All-on-4 — Needham, MA
Efficient & Effective Full-Arch Tooth Replacement
A dental implant replaces the root of a lost tooth. Does that mean, then, that you need a dental implant for each missing tooth? Not necessarily. Thanks to All-on-4 in Needham, many patients are able to replace an entire arch of teeth with as few as four strategically placed dental implants. Even better, you can receive a temporary denture on the same day as your implant surgery! To learn more about this remarkable treatment and how the team at Gillis Dental may be able to help you take advantage of it, contact us today. We look forward to serving you!
How Do All-on-4 Implants Work?
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement because they rebuild lost teeth from the roots up. However, some people are not eligible for traditional implant treatments because they have lost some bone density in their jaw. All-on-4 is different because it utilizes areas of the bone that are naturally strong and thick. Two implants get placed toward the front of the jaw, and two go toward the back. Then, a provisional (temporary) denture is immediately placed on top of them. After a healing period, the provisional prosthetic gets replaced with a permanent one.
Am I a Candidate for All-on-4 Implants?
Generally speaking, candidates for All-on-4 dental implants in Needham:
- Have lost all or most of their teeth throughout a dental arch.
- Have adequate bone density to support the implants. Most patients meet this criterion, even without a bone graft.
- Are in fair overall health. You should be well enough to undergo minor surgery.
- Are committed to good habits. You should have an excellent oral hygiene routine and be willing to stop any habits that could adversely affect your implants, such as smoking.
If you are not sure if All-on-4 is right for you, visit us for a consultation. Most patients who want this treatment do qualify for it.
What Are the Benefits of All-on-4 Implants?
Some of the top benefits of All-on-4 include:
- A strong bite force. You should be able to enjoy virtually any food with All-on-4, including foods that non-implant dentures are not able to handle.
- Attractive aesthetics. We carefully design All-on-4 restorations with the goal of making them look as natural as possible.
- An All-on-4 denture is permanently secured to the implants that support it, so you can treat it almost like you would treat your natural teeth.
- Jawbone preservation. Because they replace the roots of lost teeth, dental implants can prevent much of the jawbone deterioration that normally occurs after tooth loss.
All-on-4 vs. Traditional Dental Implants
All-on-4 is usually faster and less costly than traditional implant-supported full-arch tooth replacement. It is also less invasive because it typically requires just one surgery as opposed to two or more. The ability to avoid a bone graft and get their new teeth on the same day as their implant surgery make All-on-4 attractive to many patients.
With all of that being said, there are some circumstances in which traditional implant treatments are preferrable. When you come in for your consultation, your implant dentist in Needham will help you compare all of your options and recommend the one that is best for your unique circumstances.