Our teeth are essential for helping us eat and speak, and more importantly, to look beautiful. That is why losing even a single tooth can create problems with speech, eating, and can also affect one’s smile and appearance. Besides, not replacing missing teeth for a long time can initiate a chain of events that can lead to complications such as further tooth loss, misalignment, and poor physical health. Therefore, cosmetic and implant dentistry Gramercy Park, NY experts recommend replacing one’s missing teeth without delay.
But what is the best replacement option if one has lost all their teeth? Although removable complete dentures are a cost-effective option, they are disliked by many because of their tendency to get fractured and stained easily. If you are also fed up wearing your complete dentures and are looking for a long-term treatment option, we have the perfect solution for you, thanks to the all-on-4 implant-supported dentures.
If you’re reading about the all-on-4 dentures for the firs time, no need to worry; this blog will explain, in detail, everything you need to know about this complete tooth replacement option and how you can benefit from it.
What is All-on-4 Gramercy Park, NY Dentistry?
According to the American College of Prosthodontists 1, all-on-4 refers to a treatment option where all missing teeth in a jaw are replaced with a complete fixed bridge that is supported by 4 implants placed at strategic locations in each jaw. Unlike conventional complete dentures that rely on the underlying soft tissue and jawbone for their retention, all-on-r implant-supported dentures are supported by implants that are firmly anchored within the jawbone.
Who Can Benefit from All-on-4 Implants Gramercy Park, NY Dentistry?
Typically, all-on-4 implants are suitable for any individual who has lost all their natural teeth. However, they are particularly useful for patients who do not have sufficient healthy jawbone available in the back area of the mouth and implant placement is not suitable in this area. Hence, in these cases, your cosmetic and implant dentistry Gramercy Park, NY expert will place two implants in the front and two in the middle region of the jaw to support the fixed bridge. Similarly, all-on-4 implants are a suitable replacement option for those who wish to get rid of their old, stained, and ill-fitting dentures. Overall, all-on-4 implant-supported dentures can be regarded as the most durable and esthetically-pleasing replacement for patients who have lost all their teeth.
What is the Procedure for Getting All-on-4 Implants Gramercy Park, NY Dentistry?
The process of getting tooth replacement with all-on-4 implants is divided into two phases. The first phase is the treatment planning and implant insertion, while the second phase is attaching the complete fixed bridge to the implants once they have firmly anchored themselves within the jawbone.
- Clinical Examination and Treatment Planning – during the first phase, your cosmetic and implant dentistry Gramercy Park, NY expert will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums. They will also look at the digital impressions and x-ray images of your jaws to determine the quality and health of the bone tissue. This will help them ascertain whether you are a suitable candidate for getting all-on-4 implants. Then, based on your treatment needs, they will prepare a fully-customized treatment plan. Furthermore, a surgical implant template will be fabricated using 3D printing, guiding the dentist to insert the implants at the correct position and angulation.
- Implant Insertion – at the next appointment, your dentist will use the surgical template to insert the implants. Before that, local anesthesia will be administered to make you relaxed and pain-free. Afterward, an incision will be made over pre-determined locations on the jaw to expose the underlying bone. Then, the implants will be screwed into the bone using gentle force. Once all four implants are in place, your dentist will place a healing collar over them. This is to ensure the optimal healing and fusion of the implants with the bone. To ensure that you don’t remain without your teeth during this phase, your dentist will place a temporary prosthesis over the implants. However, this prosthesis is only for aesthetic reasons and cannot be used for chewing.
- Implant Loading – after implant insertion, you will be asked to wait for 4-6 months for optimal healing to occur. Afterward, your dentist will look at the x-ray images of the implants to ascertain whether they have become fully anchored within the bone. If sufficient healing has occurred, they will replace the temporary prosthesis with the permanent one, which can now be used for eating.
What are the Benefits of All-on-4 Implants Gramercy Park, NY Dentistry?
Compared to conventional removable complete dentures, all-on-4 implant-supported dentures offer the following advantages:
- Durability – with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. On the other hand, conventional dentures only have a service lifetime of 5-7 years.
- Esthetics – esthetically pleasing and stain-resistant complete fixed bridges can be attached on all-on-4 implants. As a result, these dentures can restore one’s smile and facial esthetics much better than conventional dentures.
- Bone Conservation – a common problem associated with completed dentures is that they exert pressure on the underlying bone, causing its resorption. On the other hand, implants are inserted directly into the bone tissue. Hence, they don’t exert excessive pressure on the bone and prevent resorption. Instead, they promote new bone formation around them, thereby ensuring optimal bone density and health.
- Superior Function- all-on-4 implants fully restore one’s ability to eat and speak; unlike conventional dentures that don’t allow one to eat hard foods, you can eat all your favorite foods worry-free!
If you are looking for the best cosmetic and implant dentist in NY, look no more! Dr. David Toksoy’s cosmetic dental practice in Manhattan is the best place for you. Dr. Toksoy has extensive experience in cosmetic tooth replacement with dental implants. Therefore, you can rest assured that you are in good hands with him. So, what are you waiting for? Please book an appointment today, and let us give you a reason to smile!
