Losing your natural teeth is a concern for numerous reasons. Besides the immediate impact on your smile and confidence, you may have serious issues enjoying your food and talking properly. One of the most effective ways of replacing missing teeth is dental implants. An implant works like a replacement root for a missing tooth, serving as the base for a crown, denture, or bridge that works as restoration. Besides the post or implant, the entire setup includes a connector, called the abutment, and the restoration. If you are missing most or all of your teeth, you may want to consider All-on-4 Implants. Many clinics specializing in advanced dental care in El Dorado Hills offer the option, but before you step in for a consult, here are some questions answered about All-on-4 Implants. 

What exactly are All-on-4 dental implants?

Usually, if a patient is missing two to three teeth, implants are required for each, depending on the positions of the lost teeth. For patients who have lost almost all teeth, All-on-4 dental implants offer a simple way to replace a complete set of teeth using just four implants. Two implants are placed on the upper and lower jaws, and those four posts work as a base for dentures. 

Are there any benefits of All-on-4 dental implants?

Firstly, losing multiple teeth and getting implants for each can be a complicated procedure. Compared to that, the surgery process for All-on-4 dental implants is much simpler. Also, the dentures remain fixed to the implants, so unlike regular dentures, these implant-supported ones won’t slip or move. That offers a better and more comfortable solution that is permanent. Unlike traditional dentures, dentures placed on All-on-4 dental implants don’t have to be removed. Implant-supported dentures offer better bite force and restore chewing and speech functions, besides restoring the overall facial structure. 

What if a patient has suffered significant bone loss?

The decline in bone mass is a common outcome of extracting teeth, and this can cause severe issues, including sagging of the face. If a patient has suffered bone loss, they may still qualify for All-on-4 dental implants, but before they can go for implant surgery, they may need a bone graft. A bone grafting procedure uses bone from another part of the body, from an animal or donor. A bone graft ensures the jawbone is strong enough to keep and secure the implants. 

How are All-on-4 dental implants different from regular implants?

When it comes to traditional implants, four to eight implants may be necessary on each arch to replace all the missing teeth. However, with All-on-4 dental implants, it is possible to get an entire arch of teeth on just two implants. Compared in terms of costs, the latter is also cheaper as only four implants are required. Both procedures require a long recovery time after the surgery, although the complications are lower with All-on-4. 

Am I a good candidate for All-on-4 dental implants?

Your dentist will answer that question after a complete oral exam and additional scans. If you have no major health concerns or your conditions can be managed, you may qualify for treatment. Patients who have lost all of their teeth and have been using regular dentures for a while often benefit the most from All-on-4 dental implants. 

How much do All-on-4 dental implants cost? 

There is no fixed price, and many clinics have different rates. You can always meet your dentist and discuss the cost. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover the expenses, the clinic could offer a flexible payment schedule that is easier to follow. You can always ask for an estimate for the entire treatment. 

Check online for top-rated dentists in El Dorado Hills specializing in All-on-4 dental implants!