If you have multiple missing teeth and are considering dentures, you should first think about your alternatives. It is possible to replace all of the teeth in your top or bottom arch with minimal work and a procedure that is completed in just one day. Here is more information about the revolutionary all-on-four dental implant procedure.

What are all-on-four dental implants?

All-on-four dental implants allow you to replace all teeth on your arch with just four dental implants. If you are missing all of your teeth and need a full set of dentures, you need just eight implants in total, instead of needing implants for every missing tooth. With this procedure, metal posts are placed on the arch, followed by a prosthetic for that arch that locks into place on top of the implants. It provides a natural appearance and stable teeth that are much better than removable dentures.

What are the main benefits?

There are a wide range of benefits to choosing all-on-four dental implants. One of the top benefits is the fact that you can improve your appearance. You have no visible missing teeth and instead of teeth that obviously look like dentures, the prosthetic looks very similar to natural teeth. You can also restore the natural shape of your face by not having missing teeth.

Another benefit is the fact that you can eat just about anything you want without the added concern of the dentures shifting in your mouth or falling out. You also get nearly immediate results since the majority of the procedure is done on the same day.

What is the procedure like?

The procedure for all-on-four implants begins with the consultation and x-rays. The dentist needs to be sure you have adequate bone density to hold the implant. If not, you may need a bone graft first. Once you arrive for the day of your procedure, the area is numbed and the oral surgeon drills a hole into your jaw bone. The dentist then places a metal post in the bone. Once all implants are completed, a temporary prosthetic is placed on top of the posts, which locks into place. You only return for one more visit to have the permanent prosthetic placed over the implants.

What is the recovery process like?

Since the posts are implanted in your jawbone, you will have some discomfort after the numbing agent wears off. The dentist will most likely give you a strong pain reliever or you can take over-the-counter pain relief medications. Take it easy for a few days and follow the teeth cleaning regimen recommended by the dentist. Keeping your teeth and gums clean during the recovery process is crucial to a healthy healing process.

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