When teeth are missing, eating, speaking, smiling—everyday life, really—can be far more difficult. Thankfully, several options are available to help restore oral health and functionality. One of the most common procedures is dental implants, which effectively restore a person’s smile and bite with minimal disruption to everyday life.
What Are Dental Implants and When Are They Necessary?
Dental implants are tiny titanium posts implanted surgically into the jawbone following tooth loss. In the months following implant placement, they fuse permanently with the jawbone via osseointegration, replacing the feel and function of natural tooth roots. Most dental implants have been shown to last multiple decades with proper care. This means fewer visits to the dentist over time and fewer expenses than other treatment options like bridges and partial dentures require over the same period.
Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate right away. To successfully support an implant, a patient must have sufficient jawbone density and healthy gum tissue. For those dealing with failing teeth or advanced gum disease, certain preparatory treatments, like a bone graft, may be necessary for implants to be an option.
What Are All-on-4® Dental Implants?
One especially popular and revolutionary option for patients missing most or all of their teeth in a single arch is the All-on-4 implant method. This technique uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. All-on-4 is an excellent alternative for patients with loose or uncomfortable dentures or who have lost multiple teeth due to injury or disease. While suitable must still be confirmed by a dental professional, All-on-4 can be a life-changing solution for those who qualify!
What Is the All-on-4 Procedure Like?
The All-on-4 procedure is a (roughly) four-hour surgery done in two stages. The first stage, dental implant surgery, involves placing four implants in the upper or lower jaw. Each implant is placed right under the gumline to support the long-term tooth replacements attached to them later.
During the second stage, any natural teeth remaining in the arch are removed and replaced with a dental prosthetic, like a denture. Depending on preference, you can choose between fixed teeth or removable dentures.
What Are the Advantages of Using All-On-4 Dental Implants?
Needless to say—though we’ll say it anyway—All-on-4 implants offer an array of benefits for day-to-day quality of life. The most significant among these are:
- Natural biting, chewing, and speech function
- A stronger and more stable alternative to dentures
- When placed correctly, they require no additional surgery
- A permanent teeth replacement treatment
Precise, Painless All-on-4 Dental Implants in Elk Grove, CA
If you’re in Elk Grove and looking for a top-quality dental care team to expertly guide you through the All-on-4 dental implant process, from consultation through precise placement and aftercare, contact Dr. Prutha Desai and the skilled and compassionate Elk Grove Smile Center team to schedule a consultation!