Is All-on-4 the best option for rebuilding your smile? With this state-of-the-art treatment, it’s possible to replace an entire arch of missing teeth with just four dental implant posts. But while the procedure certainly has its advantages, it also comes with its share of downsides. To help you decide whether All-on-4 is truly right for you, here is a closer look at its pros and cons.
What Does the All-on-4 Process Look Like?
As part of the All-on-4 procedure, four implant posts will be surgically inserted into carefully chosen spots in your jaw. The two posts near the back of the mouth will be placed at 45-degree angles, which lets them take advantage of the parts of the jaw with higher bone density. The posts will ultimately be used to support a full denture, acting as artificial tooth roots that keep the prosthesis anchored in place at all times.
Pros of All-on-4
Some of the advantages that make All-on-4 such a popular option for replacing missing teeth include:
- Reliability: Statistics show that All-on-4 has an impressive 10-year success rate of 94%.
- A Varied Diet: The chewing power and stability of All-on-4 dental implants will allow you to eat virtually any kind of food.
- Easy Maintenance: You will be able to brush and floss your prosthesis the same way you would your natural teeth, making it easy to take proper care of your new smile.
- No Slipping: Traditional dentures can sometimes slip out of place at awkward moments. This isn’t an issue with All-on-4 thanks to the implant posts holding your prosthesis in place.
- Boosted Self-Esteem: You’re likely to feel more confident about the way your smile looks thanks to the highly natural appearance of All-on-4.
Cons of All-on-4
All patients should be aware of the potential disadvantages of All-on-4, which can include:
- A Higher Cost: All-on-4 tends to have a higher price tag than other forms of tooth replacement. That said, there are ways to make the cost more manageable.
- Chance of Failure: Sometimes dental implants fail because they are unable to form a lasting bond with the jawbone. The odds of this happening are very low, but nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of the possibility.
- Initial Discomfort: In the days following your All-on-4 surgery, your gums may be somewhat tender. Rest assured, though, that this is a temporary side effect that should eventually go away by itself.
You can discuss the pros and cons of All-on-4 in more detail with your periodontist during an initial consultation. The more you know about the treatment, the easier it will be to decide whether it’s the right choice for recompleting your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Barnett went to the University of Pittsburgh for his dental degree, and he earned a Certificate in Periodontics at the University of Michigan. As a board-certified periodontist, he is an expert in replacing missing teeth with a variety of dental implant procedures, including All-on-4. If you are interested in replacing your missing teeth with All-on-4, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Barnett at Lincoln Park Periodontal & Dental Implant Group in Dallas by visiting his website or calling (214) 691-2614.