The 8 Most Important Factors in Getting All On 4 Dental Implants

CLINICAL CONTENT REVIEWED BY

Kalmar Implant Dentistry

Last Modified: Aug. 12, 2024

Losing teeth can make you feel less confident. It can also make everyday things like eating difficult. Many adults over 65 have eight or fewer teeth. But there is good news for them all on 4 dental implants can help.

A dental implant is the best replacement option for broken or missing teeth. If you are facing any such issue, you can go with this procedure. The success rate of this kind of dental implant is very high, i.e. 98.2%. 

Top Factors To Consider-All on 4

1.  Compare The Options:

There are different types of implants. Not everyone is suited for all of them. So, before deciding on all on four know your options. You may talk to your dentist for the best available option.

The two main types of implants are:

· Endosteal: These are the most common type of dental implant. In this procedure, the dentist placed implant directly into the jawbone.

· Subperiosteal: These sit on or above the jawbone. They are used when there isn’t enough healthy bone. They are considered when bone augmentation is not an option.

Besides these, there are other implant options you might consider:

· Mini Dental Implants

· All-on-4 Implants, and

· Immediate Load Dental Implants

All-on-4 option is different from traditional implants. In this method:

· The surgeon replaces several teeth using just four implants.

· It avoids the need for bone grafts or dentures.

· The four titanium implants are positioned at specific angles in the jaw and the teeth function as one solid unit.

2. Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

Dental implants can protect your other teeth which helps in keeping your mouth healthy. If you're missing several teeth or all of them, choose all on 4 dental implants.  They can also help support the teeth you still have. But before all this take care of your overall dental health.

You might need some dental treatments before you can get the implants. Good oral hygiene is crucial to avoid implant failure and problems like cavities and gum disease. Your dentist might also suggest quitting smoking months before the procedure.

Missing teeth can lead to other problems. You may have trouble chewing. There can be jaw alignment issues. You may face TMJ (jaw joint) problems. The sooner you treat missing teeth, the easier it will be to get this treatment.

This option can help stabilize your teeth. It can prevent many dental issues. But for this, you have to take care of your teeth. You must also follow the dentist's advice.

3. Your Age and Appearance

All-on-4 is usually not recommended for people under 18 unless there's a special reason. But there's generally no upper age limit for getting these implants.

Also, consider how your face might change after getting implants. This is more important if you've lost all your teeth. Missing teeth can cause the lower part of your face to sag. This can lead to more wrinkles. It will give an older appearance. Dental implants can help avoid this.

4. Medication

Think about the medications you take. Many people take prescription medicine. This can affect your surgery.

During the surgery, you'll receive anesthesia. So your dentist needs to know about all your medications. They may ask you to pause or stop certain medicines.

5. Cost Factor

Dental implants are a long-term investment. They can last a lifetime with proper care.  So, it can be expensive. The exact cost depends on your case. So, you’ll need to consult your dentist for an accurate estimate. Factors that can affect the cost include

· Where you live.

· It also depends on the number of implants needed.

· You must also consider other dental procedures and travel expenses.

To get an idea of the treatment cost, you may contact your dentist.

Ask them what’s included in the price. Some practices offer all-inclusive packages. They also give complimentary consultations and payment plans.

6. Be Aware of the Risks

It’s important to understand the risks. These can include

· Infection

· nerve damage

· sinus issues

· improper placement.

If you are a frequent smoker or drinker, you may face additional risks, such as

· slower healing

· a higher chance of infection, or

· implant rejection.

Also, the risk of complications increases for patients with autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or osteoporosis. It can cause issues like the bone not bonding properly with the implant.

Share all relevant health information with your dentist. They can then decide if all on four implants are right for you. They will also plan your recovery accordingly. Some psychological conditions might also affect your ability to maintain dental health after surgery. So, these should be discussed as well.

7. Know The Pros

The benefits of all-on-four  often outweigh the risks. But you must take good care of them. Here are some of the main benefits:

· Keeps your jawbone strong

· Protects your gums

· Feels like natural teeth

· Lasts a long time

· Prevents your face from sagging

· Boosts your confidence

All-on-four implants don’t just fix existing dental problems. But they also help prevent new ones.

8. What to Expect During the Procedure

Understanding the procedure is important before making a decision.

· First, any necessary dental work, like removing damaged teeth, must be done.

· The implants will then replace your upper or lower teeth. The four implants will secure your new teeth.

The procedure is minimally invasive. The surgeon starts the procedure by giving you general anesthesia. This is to make the process comfortable. Afterward, they remove any infected gum tissue. They do so before placing the screws in your jaw.

Conclusion

A dental implant is the placement of an artificial tooth into the jaw. In the procedure of all on four, the dentist uses a fixed set of teeth that are attached to four implants. You do not have to replace each tooth one by one.

For such kind of dental implantation, you can contact Kalmar Implant Dentistry.  You may talk with their skilled dentist to see if the option of all on four is a good fit for you.