Uncovering the Truth About All-On-4 Dental Implants

What Is All-on-4 Dental Implant?

It is a system popular and effective for patients missing all or most of their teeth. The treatment involves placing at least four dental implants strategically in the jawbone to support a full arch of teeth. However, a Dentist in Manteca, CA, may determine to install more dental implants, usually up to 8 or 10, to offer more support. It is mostly the case for toothless patients.

How Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Work?

The process of getting All-on-4 dental implants typically involves the following steps:

1. Consultation and dental exam: Your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and jawbone to determine if you are a good candidate for a single dental implant in Manteca, CA, leave alone All-on-4 dental implants. You may even need x-rays or other diagnostic tools to evaluate your oral health and the condition of your jawbone.
2. Treatment planning: Your dentist will work with you to develop a suitable treatment plan that meets your needs and goals without undermining your preferences. (S)he will take measurements and impressions of your mouth to create a custom-made prosthesis that fits securely over the dental implants. Usually, this translates to a denture, as it is ideal for multiple tooth replacement at a go.
3. Implantation procedure: Be prepared for a surgical procedure to insert the dental implants. Therefore, the dentist will first numb your mouth with local anesthesia so you undergo a pain-free process. Afterward, the dentist will start the surgery by placing between 4 and 8 dental implants into your jawbone. These implants are designed to integrate with the bone over time, providing a secure foundation for the prosthesis. After implantation surgery, you should go home to heal for at least 3 months before the next part of your treatment.
4. Prosthesis placement: After the implants have healed, your dentist will attach a custom-made prosthesis to the implants. The prosthesis is designed to look and function like natural teeth, providing a stable and durable solution for missing teeth.

​What Is the Success Rate of All-On-4 Dental Implants?

The success rate of All-on-4 dental implants near you can vary depending on several factors, including:

1. Your overall health
2. The quality and health of the jawbone
3. The expertise of the dentist performing the procedure

However, studies have shown that All-on-4 dental implants generally stake very high success rates, usually ranging from 92% to 98%. Success is about 98.3% after five years of the initial treatment and 96.7% after ten years.

Still, note that the success of your implant treatment largely depends on proper care and maintenance of your teeth after treatment, particularly regarding long-term success.

Tips to Make All-On-4 Dental Implants Last Longer

Generally, All-on-4 dental implants near you are a long-term solution for patients with missing teeth. However, you can limit the longevity of your implants to a few years or prolong them to last a lifetime. The differences are in how well you care for your mouth after treatment. Some tips to make All-on-4 dental implants last longer include:

1. Good oral hygiene: Brush twice and floss at least once daily. The goal is to remove plaque and food particles in your mouth that can cause gum disease and decay. Also, use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria and keep a fresh breath.
2. Avoid hard and sticky foods: Hard foods, like nuts, ice, and hard candy, can weaken the implant’s stability or crack and break the prosthesis. Sticky foods like caramel or taffy can pull the prosthesis off the implants and are more likely to stick underneath the implant.
3. Quit smoking: It increases the risk of implant failure and other oral health problems. Besides, tobacco usage will stain the prosthesis and cause bad breath.
4. Visit your dentist regularly: Regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist ensure your implants and prosthesis are in good condition. Further, your dentist can detect and treat problems early before they become more serious.
5. Use a night guard: If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a night guard will protect your natural teeth and dental implants from damage.
6. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep all help to improve your oral and overall oral health, improving the success of your implants.

​Does Food Get Under All-On-4 Implants?

The short answer is yes. If you are not keen on the dental care measures above, you may need to visit us at Valley View Dental – Manteca for retreatment to address potential infections.