Options to deal with missing teeth have always been popular. The idea of having dental implants has been one of the most known techniques. One of the treatment options is called an all-on-four implant. Just like any other dental treatments, it has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article you will find about what to consider when choosing all on four implants option.
How does all on four implants technique work?
This treatment requires regular dental checkups and multiple visits. This is because of the procedure that it needs. For the first consultation visit, X-rays and 3D images of the jaws, and other important information are going to be taken. After that, the treatment plan will be presented from the 3D images. This will serve as your guide for the surgery. The first surgery will involve extraction of the remaining teeth. After the affected parts are already healed, implant placement will take place. And when healing has already been completed, the implants will then be anchored to the bone.
Factors to consider when choosing all on four implants option
For you to be able to decide if you really want to have an all on four implants option, here are some factors that you should consider:
- Speech issues
The process in all-on-four implant requires the replacement of the bone and the soft tissue. This is why there can be a bit of an effect to how you talk. After the surgery, you may find it a bit difficult to enunciate sounds. It may be difficult for you to produce the “S” sound and other difficult sounds like “D”, “T” and “N”.
- The potential bulkiness of an all-on-four bridge
One of the challenges that people may experience with an all-on-four bridge is difficulty to adjust on the changes. It may be a bit of a challenge to adapt to the feel because of the bulkier design. The reason why people choose this even with this factor is its affordability. However, you should expect the bulky feel with it.
- Parafunction
The body has a parafunctional habit and this can also be affected when you choose an all-on-four implant. Parafunctional habits include clenching, bruxism, and chewing cuticles. The natural sensitivity of the original teeth may be lost. Specifically, bruxism, which is one of the parafunctional habits, will be affected.
- Proprioception
Proprioception is the ability of the body to know its position in space. One of the options that can be considered for this is to at least save a few natural teeth. This way, you will still be able to recognize forces. But if this is not possible, restoration of the maxilla must be done first. In relation to this issue, patients may not be able to control their biting force.
- High caries index
Caries risk refers to the prediction of future development of caries. All-on-four implants may make a patient high-risk for this. However, this is also dependent on the number of teeth that were saved and extracted in the process. In some cases, the risk of periodontal disease or decay is lesser with this treatment.
Pros of Choosing all on four implants
Here are the advantages of an all-on-four implant:
- Placement of physically longer implants that provide greater anchorage and support
Experts on dental treatment support the notion that tilting implants can help produce more reliable clinical outcomes. This is why all-on-four is a better option. You can be sure that there is a stable anchorage. It can provide support and can preserve the anatomical structure.
- Effective for patients with poor bone quality
One of the challenges in most dental treatment is the bone quality of the patient. With an all-on-four implant, there are four dental implants that are supporting the prosthesis. This is why it is recommended for people with poor bone quality. This is your best option when bone augmentation is not advisable for your condition.
- Provides a predictable outcome, giving patients a high level of satisfaction in terms of functionality and aesthetics
When it comes to aesthetics, you can be sure that you will be able to get whatever you have expected. This is one of the things that this treatment can assure. Aside from that, there is also an assurance of a high level of satisfaction. Unlike temporary dentures, you can be confident in biting with an all-on-four implant. You do not have to worry about any surprise that it may bring in the future. It is stable and this option is something that you can expect to be functional.
The success of every dental treatment can be measured by the functionality of the teeth after the procedure. This is one of the things that most people would want to achieve. With this, it is recommended for you to always go for a dental checkup and consultation. The dentist will always have the answer to your questions.
