  

Keep in mind that All On 4 Dental Implants are meant to be a permanent solution and are removed once per year by your prosthodontist to clean and access your oral hygiene.  This means it is very important that you use your Water Pic daily to flush food debris from under your prosthesis to prevent gum infection.

If you are considering All On 4 Dental Implants or have existing complications, it is important to discuss these issues with a Board Certified Prosthodontist so you can make an informed decision regarding your treatment.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS?

All On 4 Dental Implants may be a good option for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth and are looking for a long term solution to return their smile and eating ability.

Good candidates for All On 4 Dental Implants have:

  1. Reasonably good health: Patients who have certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or any condition which would lower your immunity, may not be good candidates for All On 4 Dental Implants.
  2. Tobacco usage:  Patients who use tobacco are at greater risk of implant failure than non smokers.
  3. Adequate volume and density of bone:  Some patients who experience significant bone loss may not be good candidates for All On 4 Dental Implants.  For those patients there are other procedures that may be more suitable.
  4. Good oral hygiene:  The best candidates for All On 4 Dental Implants are those who will follow a strict oral hygiene regimen daily to ensure the best long term prognosis for their implants.

If you are considering All On 4 Dental Implants, discuss your options with a Board Certified Prosthodontist to determine if this is the right procedure for you.

WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE FOR ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANTS?

The reported success rates of the All On 4 Dental Implant procedure in some studies is as high as 98% over 10 years.This high rate of success is due to the inherently stable design of the supporting implants and full arch prosthesis.

The All On 4 Dental Implants system is designed to support a full arch of teeth with two implants in the front and two in the back of your jaw.  This arrangement is stable like the four legs of a table.  Chewing forces are evenly distributed across the implants which can reduce the risk of implant failure.

It is important to recognize the the long term success of All On 4 Dental Implants depends on one’s overall health, quality and quantity of supporting jawbone and a daily habit of effective oral hygiene.  Patient’s who smoke are at greater risk of implant failure 

If you are considering All On 4 Dental Implants please discuss with your Board Certified Prosthodontist if this procedure is right for you.

IS THE ALL-ON-4 DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE PAINFUL?

As with any surgical procedure, All On 4 Dental Implants patients may experience some discomfort or pain during and after the procedure.  However, conscious sedation is recommended to provide a safe and effective pain free surgical experience.  

Generally, post operative pain is considered mild and can be managed by oral medications.

Keep in mind that every patient’s pain tolerance is different and some may experience more discomfort that others. If you have concerns regarding pain or discomfort associated with the All On 4 Dental Implants procedure your Board Certified Prosthodontist will have the answers.