It's important to understand that we cannot determine if you are a perfect candidate for All-on-4 just from pictures you send. We need to assess the width, length, and quality of your bone to determine if we can place four implants perfectly, which will then support a titanium-zirconium bridge with zirconium crowns. For a lower cost, composite can be used on the titanium with similar aesthetics. The final result will always be perfect.
What are they? How do they work?
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a type of prosthetic tooth replacement option that involves the insertion of a metal post into the jawbone. The metal post serves as the tooth root, and it is used to support a dental crown or bridge. Dental implants are a popular choice for tooth replacement because they are strong, stable, and look and feel like natural teeth. They are also long-lasting and can last for many years with proper care. However, dental implants are more expensive than some other tooth replacement options, and the procedure to place them requires oral surgery.
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Dental Implants
Benefits
Look and feel like natural teeth.
They are designed to blend in with your existing teeth, so you can speak, eat, and smile with confidence.
Are strong and stable:
They are anchored to the jawbone, which provides a solid foundation for the replacement teeth. With proper care, dental implants can last for many years.
Can improve oral health:
Because they do not rely on surrounding teeth for support, they can help to preserve healthy teeth.
Can improve chewing and speaking ability:
Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew and speak properly, but dental implants can restore these functions.
Can help to preserve facial structure:
Missing teeth can cause the facial structure to sag, but dental implants can help to preserve it.
Can improve self-esteem and confidence:
Having missing teeth can be embarrassing, but dental implants can help to restore your confidence in your appearance.
As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with dental implants. Some of the potential risks include:
Infection:
If the area where the implant is placed becomes infected, the implant may need to be removed.
Nerve damage:
It is possible to damage the nerves in the mouth during the implant surgery, which can cause numbness or tingling in the lips, chin, or tongue.
Sinus problems:
If the implant is placed too high in the jaw, it can puncture the sinus cavity, leading to sinus problems.
Implant failure:
In rare cases, the implant may fail to fuse with the jawbone, or the implant may come loose.
Dental implant procedure
Typical steps:
Consultation: During the consultation, the dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Preparation: If you are a good candidate for dental implants, the next step is to prepare the implant site. This may involve extracting any damaged or missing teeth and preparing the jawbone for the implant.
Implant placement: During the implant placement surgery, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum and place the implant in the jawbone. The implant will be left to heal and integrate with the bone for several months.
Attaching the abutment: Once the implant has fully healed and integrated with the bone, the dentist will attach an abutment, which is a small metal post that sticks out of the gum. The abutment will hold the artificial tooth in place.
Placing the artificial tooth: The final step is to place the artificial tooth, which is also known as a crown. The crown will be custom-made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth.
The entire dental implant process can take several months from start to finish. It is important to follow your dentist's instructions for care and maintenance of the implant to ensure long-lasting success.
The Ultimate Guide to a Full Smile Restoration
Dr Martina Karlo
"This topic is one of my favorites. Although I’m not a surgeon, I’m usually the first point of contact as a prosthodontist to discuss procedures like All-on-4 and All-on-6 with my patients..."
Importance of a Thorough Examination
The procedure before the integration of the implants and the actual implant placement is crucial. After reviewing your CBCT scan, the surgeon will decide whether we can proceed with confidence to ensure a long-lasting result. We measure the bone and determine the ideal implant placement.
Immediate Teeth and Bone Quality
If the bone quality is good and there is enough space, we will place the four implants, usually with some bone grafting, and within 24 to 48 hours, you will receive your permanent fixed teeth, which you will wear for the next four to six months.
If your bone is too soft, you may lack sufficient vitamin D, or the holes from extractions are too large, making grafting insufficient for immediate implant placement. In these cases, about 10 to 15% of patients will need to wear a temporary denture while we wait for the bone to be perfect for implant placement. After that, we can proceed to the final fixed work.
Maintaining Your Permanent Work
It is important to maintain your permanent work properly. Our hygienist and periodontist will provide thorough instructions on how to clean underneath and maintain the work. The longevity of your implants will largely depend on how well you maintain your gum health.
Once the healing time is over and the implant phase is complete, you can plan the perfect smile with your doctor. Together, with digital Smile Design, we will choose the color and form of the teeth, which is the most enjoyable part of the process.
Patients often ask about pain during the procedure. I always assure them that the procedure is not painful, thanks to the anesthetics used. Post-procedure, it’s just a healing process that may involve some swelling and discomfort, but this can be managed with analgesics. The key is to focus on the goal—a beautiful, permanent fixed work and the smile you’ve always wanted.
During the integration period of the implants, while you wait for them to settle, you can eat, but it should be softer food. In the first few months, it’s crucial to avoid breaking the temporary work, as solid food or careless movements can cause damage. Unscrewing the temporary work could jeopardize the implants, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and be mindful during this time.
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