As soon as we think of a toothless jaw, the first thing that comes to our mind is ill-fitting dentures and problems associated with it, like discomfort in eating and speaking and mouth infections.
However, it is possible to replace the entire set of teeth using all-on-4 dental implants. It is much like dental implants, but instead of having a single implant for a single tooth, cutting-edge medical technology is used to replace the entire arch of teeth with just four implants.
Patients who have all 4 dental implants in Sydney realize the difference it has made in their social lives; they can speak confidently, enjoy the food they like, and maintain better dental hygiene.
However, before deciding on ditching your dentures and getting All-on-4 dental implants done, we would want you to know everything about the treatment, its benefits, and its disadvantages.
This post will help you make an informed decision about the treatment; most patients who get the treatment are thrilled with their renewed smiles.
Advantages of All-On-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants use a unique technology.
The titanium posts or implants are placed on the jawbone to support an entire arch of ten to fourteen teeth with just four implants. Fewer implants needed means the whole process can be accomplished even when there is not enough jawbone.
Specific advantages that make All-on-4 dental implants a clear winner are:
- High Success Rate: Almost anyone with enough jawbone to support the implants can go for the treatment. All-on-4 dental implants have a victory rate of 94 percent after ten years and can easily last up to 18 years with proper care.
- Rapid treatment: The initial surgery, implant placement, and bone grafting, if needed, are all done in a single day. The patient can return to his routine work within three days of the surgery. However, preparing the prosthetic teeth could take a few weeks.
- Faster Healing: Once done, the healing of all-on-4 treatment happens more rapidly than the traditional dentures without the need for solid medication for recovery. The fusing of the implant with the jawbone also starts immediately after the post is placed.
- Fewer Dietary restrictions: The dentist may suggest avoiding hard crunchy, and chewy foods for a few weeks after the procedure. The patient is free to have whatever they desire.
Disadvantages of All-On-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 has very few disadvantages compared to other treatments; however, one needs to be aware of the common concerns before opting for the process.
- Speaking Difficulty: Patients may find it difficult to pronounce letters like “D” or “F”; this happens due to the air flowing through the teeth’ spaces or minor placement issues. However, this can be treated once the final crowns are placed, and the mouth integrates.
- High Cost: The cost of all-on-4 dental implants is more elevated than dentures, which may be a significant deterrent. However, considering their long life and advantages, it would be a small price to pay. In addition, certain health funds will cover the costs partially.
- Tender Gums: Due to the surgery, the patient may face the issue of tender gums while eating; there could be bleeding, but this will pass as the gums begin to heal with time. It takes a few weeks to heal, after which the teeth will function like natural teeth.
- Gum Colour Mismatch: A cosmetic dentist will ensure that the color of the artificial gum matches the original gum. However, there could be a color mismatch in rare cases, and a close observer could spot the difference between the two.
Conclusion
All-on-4 dental implant boasts excellent results considering the aesthetics, rapid treatment, and long-term cost-effectiveness. However, there could be mild after-effects that subside with time.
Nevertheless, the success rate of the treatment is very high, and ninety-five percent of the customers love the results they see.