How All-on-4 Dental Implants Can Overcome Many Obstacles

All-on-4 PlanoPatients often complain that conventional dentures are disappointing in many ways, falling far short of the functionality and comfort of their missing biological teeth. A technique for implant-supported dentures known as All-on-4 can help address many of the deficits of conventional dentures while overcoming potential roadblocks to treatment with dental implants.

With All-on-4, an oral surgeon will place four dental implants into the patient’s jaw in order to secure the denture. These dental implants essentially function like biological roots of missing teeth. They stabilize the underlying jawbone and help the appliance to withstand rather strong chewing forces. These characteristics help All-on-4 dental implants to outperform conventional dentures.

Additionally, because the oral surgeon needs to place only four dental implants to support the prosthetic denture and those four dental implants are placed in the thick bone at the front of the jaw, All-on-4 is accessible to most patients, even those who have already experienced some bone loss at the rear of the jaw.

Although All-on-4 does require surgery, the procedure is typically completed in a matter of hours. Often, the patient can be fitted with a temporary appliance at the end of the appointment in which the dental implants are placed. As such, this treatment may also be referred to as Smile in a Day. After healing fully from dental implant placement, the patient will return to the office to be fitted with the permanent appliance.

This procedure causes minimal disruption to patients’ routines, as well. In most cases, patients are able to resume typical activities within a matter of days, although it may take a little longer to get back to vigorous exercise or jobs that require significant physical effort. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions will reduce your risk of complications that could extend the recovery timeline.

All-on-4 dental implants are accessible to a variety of patients with different scenarios of tooth loss. Explore this treatment if you would like to restore a fully functional smile that feels similar to biological teeth. Contact our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to schedule a consultation.

How long is the dental implant process?

cost of dental implants PlanoDo you have questions about dental implants? Perhaps you want to learn more about the implantation process or the cost of dental implants. Since dental implants are a newer tooth replacement option, many people looking into their tooth replacement choices tend to have questions.

The process for receiving dental implants is one factor that many inquire about because it is different from the process of receiving other prosthetics like dentures or bridges. There is a recovery phase of treatment that occurs after the initial oral surgery where dental implants are embedded into the jawbone. The recovery phase of treatment is imperative for stabilizing the implant because bone needs to fuse to its titanium structure. The duration of this phase varies because everyone’s bone responds at different rates.

Once the recovery phase of treatment is over, patients will receive their permanent restoration that is attached to the implant. At this point, the dental implant and its restoration is ready for normal use. Our oral surgeons offer dental implantation services to patients throughout our community.

Why does bone need to fuse to the dental implant?

Dental implants are unique when compared to other prosthetics because they replace the roots of teeth. Conventional dentures and bridges are only capable of replacing the visible structures of teeth. The reason bone is necessary to stabilize an implant is because it will hold it in place so that the implant does not move, just as bone holds the roots of teeth in place. The process of bone fusing to dental implants is called osseointegration. This process is what enables a dental implant to have a very long lifespan.

Why are dental implants made from titanium?

Titanium is used to replace hard tissue throughout the body. For instance, titanium can be used to replace joints, bone, and the roots of teeth. The reason titanium is ideal for replacing hard tissue is because its composition is biocompatible with the body – meaning it will not be rejected as a foreign object.

For questions about the cost of dental implants or the implantation process, call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to reserve a consultation with one of our oral surgeons.

How do I care for my dentures?

dentures PlanoIn order to keep your gums and jaws as healthy as possible after you start wearing dentures, it’s important to maintain your dentures and keep your gums clean. Oral bacteria can still cause gum disease even after tooth loss.

Dentures must be cleaned routinely. This typically involves leaving the appliances in some type of solution overnight and rinsing them before putting them back in your mouth. The dentures also must be removed from the mouth to be brushed each day, as denture cleansing agents should not be used while the appliances are in your mouth.

Additionally, conventional dentures will lose their fit over time, causing patients to visit the dentist to have their appliances re-lined or replaced. This is another important consideration in denture maintenance.

Patients who want a simpler, more familiar denture maintenance routine might consider All-on-4 as an alternative. This treatment method uses four dental implants to secure the appliance. Those four dental implants become permanent fixtures in the jaw after completion of the osseointegration process in which the bone bonds with the titanium implants.

After the bone has fused with the dental implants, which takes a few months after the oral surgeon places them, the implants are able to function as artificial tooth roots.

Because All-on-4 dental implants are more structurally complete than conventional dentures, the process for keeping them clean is simplified. They do not need to be removed from your mouth for cleaning. In fact, they are designed to remain in place indefinitely. Being diligent about your home oral hygiene is essential, though, as tartar buildup can complicate your efforts to care for the implant-supported denture.

Additionally, dental implants stabilize the jaw, which means that the appliance retains its fit. As a result, the need to replace the appliance is less likely.

Would you like to learn more about how All-on-4 dental implants can make it easier to care for your dentures? Come to our office for a consultation, and one of our specialists will be happy to answer any questions he may have. Call our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to schedule your visit.

Restore Your Mouth’s Maximum Function with All-on-4

All-on-4 DallasPatients who choose conventional dentures to restore a missing smile often find that the appliances come up short in terms of functionality. In fact, they are structurally incomplete, lacking root structures, so they are not as effective at chewing. Jawbone erosion is also a problem with conventional dentures. Fortunately, patients have a more structurally – and functionally – complete tooth replacement with All-on-4.

All-on-4 uses four dental implants to secure the denture to the jaw. The denture is specially designed to slide over the dental implants and lock into place.

Dental implants offer a revolutionary tooth replacement option because the bone forms a strong bond with an implant’s titanium surface in the months after the oral surgeon inserts the implant into the patient’s jaw. This osseointegration process leaves the dental implant as a permanent fixture in the jaw and allows it to perform the same functions that a biological tooth’s root does.

Therefore, implant-supported dentures like All-on-4 help to preserve the jawbone’s integrity and prevent its erosion following tooth loss. This results in positive outcomes including improved fit of the appliance over time and consistent facial appearance.

Dental implants also are able to withstand fairly strong chewing forces, so patients who opt for All-on-4 typically can continue to enjoy all of their favorite foods, unlike conventional denture wearers who often need to adopt dietary restrictions due to their limited chewing ability.

Although bone loss can often present an obstacle to dental implant placement, the oral surgeon places the All-on-4 implants at the front of the jaw, where the bone atrophies more gradually. Therefore, even long-time denture wearers who have already suffered bone loss at the rear of the jaw often still qualify for this treatment.

Dental implant placement does require a surgical procedure, although it takes place in an outpatient setting and patients are usually able to resume most normal activity within a few days. Nonetheless, you should discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure thoroughly with your surgeon before making your treatment decision. Also be sure that you understand all pre-operative and post-operative instructions so that you can reduce your risk of complications.

Do you want a more stable, functional restoration for your missing smile? Consider All-on-4 as a possible solution. Call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to schedule a consultation.

Look at the Whole Picture When Considering the Cost of Dental Implants

cost of dental implants PlanoHave you heard about dental implants? If you have lost teeth, you have probably heard about these revolutionary prosthetics but you might not know much about them. Dental implants are the most lifelike tooth replacement options available. These prosthetics are durable, can last for decades, and complement a smile with very natural looking restorations.

Many people are surprised to learn how affordable dental implants are when they closely consider the bigger picture. When evaluating the cost of dental implants, we strongly encourage you to consider their lifespan and longevity along with the longevity and benefits of existing tooth replacement methods. Following are some points to consider when choosing the tooth replacement solution that is right for you.

Longevity Reduces Costs

Dental implants have a long lifespan. They can last for decades, and depending on the age of the patient when they were placed, they can even last a lifetime. Since dental implants can function for decades without replacement or alterations, their initial cost is actually lower than the recurring costs associated with dentures and bridges.

Bone Loss and Prosthetics

Bone loss is a common side effect of tooth loss. The roots of teeth are no longer present to keep bone active following tooth loss. Without stimulation, the bone will deteriorate. Not only will bone deterioration change the shape of the face and make one appear older, it will affect the way replacement teeth like bridges and dentures fit.

When dentures or bridges begin to fit improperly, they will require alterations to accommodate the new shape of a person’s mouth. This process may need to be repeated every few years. Over time, the cost of repairing, adjusting or replacing prosthetics like bridges and dentures can exceed the cost of dental implants.

Viewing Dental Implants as an Investment

While dental implants cost a little more initially, they are actually considered more cost effective when you look at the bigger picture. We prefer to see paying for dental implants as an investment in your oral health.

For more questions, call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to reserve a dental implants consultation with our skilled oral surgeons.

Implant Supported Dentures: Options for Restoring Your Smile

implant supported dentures DFWWith conventional dentures, patients typically notice that the appliances begin to fit more loosely after a few years. This happens because the jawbone slowly erodes after the teeth’s roots are no longer available to anchor it. That jawbone atrophy actually changes the shape of the jaw, and eventually, your denture doesn’t fit as well as it did at first.

Patients who want to avoid this outcome do have an alternative treatment option: implant supported dentures. Dental implants are biocompatible, so the surrounding bone can fuse with them and make them a permanent part of the jaw’s structure after they are placed by the oral surgeon. That osseointegration process helps dental implants to function like the roots of biological teeth and prevent jawbone atrophy.

Long-term standard denture wearers who want to upgrade to an implant supported appliance may have concerns that previous bone loss will prevent them from doing so, but that may not be an issue. An oral surgeon can use a technique known as All-on-4 to overcome this potential obstacle.

With All-on-4, just four dental implants are placed toward the front of the jaw – where the bone is thicker and wears away more gradually – and support the entire denture. The outer two dental implants are angled at the bottom in order to better support the weight of the denture’s rear section.

This treatment approach also offers a shorter timeframe. The four dental implants can be placed in a single appointment. Many patients can also get a temporary denture at that appointment, then return to be fitted with a permanent appliance after osseointegration of the dental implants is complete.

If you want to avoid the pitfalls of conventional dentures or have become dissatisfied with the dentures you got originally, implant supported dentures may be an option for you. Contact our team at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates and schedule a consultation to help you make your treatment decision.

How soon can I return to school or work after wisdom tooth removal?

wisdom teeth removal DallasWhen planning for wisdom teeth removal, patients often want to know about various aspects of their recovery process, including how many days they will need to take off of work or school. In cases where healing proceeds as expected, patients usually only need to take a day or two off of work or school. If you have a job that requires a lot of physical activity, however, you may need to take a little extra time to heal after your wisdom teeth are removed.

The biggest risk that can derail your healing process is complications that can occur after wisdom teeth removal. Fortunately, many of these complications are preventable, and your oral surgeon will give you detailed instructions for post-operative self-care to reduce your risk.

For example, dry sockets are the most common issue that causes problems for patients after wisdom teeth removal. In this painful condition, the clots that form to protect the empty sockets are either dislodged too soon or fail to form completely in the first place. Using drinking straws and smoking can increase the chances that you’ll develop dry sockets, so your oral surgeon will instruct you to avoid these actions for a period after your extraction.

You should also be aware of the signs of a problem like an infection that warrants attention from your surgeon. You will get a list of symptoms, such as persistent ongoing bleeding or a fever, that should prompt you to call our office for follow-up and further guidance.

In conclusion, most patients will be able to return to work or school within a few days of having their wisdom teeth removed. When you diligently follow the post-operative instructions that you get, you’ll improve your chances of getting back to your routine as soon as possible.

We encourage you to ask any questions that you may have about preventing post-operative complications so that you can reduce your risk of a negative outcome. You can call our office at any time if you have concerns about your healing process.

Achieve a Full Mouth Restoration with All-on-4

All-on-4 PlanoHas tooth lost severely affected your health and daily life? Do you currently wear dentures but are unsatisfied with their many limitations? There is hope. All-on-4 is a method of securing full arches of prosthetic teeth to dental implants.

This tooth replacement option is ideal for many edentulous patients who have recently lost all or most of their teeth as well as those who currently wear conventional dentures. With All-on-4, patients can enjoy restored oral function and an improved appearance because their custom prosthetic teeth are secured to durable and sturdy dental implants.

How All-on-4 Restores Oral Function

All-on-4 involves anchoring custom prosthetics to a series of strategically placed dental implants. Anchoring prosthetics to dental implants increases oral function substantially because it prevents prosthetics from moving. For instance, conventional dentures lie on top of the gums. The curved shape of the mouth holds them in place but they can still move when chewing, biting and speaking. Denture movement is very common when patients begin to lose bone, an issue that often affects edentulous patients.

Benefits of All-on-4

All-on-4 offers unprecedented advantages when it comes to addressing total tooth loss. First, dental implants support bone health by keeping the jaw active. Implants prevent bone deterioration by stimulating the jaw. Retaining jaw density is important for maintaining a youthful aesthetic and comfortable prosthetics.

Those with conventional dentures will have to have them replaced every few years due to changes in bone structure. Bone retention helps extend the life of prosthetic teeth. Most patients with All-on-4 enjoy a longer lifespan with their prosthetics than those with traditional dentures.

With prosthetics anchored to dental implants, people can enjoy a variety of foods that those with ill-fitting dentures cannot. Moreover, All-on-4 prevents the need for sticky adhesives, which allows for low maintenance tooth replacement.

All-on-4 restores oral function and appearance while supporting the whole oral health system. If this tooth replacement option interests you, call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates today to schedule a consultation with our talented oral surgeons.

Dental Implants Offer a Long-Term, Permanent Solution

implant dentistry PlanoImplant dentistry has revolutionized the way that we address tooth loss. Dental implants provide biocompatible replacement teeth that last for decades to come. A dental implant is an incredibly durable prosthetic that replaces the entire structure of a missing tooth. Our oral surgeons have extensive experience placing implants to treat tooth loss.

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants work by replacing the roots of teeth. First, a titanium post is embedded into the jawbone. The post will function as a tooth’s root because the bone surrounding it will fuse to its titanium structure. By replacing the root of a lost tooth, an implant can then be used to hold prosthetics and restorations. The most common restorations attached to a single dental implant are crowns and bridges. If a patient is edentulous, a series of dental implants can be used to support full arches of prosthetics (dentures).

Benefits of Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are unique because they address tooth loss below the gums. Conventional tooth replacement methods only address the loss of the visible tooth structure. While replacing the loss of visible tooth structure helps with increasing oral function, forgetting the roots of teeth will leave the jawbones unstimulated, which leads to bone resorption. Bone loss can make a person appear significantly older and affect the health of existing biological teeth.

Another benefit to dental implants is the fact that patients can enjoy low maintenance replacement teeth. For example, bridges must be carefully cleaned with water irrigators and dentures must be removed at night for brushing and soaking. Dental implants, however, are brushed and flossed the same as natural teeth.

Scheduling a Tooth Replacement Consultation

Dental implants can make for wonderful replacement teeth that will help you maintain your confidence and oral health after tooth loss. If you have lost teeth and are reviewing your tooth replacement options, call us today at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to reserve an appointment.

4 Things You May Not Know About Dental Implants

dental implants PlanoAre you considering dental implants? If so, it’s important to make sure that you have all of the accurate information you need to make a decision about this treatment option. Here are four dental implant facts that you may not know.

  • Dental implants are the only structurally complete tooth replacement option available to patients. The jawbone is able to form a strong bond with a titanium dental implant after an oral surgeon inserts it into the patient’s jaw. That bond makes the dental implant behave much in the same way that a biological tooth’s root does. Conventional tooth replacement devices have no such root-like structure.
  • Dental implants can last for decades with proper care. Because they become fixtures in the jaw, dental implants are quite stable over time when you take good care of them. Your oral surgeon will give you detailed instructions about how to maintain your dental implants after they are placed. Be sure to follow these instructions closely in order to get the maximum benefits from your dental implants.
  • Dental implants are suitable for a variety of tooth loss scenarios. Dental implants can support a single crown, a dental bridge or even an entire denture. The quality of bone at the implant site, rather than the number of teeth that need to be replaced, is the most important factor in determining whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implant placement.
  • Patients who choose dental implants can continue to enjoy their favorite foods. While a conventional bridge or denture may not fully replicate the chewing function of a biological tooth, the bond between bone and dental implant allows the implant to tolerate strong chewing forces necessary to process a wide range of foods.

Patients who are interested in learning more about dental implants should call Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to schedule a consultation. After evaluating your case, we can give you more information about this treatment and whether it might be a good choice for you.